Balding is a nightmare for many and there are people who are frantically searching for ways to cure baldness. Some South Korean scientists have now claimed that they have found a magical formula to prevent human baldness and to re-grow the hair.
Choi Kang-yeol, a scientist from Yonsei University in Seoul said he has discovered that when a particular protein called 'CXXC5' combines with another cytoplasmic phosphoprotein, 'Dishevelled', it obstructs hair growth.
The study was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. The researchers said in their study that they could prevent the mixing of two proteins by using a specially devised biochemical agent called PTD-DBM, which helps to block CXXC5 to combine with Dishevelled protein. This process is likely to reduce hair loss.
According to the newly developed biochemical substance, PTD-DBM was applied on the bare skin of laboratory mice for 28 days and later researchers saw new hair follicle growth.
"We have found a protein that controls the hair growth and developed a new substance that promotes hair regeneration by controlling the function of the protein. We expect that the newly developed substance will contribute to the development of a drug that not only treats hair loss but also regenerates damaged skin tissues," said Professor Choi Kang-yeol as quoted by Business Korea.
The combined application of PTD-DBM and another chemical substance called valproic acid (VPA), helps to grow new hairs faster. On the other hand, people who already lost hair, will not find any help from the existing hair fall treatment, as it only helps hair to grow faster.
Even there are people who complained about the side effects of using existing hair fall medicines. Here are some to cite:
- The drugs, called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, resists the action of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and men will have sexual side effects.
- Inflammation or soreness at the root of the hair.
- Swelling of the face.
- Blurred vision or other changes in vision.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Facial hair growth.
- Headache.
- Increased hair loss.
However, according to reports by American Hair Loss Association, testosterone is a major cause of hair fall. So, for that reason, the percentage of hair fall is higher in men compared to women.
People need to wait for the final outcome of the research, as the solution has not been tested in humans and the researchers are not sure about its side effects. Scientists are currently testing whether the formula is toxic or not.
