Researchers Find New Genetic Links to Baldness It has been recently reported that new genetic links to male pattern baldness have been discovered by researchers in England and Germany. At this stage, it is noteworthy of mention that according to Felix F. Brockschmidt, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bonn and one of the authors of a report published online Oct. 12 in the journal Nature Genetics; this is the second genetic connection to the kind of hair loss that many men — and women — experience as they grow older. He says: “The first gene known until now is on the X chromosome,” Brockschmidt said. “It is the most important for alopecia [hair loss]. We are sure that this new locus we found is the second most important.” At this stage, it should be noted that this discovery could open the way for genetic tests to single out men most likely to lose hair as they age, Brockschmidt said. “Screening for the X chromosome locus and also for this new one can possibly show the risk of male pattern baldness,” he said. Still, he is quick to add that whether something can be done to prevent hair loss in people with the gene variants is another story. One of the new studies was financed, in part, by Glaxo SmithKline, a pharmaceutical company that might seek commercial benefit from its support. And one small company already markets a $149 genetic screening test for male pattern baldness. Any preventive treatment is far in the future, Brockschmidt stressed. “As soon as we know the gene and how it functions, we can do something,” he said. “Right now, we have identified the locus but not the gene.” Background investigation into this report goes on to indicate that the work done in Germany paralleled a study led by researchers at Kings College London, with the results of that study differing slightly. Very tellingly, it included 1,125 men assessed for male pattern baldness. Two regions on chromosome 20 were found to be associated with the condition. And a further study of another 1,650 men found a sevenfold increase in the incidence of baldness in the one in seven men carrying variants in both the X chromosome and chromosome 20 regions. Another related expert, Dr. George Cotsarelis, director of the Hair and Scalp Clinic at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania went on record to state the the new results “are certainly putting us closer to a genetic test for developing alopecia,” said Dr. George Cotsarelis, director of the Hair and Scalp Clinic at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. For The Latest Health News Keep it Locked Here at BodyHealthsoul.com ============================================================
Researchers Find New Genetic Links to Baldness It has been recently reported that new genetic links to male pattern baldness have been discovered by researchers in England and Germany. At this stage, it is noteworthy of mention that according to Felix F. Brockschmidt, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bonn and one of the authors of a report published online Oct. 12 in the journal Nature Genetics; this is the second genetic connection to the kind of hair loss that many men — and women — experience as they grow older. He says: “The first gene known until now is on the X chromosome,” Brockschmidt said. “It is the most important for alopecia [hair loss]. We are sure that this new locus we found is the second most important.” At this stage, it should be noted that this discovery could open the way for genetic tests to single out men most likely to lose hair as they age, Brockschmidt said. “Screening for the X chromosome locus and also for this new one can possibly show the risk of male pattern baldness,” he said. Still, he is quick to add that whether something can be done to prevent hair loss in people with the gene variants is another story. One of the new studies was financed, in part, by Glaxo SmithKline, a pharmaceutical company that might seek commercial benefit from its support. And one small company already markets a $149 genetic screening test for male pattern baldness. Any preventive treatment is far in the future, Brockschmidt stressed. “As soon as we know the gene and how it functions, we can do something,” he said. “Right now, we have identified the locus but not the gene.” Background investigation into this report goes on to indicate that the work done in Germany paralleled a study led by researchers at Kings College London, with the results of that study differing slightly. Very tellingly, it included 1,125 men assessed for male pattern baldness. Two regions on chromosome 20 were found to be associated with the condition. And a further study of another 1,650 men found a sevenfold increase in the incidence of baldness in the one in seven men carrying variants in both the X chromosome and chromosome 20 regions. Another related expert, Dr. George Cotsarelis, director of the Hair and Scalp Clinic at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania went on record to state the the new results “are certainly putting us closer to a genetic test for developing alopecia,” said Dr. George Cotsarelis, director of the Hair and Scalp Clinic at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. For The Latest Health News Keep it Locked Here at BodyHealthsoul.com ============================================================