Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2002 Aug;18(8):379-85.

Finasteride in the treatment of Taiwanese men with androgenetic alopecia: a 12-month open-label study.
Lin JH, Chen WC.

Finasteride 1 mg/day is effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern hair loss. Our open-label study assessed the efficacy and safety of finasteride for the treatment of Taiwanese men with hair loss. We enrolled 34 Taiwanese men (aged 18-40 yr) with AGA of modified Norwood/Hamilton scale (MNHS) grade II-V. In investigator assessments at 12 months, five of 21 subjects (23.8%) had two-grade improvement in MNHS grade and 12 of 21 subjects (57.1%) had one-grade improvement; the others remained at the same grade. In global photographic evaluation, five of 31 subjects (15.1%) had observable hair growth at 6 months and 11 of 21 subjects (52.4%) had observable hair growth at 12 months. Patient self-assessment of hair growth was favorable across all questions in the treatment course, more significantly at 12 months than at 6 months; nine of 21 subjects (42.9%) were satisfied with their overall appearance at 12 months. Serum prostate specific antigen levels had decreased by 23.4% at 12 months. Adverse effects, including abnormal liver function (5/34), were minimal, and the causal relationship with finasteride could not be established. Thus, in Taiwanese men with AGA, finasteride 1 mg/day for 1 year slowed the progression of hair loss and increased hair regrowth.

Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jul 1;68(1):93-102.

Common hair loss disorders.

Springer K, Brown M, Stulberg DL.

Hair loss (alopecia) affects men and women of all ages and often significantly affects social and psychologic well-being. Although alopecia has several causes, a careful history, dose attention to the appearance of the hair loss, and a few simple studies can quickly narrow the potential diagnoses. Androgenetic alopecia, one of the most common forms of hair loss, usually has a specific pattern of temporal-frontal loss in men and central thinning in women. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved topical minoxidil to treat men and women, with the addition of finasteride for men. Telogen effluvium is characterized by the loss of "handfuls" of hair, often following emotional or physical stressors. Alopecia areata, trichotillomania, traction alopecia, and tinea capitis have unique features on examination that aid in diagnosis. Treatment for these disorders and telogen effluvium focuses on resolution of the underlying cause.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Jun;40(6 Pt 1):930-7

Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hair loss.

Leyden J, et al

BACKGROUND: Finasteride, a specific inhibitor of type II 5alpha-reductase, decreases serum and scalp dihydrotestosterone and has been shown to be effective in men with vertex male pattern hair loss. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of finasteride 1 mg/day in men with frontal (anterior/mid) scalp hair thinning. METHODS: This was a 1-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed by a 1-year open extension. Efficacy was assessed by hair counts (1 cm2 circular area), patient and investigator assessments, and global photographic review. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in hair count in the frontal scalp of finasteride-treated patients, as well as significant improvements in patient, investigator, and global photographic assessments. Efficacy was maintained or improved throughout the second year of the study. Finasteride was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSION: In men with hair loss in the anterior/mid area of the scalp, finasteride 1 mg/day slowed hair loss and increased hair regrowth.

Postgrad Med. 1989 May 1;85(6):52-8, 67-73, 77.

Hair loss. What causes it and what can be done about it.
Burke KE.
Department of Medicine, Cabrini Medical Center, New York City.

Although both men and women throughout history have seen hair as an important aspect of appearance, it is especially important today, in light of the great emphasis on youthfulness. A new interest in preventing baldness has been stimulated recently by the publicity given to certain products now under investigation that have shown an ability to retard or reverse male pattern baldness in certain individuals. Hair loss has many possible causes, such as systemic diseases, infections, toxic agents, and hormone imbalances. Treatment of the underlying disorder alleviates the shedding of hair. Balding may also be a normal physiologic occurrence in women taking oral contraceptives or after parturition and in men with male pattern baldness. The latter can be treated topically with progesterone or minoxidil. Minoxidil has been studied extensively and has been shown to improve balding at the vertex of the scalp, particularly in young men who have only begun to lose hair. Cases of more extensive male pattern baldness and baldness secondary to scarring can be treated effectively with surgical procedures.

