William Atkins
Monday, 13 October 2008 21:48
Science -
Biology
Page 2 of 3
The researchers conclude,
"The one man in seven who harbors risk alleles at both 20p11.22 and AR (encoding the androgen receptor) has a sevenfold-increased odds of androgenic alopecia (OR = 7.12, P = 3.7 10-15).”
Thus, this study states that about one in seven men have a combination of these two genes.
Therefore, if a man has this combination of genes, he has a seven times more likelihood of becoming bald, when compared to men without these two genes.
About 40 million adult men are bald, or are balding, in the United States.
Dr. Brockschmidt, of the German study, states,
"The first gene known until now is on the X chromosome. It is the most important for alopecia [hair loss]. We are sure that this new locus we found is the second most important." [The Washington Post: “
New Genetic Links to Baldness Discovered”]
Brockschmidt adds,
"Screening for the X chromosome locus and also for this new one can possibly show the risk of male pattern baldness.” [Washington Post]
The locations have been identified on the locus, but the true identity is within the gene. Once that location is identified, scientists can begin to develop preventive treatments for hair loss.
Please read page three for the future possibilities of diagnosing, treating, and preventing hair loss.
