Breaking News: Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) Linked to Genetic Hair Loss – Future Hope for Better Treatments

Breaking news: In the latest issue of Science Translational Medicine, a team of Dermatologists from Johns Hopkins and Penn University published a study potentially linking a new lipid (fatty acid) compound to [tag]androgenic alopecia[/tag] (genetic [tag]hair loss[/tag]).

While researching [tag]genetic baldness[/tag], the team discovered highly elevated levels of [tag]Prostaglandin D2[/tag] ([tag]PDG2[/tag]) in the scalps of hair loss sufferers and decided to investigate further. The research team understood the role of [tag]dihydrotestosterone[/tag] or [tag]DHT[/tag] in causing and exacerbating hair loss, but now believes that Prostaglandin D2 or PGD2  might “carry out” the final steps associated with androgenic alopecia or somehow inhibit new [tag]hair growth[/tag] in the presence of DHT.

To further test this theory, the team evaluated the scalps of 22 [tag]balding[/tag] subjects (male; aged 40 – 65) and, again, found elevated levels of both the enzyme responsible for synthesizing PDG2 and Prostaglandin D2 itself. Researchers then turned to a mouse model and by adding both Prostaglandin D2 and its G Protein Coupled receptor ([tag]GPR44[/tag]), they were able to successfully induce androgenic alopecia ([tag]AGA[/tag]) in the mouse.

Following this experiment, the team concluded that Prostaglandin D2 may be an inhibitor of hair growth in men and women with genetic baldness and identified the GPR44 receptor as a target for a non-invasive [tag]hair loss treatment[/tag]. Although this news is very exciting and looks promising for the development of future treatments, we still recommend utilizing proven hair loss treatments (like [tag]Propecia[/tag]/[tag]finasteride[/tag] and [tag]Rogaine[/tag]/[tag]minoxidil[/tag]) while further evidence is found and investigated.

For more information, view our Hub Pages article: Hair Loss Cure? Recent Discovery of PGD2 (Prostaglandin D2) Brings Hope For Ending Hair Loss.

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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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