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Dermatol Surg. 2000 Aug;26(8):801-5.

Hair-grafting in between existing follicles in patients with early pattern baldness.

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Brandy DA.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA.

BACKGROUND: When using follicular hair transplantation on patients with early male or female pattern baldness, there can be significant trauma to preexisting hair follicles. This becomes especially important in view of the fact that finasteride and minoxidil can stop or slow hair loss. OBJECTIVE: To develop a system that averts damage to preexisting hair follicles in patients with early male or female pattern baldness. METHODS: A Lutex headlight (2.5-3.5x loupe magnification system) is used to make 1.0-1.5 mm spear incisions in between the hair follicles in patients with early male or female pattern balding. Magnification is also utilized during the graft cutting and placement phases of the operation. RESULTS: This headlight-loupe magnification system has dramatically decreased the amount of permanent hair loss and anagen effluvium on 144 patients with early male and female pattern baldness. With less permanent hair loss there is greater density observed with each progressive session. CONCLUSION: Hair surgeons now have a method to consistently and significantly minimize the amount of damage to preexisting hair follicles in patients in the early stages of male and female pattern baldness. This becomes even more important in light of the fact that more and more patients are using finasteride or minoxidil to stop the thinning process. Existing hairs can therefore be preserved.

Exp Gerontol. 2002 Aug-Sep;37(8-9):981-90

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Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia.

Trüeb RM.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is hereditary and androgen-dependent, progressive thinning of the scalp hair that follows a defined pattern. While the genetic involvement is pronounced but poorly understood, major advances have been achieved in understanding principal elements of the androgen metabolism involved: androgen-dependent processes are predominantly due to the binding of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to the androgen receptor (AR). DHT-dependent cell functions depend on the availability of weak androgens, their conversion to more potent androgens via the action of 5 alpha-reductase, low enzymatic activity of androgen inactivating enzymes, and functionally active AR present in high numbers. The predisposed scalp exhibits high levels of DHT, and increased expression of the AR. Conversion of testosterone to DHT within the dermal papilla plays a central role, while androgen-regulated factors deriving from dermal papilla cells are believed to influence growth of other components of the hair follicle. Current available treatment modalities with proven efficacy are oral finasteride, a competitive inhibitor of type 2 5 alpha-reductase, and topical minoxidil, an adenosine-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener which has been reported to stimulate the production of vascular endothelial growth factor in cultured dermal papilla cells. Since the clinical success rate of treatment of AGA with modulators of androgen metabolism or hair growth promoters is limited, sustained microscopic follicular inflammation with connective tissue remodeling, eventually resulting in permanent hair loss, is considered a possible cofactor in the complex etiology of AGA.

Exp Gerontol. 2002 Aug-Sep;37(8-9):981-90

Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia.

Trüeb RM.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is hereditary and androgen-dependent, progressive thinning of the scalp hair that follows a defined pattern. While the genetic involvement is pronounced but poorly understood, major advances have been achieved in understanding principal elements of the androgen metabolism involved: androgen-dependent processes are predominantly due to the binding of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to the androgen receptor (AR). DHT-dependent cell functions depend on the availability of weak androgens, their conversion to more potent androgens via the action of 5 alpha-reductase, low enzymatic activity of androgen inactivating enzymes, and functionally active AR present in high numbers. The predisposed scalp exhibits high levels of DHT, and increased expression of the AR. Conversion of testosterone to DHT within the dermal papilla plays a central role, while androgen-regulated factors deriving from dermal papilla cells are believed to influence growth of other components of the hair follicle. Current available treatment modalities with proven efficacy are oral finasteride, a competitive inhibitor of type 2 5 alpha-reductase, and topical minoxidil, an adenosine-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener which has been reported to stimulate the production of vascular endothelial growth factor in cultured dermal papilla cells. Since the clinical success rate of treatment of AGA with modulators of androgen metabolism or hair growth promoters is limited, sustained microscopic follicular inflammation with connective tissue remodeling, eventually resulting in permanent hair loss, is considered a possible cofactor in the complex etiology of AGA.

Eur J Dermatol. 2000 Jul-Aug;10(5):410-7.

