In 2024, researchers made an exciting breakthrough in the search for treatments against hereditary baldness, the leading cause of hair loss in both men and women worldwide.
The discovery began during a study of deoxyribose, a natural sugar found in the human body that forms part of DNA. Scientists from the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University in Pakistan were investigating how deoxyribose helps heal wounds in mice. They noticed something unexpected — hair around the treated wounds grew faster and thicker than in untreated areas.
Study Demonstrates Hair Regrowth in Baldness Model
Motivated by these findings, the research team conducted an experiment on male mice with testosterone-induced hair loss. After shaving the mice’s backs, they applied a gel containing deoxyribose daily to the exposed skin. Within weeks, the treated areas showed significant hair regrowth. The new hair was long and thick.
The researchers compared this gel with minoxidil, a widely used topical hair loss treatment, known by the brand name Rogaine. Remarkably, the deoxyribose gel was just as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth.
Experts Explain the Mechanism
Sheila MacNeil, a tissue engineer at the University of Sheffield, explained the potential behind the discovery. “Our study suggests that a treatment for hair loss could be as simple as using natural deoxyribose to increase blood supply to hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth,” she said.
The study also showed that both minoxidil and the deoxyribose gel helped about 80% to 90% of the mice regrow hair. Combining both treatments did not improve results further.
Background on Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, also called androgenic alopecia, is a genetic condition influenced by hormones and aging. It affects nearly 40% of the population. Currently, only two FDA-approved treatments exist.
Minoxidil, available over the counter, can slow hair loss but does not work for everyone. For men, finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription drug that blocks testosterone’s conversion into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. However, finasteride is not approved for women and can cause side effects such as erectile dysfunction, breast pain, and depression.
New Gel Offers a Safer Alternative?
The researchers created a biodegradable, non-toxic gel using deoxyribose. When applied to bald mice, the gel stimulated new hair follicles. They observed an increase in blood vessels and skin cells near the treatment site, which may explain the improved hair growth.
“The better the blood supply to the hair bulb, the larger its diameter and the more hair growth,” the team wrote.
Future Applications and Research
If successful in humans, the deoxyribose gel could treat various hair loss conditions. It might also help restore eyelashes and eyebrows lost due to chemotherapy.
The current research only tested male mice. Future studies will explore its effects on female mice and human patients.
“It is still early days for the research we have done, but the results are encouraging and warrant further study,” MacNeil said.
This new approach could open doors to safer, natural hair loss treatments — a field that urgently needs innovation.
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