In a discovery that brings new hope to the hair loss industry, scientists have discovered that sugars naturally present in the human body may be the key to fighting male pattern baldness.
You’ve probably never heard of it, but 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) is a sugar that plays a fundamental role in a variety of biological processes in both animals and humans. Scientists have now identified 2dDR as a potential game-changer in hair loss treatment.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, found that treatments using natural sugars are as effective as current solutions approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), but with some I found that there were no negative side effects.
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“Male pattern baldness is a very common condition, affecting men all over the world, but there are currently only two FDA-approved treatments for it,” said study co-author Professor Sheila McNeil. said.
“Our research shows that the answer to treating hair loss could be as simple as using the naturally occurring sugar deoxyribose to boost blood supply to hair follicles and promote hair growth. It suggests that there is a sex.”
The discovery happened by chance during a study on wound healing when the team noticed accelerated hair growth around areas with 2dDR. They then hypothesized that it may have a direct positive impact on the hair follicles in the treated area.
The researchers tested their theory in mice and compared the effectiveness of minoxidil, one of the few FDA-approved hair loss treatments currently available, and 2dDR gel. Minoxidil is the pharmacological component of therapeutic drugs such as Rogaine and Teloxidil.
The results were impressive. 2dDR treatment has been shown to be 80-90% as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth.
What makes this discovery particularly interesting is that it may provide a safer and more accessible alternative to existing treatments. Although effective, minoxidil can cause side effects such as scalp irritation and is not suitable for everyone.
In contrast, 2dDR is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies, so it may have fewer side effects and a wider range of applications.
“We found that this proangiogenic deoxyribose sugar is naturally occurring, inexpensive, stable, and can be delivered from a variety of carrier gels and dressings,” said Muhamed, another co-author of the study. Professor Jarl explained.
The science behind this sugar compound’s effectiveness lies in its ability to stimulate blood vessel growth, which is important for healthy hair follicles, the authors say. By increasing blood flow to the scalp, 2dDR may activate dormant hair follicles and promote new growth.
McNeil added: “Although our research is at a very early stage, the results are promising and further research is needed.”
Researchers believe that beyond male pattern baldness, the treatment may help people suffering from chemotherapy-induced hair loss and may offer hope to cancer patients undergoing treatment. .
But experts warn that more research is needed before 2dDR-based treatments are generally available.
Dr Claire Higgins, a tissue regeneration researcher at Imperial College London who was not connected to the study, told BBC Science Focus:
“Minoxidil, which is used to treat male pattern baldness, has the effect of promoting blood flow, but it also has other effects on the skin and hair, and the relationship between blood flow and hair growth is not conclusive. Not proven.”
Still, Professor Higgins insisted the results were promising, with 2dDR clearly promoting hair growth and blood flow in the mice.
“Before I get too excited about the results, I would like to see the effects on human hair growth, hair root size, and hair shaft thickness,” she concluded.
This research provides a glimmer of hope for the millions of men suffering from hair loss with an affordable, effective, non-invasive, natural treatment.
“This may offer another approach to treating this condition, which can affect men’s self-image and self-confidence,” McNeil said.
About our experts
Sheila MacNeil is Professor Emeritus of Tissue Engineering with expertise in tissue engineering of soft tissues (skin, oral mucosa, urethra, cornea) and a focus on translating research into clinical practice. She has over 550 peer-reviewed publications.
Muhammad Yar is an Associate Professor at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Lahore Campus. His areas of interest include tissue-engineered skin for full-thickness burn patients, smart antimicrobial wound dressings, controlled and targeted drug delivery and drug development.
Claire Higgins is a Reader Lecturer in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Principal Investigator in her own research group in the Department of Biotechnology at Imperial College London. Her research group focuses on skin and hair follicles, wound repair and regeneration.
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