Current understanding of androgenetic alopecia. Part II: clinical aspects and treatment.

Hoffmann R, Happle R.

The first signs of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) may start to develop with the onset of puberty. The prevalence of progressive AGA approaches 50% of Caucasian men and women beyond the age of 40; whereas in Asian, native American and African-American men the prevalence is lower and AGA is less severe. Only exceptionally laboratory tests or scalp biopsies are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Therefore the clinical assessment of AGA is largely a matter of common sense and practice. The loss of hair is often trivialised, but hair loss may have profound effects on a patient's well-being and quality of life. The treatment of AGA is obscured by myths. Many products or procedures are advertized for the treatment of AGA such as vitamins, trace elements, exotic herbs, amino acids, "soft laser", scalp massage, etc. Most of these techniques or substances have never been verified in sound clinical trials. Because of the psychosocial impact of hair loss, however, it is important to explain to patients what they may expect in terms of continuing hair loss, and that response to any therapy may be slow and may include hair regrowth or only retardation of further thinning. The aim of AGA treatment is to reverse or to stabilize the process of HF miniaturization and with this overview we summarize the present treatment modalities for both men and women.

Australas J Dermatol. 2002 Nov;43(4):311-2.

Sensitization to saw palmetto and minoxidil in separate topical extemporaneous treatments for androgenetic alopecia.

Sinclair RD, Mallari RS, Tate B.
Skin and Cancer Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

We report a 24-year-old woman with androgenetic alopecia who became sensitized to topical minoxidil following use of an extemporaneous preparation of minoxidil 4% with retinoic acid in a propylene glycol base. She subsequently also became sensitized to saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a topical herbal extract commonly promoted for the treatment of hair loss.

Hautarzt. 2003 Aug;54(8):732-40.

New and established methods in therapy of hair diseases

Trüeb RM.

Recently rational drug therapy and potent technologies have been introduced for the treatment of the most frequent hair problems, i.e. finasteride in the treatment of male pattern hair loss, and laser-assisted hair removal systems for hypertrichosis and hirsutism. Together with the availability of such treatments, high technical standards for evaluating their efficacy have been developed, e.g. computer-assisted epiluminiscence microscopy. Besides these physical aspects, life quality has also become an important issue in clinical studies, and is assessed by standardized patient questionnaires. In the treatment of hair loss, women have become reluctant about taking systemic hormones since the results of large epidemiological studies on the risks of hormonal replacement therapy have become public. Topical 17alpha-estradiol offers an alternative, though its efficacy has not been proven. The results of double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies demonstrating efficacy are yet only available for topical minoxidil. In the treatment of alopecia areata, there is no treatment that guarantees regrowth and stable growth of recovered hair. Only topical immunotherapy produces a higher remission rate that the natural evolution of disease. Scarring alopecias are not frequent but they need a careful evaluation, including scalp biopsy, for a precise diagnosis, because of irreversibility and potentially grave cosmetic consequences. The introduction of the modern broad spectrum antimycotic agents has greatly improved the management of infectious scarring alopecias. Finally, developments in hair care and anti-aging medicine are discussed, with special referral to the evolving difficulty of delineating medical science from marketing strategies in this trendy field.

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Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1988 Jan;92(1):150-4.

Nongenotoxicity of minoxidil in murine hair follicles as determined by the nuclear aberration assay.

Schop RN, Goldberg MT.

A 1-cm2 area on the back of CD1 mice was prepared for topical application of minoxidil, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), or cyclophosphamide (CY) by clipping or plucking hair from a patch of skin. Plucking stimulates hair follicle cell division while clipping does not. Minoxidil was topically administered for 8 consecutive days. CY or MNU was administered topically once on the eighth day postplucking. The incidence of nuclear aberrations and mitotic figures were measured in hair follicles while frequency of micronuclei and the ratio of RBC/PCE were measured in the bone marrow. Results with minoxidil showed no increase in either nuclear aberrations in the hair follicle or micronuclei in the bone marrow. These results suggest that topically applied minoxidil is not genotoxic. In contrast, a dose-dependent effect of MNU on the incidence of nuclear aberrations in the hair follicle was seen. CY induced a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of micronuclei in the bone marrow and in nuclear aberrations in the hair follicle after topical application. Minoxidil applied to clipped mice significantly increased the incidence of mitotic figures above that seen in both the clipped and plucked controls. This suggests that minoxidil is a mitogenic agent in the hair follicle. These findings are consistent with the success of topically applied minoxidil in the treatment of hair loss.

