Stress and Alopecia: Answers from an Academic Lab
Stress and Alopecia have often been linked to each other, although the reason of their association has never been clearly understood. Recent results from a new study at Geffen Medical School (UCLA) highlight the possible molecular mechanisms underlying this association. The findings were made on mice but it is hoped that they can lead to new cures for human Alopecia.
Professor Milion Mulugeta and his team of collaborators at Geffen Medical School, in UCLA, were investigating a link between stress and ailments in the gastrointestinal tract. The researchers were working on four types of genetically engineered mice producing in exceeding quantity a molecule called CRF or Corticotropin Release Factor, an hormone linked to stress.
As a consequence of the modification introduced through genetic engineering, the mice began to lose hairs on their back till becoming affected by Alopecia. The main aim of the Researchers was to investigate the role of Astressin B, an inhibitor of the stress hormone Corticotropin Release Factor or CRF.
Initially the doses of Astressin B administered to mice didn't produce any measurable effect. Therefore they kept administering daily doses of it for five consecutive days. After three months, the mice not only didn't show anymore signs of stress but also regained completely their hairs. Alopecia had definitely abandoned them and their hairs kept growing numerous and healthy.
The molecule called Corticotropin Release Factor or CRF is also expressed on human skin and scalp with few peptides important for modulating its activity. The scientists will try now to understand if A-stressin B will work on human Alopecia too. The team seems very optimistic about it at the point to file for a patent to protect their discovery.
To know more, visit:
Professor Milion Mulugeta and his team of collaborators at Geffen Medical School, in UCLA, were investigating a link between stress and ailments in the gastrointestinal tract. The researchers were working on four types of genetically engineered mice producing in exceeding quantity a molecule called CRF or Corticotropin Release Factor, an hormone linked to stress.
As a consequence of the modification introduced through genetic engineering, the mice began to lose hairs on their back till becoming affected by Alopecia. The main aim of the Researchers was to investigate the role of Astressin B, an inhibitor of the stress hormone Corticotropin Release Factor or CRF.
Initially the doses of Astressin B administered to mice didn't produce any measurable effect. Therefore they kept administering daily doses of it for five consecutive days. After three months, the mice not only didn't show anymore signs of stress but also regained completely their hairs. Alopecia had definitely abandoned them and their hairs kept growing numerous and healthy.
The molecule called Corticotropin Release Factor or CRF is also expressed on human skin and scalp with few peptides important for modulating its activity. The scientists will try now to understand if A-stressin B will work on human Alopecia too. The team seems very optimistic about it at the point to file for a patent to protect their discovery.
To know more, visit:
http://it.notizie.yahoo.com/blogs/focus/unarma-in-pi-nella-lotta-alla-calvizie-p5785.html
http://www.focus.it/Salute/domanda/E_davvero_efficace_il_farmaco_che_si_utilizza_per_far_ricrescere_i_capelli.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astressin-B