Clin Exp Dermatol. 1989 Jan;14(1):40-6.

Quantitative assessment of 2% topical minoxidil in the treatment of male pattern baldness.
Rushton DH, Unger WP, Cotterill PC, Kingsley P, James KC.

Forty-seven men with male pattern baldness ( hair loss ) were treated in a double-blind clinical trial with topical 2% minoxidil or placebo. Twelve were randomly selected for quantitative hair measurement using the unit area trichogram and visual counting. There was no significant difference after 6 or 12 months of treatment with a 2% minoxidil solution for total hair density (THD; hair cm-2), meaningful hair density (MHD; hair greater than 40 microns in diameter greater than 30 mm in length cm-2), per cent of hair in the anagen growth phase, or the per cent of meaningful hair in the anagen growth phase. Significantly fewer hairs were recorded with the visual hair counting method, compared to values obtained from adjacent sites with the unit area trichogram. In addition, a significantly larger mean total hair count was recorded by an experienced observer, compared to an inexperienced observer. Increased pigmentation was observed within the vellus hair population of treated subjects. Our findings indicate that minoxidil appears unlikely to affect the long-term course of male pattern baldness. However, we found no significant deterioration in total hair density, or meaningful hair density in treated subjects, suggesting minoxidil may have a prophylactic effect. Further long-term studies employing the unit area trichogram are required to evaluate this finding.

Cutis. 1989 Jan;43(1):94-8.

Topical minoxidil: review of efficacy and safety.
Katz HI.
Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. It has been approved for such use in many other countries. This paper is a review and summary of the reported efficacy and safety of topical minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The results of anecdotal and controlled clinical trials are included. Realistic appraisal of the restorative and/or preventative potentials of topical minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia is needed.

Int J Dermatol. 1993 Oct;32(10):758-62.

Use of topical minoxidil therapy for androgenetic alopecia in women.Jacobs JP, Szpunar CA, Warner ML.

hair loss

BACKGROUND. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women. Androgenetic alopecia in women begins as a diffuse and progressive thinning of the frontoparietal area of the scalp. In women, hair loss at any age is socially unacceptable and may be the basis of psychiatric illness.

METHODS. A 32-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 10 European centers to assess the efficacy and safety of 2% topical minoxidil solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women. Two hundred ninety-four of the 346 women enrolled (85%) completed the 32-week trial. Photographic and computer imaging techniques were used at each visit to determine objectively the number of nonvellus hairs present in a 1-cm2 area selected as the target evaluation site. RESULTS. In the 2% minoxidil group, the mean increase in nonvellus hair count was 33 hairs, which was significantly greater than that of 19 hairs in the placebo group (P = 0.0001). The investigators observed that 44% of the patients in the 2% minoxidil group achieved new hair growth compared with 29% in the placebo group. When asked to evaluate their own hair regrowth, 55% of the women in the 2% minoxidil group compared to 41% of the women in the placebo group believed that they had achieved new hair growth. No clinically significant changes in vital signs were observed during the study and no serious or unexpected medical events were reported.

CONCLUSION. Topical minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss in women.

Arch Dermatol. 1994 Mar;130(3):303-7.

Androgenetic alopecia in the female. Treatment with 2% topical minoxidil solution.

DeVillez RL, et al

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BACKGROUND: Women generally regard their hair loss as socially unacceptable and go to great measures to conceal their problem. In some cases, the negative self-image brought about by hair loss may be the basis of psychiatric illness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 2% topical minoxidil solution (Rogaine/Regaine, The Upjohn Co, Kalamazoo, Mich) for the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia. A 32-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 11 US centers. Three hundred eight women with androgenetic alopecia were enrolled. Two hundred fifty-six of these women completed the trial. A refined photographic technique was used to objectively determine the number of nonvellus hairs regrown. RESULTS: After 32 weeks of treatment, the number of nonvellus hairs in a 1-cm2 evaluation site was increased by an average of 23 hairs in the 2% minoxidil group and by an average of 11 hairs in the placebo group. The 95% confidence interval for the difference in mean hair count change between the treatment groups was 5.9 to 17.5 hairs. The investigators determined that 13% in the minoxidil-treated group had moderate growth and 50% had minimal growth. This compared with 6% and 33%, respectively, in the placebo-treated group. Similarly, 60% of the patients in the 2% minoxidil group reported that they had new hair growth (20% moderate, 40% minimal) compared with 40% (7% moderate, 33% minimal) of the patients in the placebo group. No evaluations of dense hair growth were reported for either hair loss treatment group. No clinically significant changes in vital signs were observed and no serious or unexpected medical events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Topical minoxidil was significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss.

Int J Dermatol. 1993 Oct;32(10):763-6.

Topical minoxidil therapy for androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss} in the Middle East.

Karam P.

American University Hospital of Beirut, New York, NY 10022.

BACKGROUND. A 48-week open label trial was conducted in five Middle-Eastern countries to determine the safety and efficacy of 2% minoxidil in the treatment of early androgenic alopecia and to compare the response with Western countries.

METHODS. One hundred and ninety-five men aged between 19 and 47 years were enrolled. The duration of their baldness varied from 6 months to 10 years, and they all showed a type III vertex or type IV of the modified Hamilton scale. Baldness pattern, diameter of the balding area, hair counting within a 2.5 cm bald patch as well as investigator's and patient's evaluation were regularly noted.

RESULTS. No significant changes were observed in vital signs or laboratory parameters. Of the 161 patients considered evaluable at 48 weeks, 80% showed moderate to dense hair regrowth. The mean increase in nonvellus hair at 12 months was 234.

CONCLUSIONS. The age of the patient and the type of baldness rather than its duration affected the final outcome.

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Int J Dermatol. 1993 Oct;32(10):763-6.

Topical minoxidil therapy for androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss} in the Middle East.

Karam P.

American University Hospital of Beirut, New York, NY 10022.

BACKGROUND. A 48-week open label trial was conducted in five Middle-Eastern countries to determine the safety and efficacy of 2% minoxidil in the treatment of early androgenic alopecia and to compare the response with Western countries.

METHODS. One hundred and ninety-five men aged between 19 and 47 years were enrolled. The duration of their baldness varied from 6 months to 10 years, and they all showed a type III vertex or type IV of the modified Hamilton scale. Baldness pattern, diameter of the balding area, hair counting within a 2.5 cm bald patch as well as investigator's and patient's evaluation were regularly noted.

RESULTS. No significant changes were observed in vital signs or laboratory parameters. Of the 161 patients considered evaluable at 48 weeks, 80% showed moderate to dense growth. The mean increase in nonvellus hair at 12 months was 234.

CONCLUSIONS. The age of the patient and the type of baldness rather than its duration affected the final outcome.

J La State Med Soc. 1994 Jan;146(1):7-8.

Male pattern baldness.

Duplechain G, White JA.

Male pattern baldness is a common affliction affecting up to half the adult male population. Although females can be affected, the manifestations are usually limited to thinning of the hair. Over the past decade there has been increasing interest in treating male pattern baldness sparked by the introduction of minoxidil (Rogaine). This article will review the etiology, current treatments, and future developments.

Drug Saf. 1994 Apr;10(4):310-7.

Drug-induced hair loss and hair growth. Incidence, management and avoidance.

Tosi A, Misciali C, Piraccini BM, Peluso AM, Bardazzi F.

A large number of drugs may interfere with the hair cycle and produce hair loss. Drugs may affect anagen follicles through 2 main different modalities: (i) by inducing an abrupt cessation of mitotic activity in rapidly dividing hair matrix cells (anagen effluvium) or (ii) by precipitating the follicles into premature rest (telogen effluvium). In anagen effluvium, hair loss usually occurs within days to weeks of drug administration, whereas in telogen effluvium, hair loss becomes evident 2 to 4 months after starting treatment. Anagen effluvium is a prominent adverse effect of antineoplastic agents, which cause acute damage of rapidly dividing hair matrix cells. Telogen effluvium may be a consequence of a large number of drugs including anticoagulants, retinol (vitamin A) and its derivatives, interferons and antihyperlipidaemic drugs. Drug-induced hair loss is usually reversible after interruption of treatment. The prevalence and severity of alopecia depend on the drug as well as on individual predisposition. Some drugs produce hair loss in most patients receiving appropriate dosages while other drugs are only occasionally responsible for hair abnormalities. Both hirsutism and hypertrichosis may be associated with drug administration. Drugs most commonly responsible for the development of hirsutism include testosterone, danazol, corticotrophin (ACTH), metyrapone, anabolic steroids and glucocorticoids. Hypertrichosis is a common adverse effect of cyclosporin, minoxidil and diazoxide.

Skin Pharmacol. 1995;8(5):221-8.

The penetration enhancer SEPA augments stimulation of scalp hair growth by topical minoxidil in the balding stumptail macaque.

Diani AR, Shull KL, Zaya MJ, Brunden MN.

Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Mich 49001, USA.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the penetration enhancer SEPA (2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane) would augment the scalp hair growth effects of topical minoxidil in the balding stumptail macaque. A 1-in2 area on the balding scalp of 40 adult female monkeys (four drug-treated and four vehicle-treated groups of 5 monkeys each) was topically treated 5 days/week, q.d. or b.i.d., with approximately 250 microliters of minoxidil-SEPA (2.5% minoxidil, weight/volume in 10% SEPA, 25% propylene glycol and 65% isopropyl alcohol), Rogaine topical solution (TS, 2% minoxidil, weight/volume in 20% propylene glycol, 60% ethanol and 20% water) or respective vehicles (without drug) for 16 weeks via paintbrush application. Scalp hair was collected by shaving and vacuuming the dosed area at baseline and at 4-week intervals. The shaved hair was filtered, weighed and recorded as the change from baseline. The q.d. and b.i.d. minoxidil-SEPA groups displayed a significant increase in hair weight compared to their respective vehicles at week 4 whereas q.d. and b.i.d. Rogaine TS groups were not active until week 8 and 12, respectively. Both minoxidil-SEPA treatments produced significantly greater cumulative hair weight over the entire 16-week study compared to either of the Rogaine TS treatments.

The effect of minoxidil analogues and metabolites on the contraction of collagen lattices by human skin fibroblasts.

Parish JL, Hughes MA, Cherry GW, Ferguson DJ.

Minoxidil, in addition to its effect on hypertension and hair growth, has been proposed as a potential antifibrotic agent. Minoxidil inhibits the contraction of collagen lattices by human fibroblasts in vitro. However, the mechanism of inhibition is unknown. As minoxidil is metabolised in the body to minoxidil glucuronide and minoxidil sulphate, we investigated the potencies of these metabolites to inhibit collagen lattice contraction. We also studied selected analogues of minoxidil to assess the influence of certain functional groups in the inhibition. The major metabolite, minoxidil glucuronide, proved to be inactive, whereas minoxidil sulphate was considerably more active than minoxidil. In terms of the structural analogues, the substitution of one amino group by a methyl group resulted in loss of the inhibitory activity; removal of the nitroxide oxygen led to stronger inhibition than with minoxidil. Further studies are planned to learn more about a possible role for minoxidil in wound contraction.

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Australas J Dermatol. 1995 May;36(2):51-5;

Female androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss): an update.

Callan AW, Montalto J.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Androgenetic alopecia is an androgen dependent disorder occurring in genetically susceptible individuals. The pattern of hair loss in women differs from that of classical male pattern alopecia, being more diffuse and with retention of the frontal hair line in most cases. Characteristic histopathological changes occur but biopsy is rarely helpful in diagnosis. Although research has shown subtle alterations in the androgen status of women with androgenetic alopecia, most patients presenting with this disorder are normal endocrinologically. Anti-androgen therapy will result in some improvement in up to 50% of patients after 6 to 12 months of therapy, but in practice will usually only decrease the rate of hair loss and not result in new hair regrowth.