Drug for brittle bones may bring hope for baldies
BALDNESS could be beaten by an experimental drug originally designed to treat brittle bone disease, research suggests.
In laboratory experiments the osteoporosis drug WAY-316606 had a dramatic effect on donated follicles, stimulating the growth of hair. It targets a protein that acts as a potent brake on hair growth.
The discovery, still to be tested in clinical trials, could open up a whole new approach to treating hair loss in men and women.
Lead scientist Dr Nathan Hawkshaw, from the University of Manchester, said: “The fact this new agent, which had never even been considered in a hair loss context, promotes human hair growth is exciting because of its potential. It could one day make a real difference to people who suffer from hair loss.
“Clearly though, a clinical trial is required next to tell us whether this drug or similar compounds are effective and safe.”
Only two drugs, minoxidil and finasteride, are available for the treatment of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) – the classic type of receding hairline hair loss in men. Both have moderate side effects and often produce disappointing results. The only other option is transplantation surgery.
Scientific detective work led the Manchester team to test the osteoporosis drug. It began with a search for novel agents for treating male pattern baldness. The researchers first latched on to an old immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine A (CsA), used since the 1980s to prevent transplant organ rejection and reduce symptoms of autoimmune disease. A well-known side effect of CsA is that it enhances unwanted hair growth. The scientists found that the drug reduced the activity of a protein called SFRP1, a key growth regulator that affects many tissues including hair follicles. However, because of its side effects CsA would be quite unsuitable as a baldness treatment. The team went on to look for another agent that targeted SFRP1 and found that WAY-316606 was even better at suppressing the protein. In tests, follicles donated by more than 40 patients undergoing hair transplant surgery were treated with the osteoporosis drug for six days. The follicles quickly became active and began sprouting hair. After two days, hair increased significantly. The research is published in the journal Public Library of Science Biology. production RIHANNA sparked a religious backlash yesterday after stealing the show with a racy Pope-themed ensemble at one of the world’s most prestigious fashion events.
The Barbadian singer’s bejewelled Met Gala outfit was among the most risque at the annual New York fundraiser which this year had the theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”.
As A-listers and the fashion world gathered on Monday night, Rihanna, 30, left some guests aghast as she strode down the red carpet.
Her heavily beaded corset mini-dress under a full skirt, paired with a mitre-like hat, was created by John Galliano for Belgian design house Maison Margiela.
One critic tweeted: “Showing up with a Pope headpiece is so offensive to me. As someone raised in a Catholic household I think the Met Gala 2018 is a mockery of Christian religion and highly disrespectful on so many levels.”
Another posted: “So you can’t wear a Native American outfit for Halloween because it’s offensive, but Rihanna can dress like the Pope and she gets praised. Not only is she dressed as the Pope, her outfit sexualises it.”
Feathered
Rihanna was joined on the red carpet by her co-chair for the evening Amal Clooney, 40, who arrived with her husband, actor George, 57.
The human rights lawyer was decidedly more demure in a rose-patterned skirt and trousers by British designer Richard Quinn.
Another head-turning outfit belonged to Katy Perry, 33, who did her best to strut while wearing a giant pair of angel’s wings.
But the bizarre feathered accessories were so big that the singer, who was once married to comedian Russell Brand, was seen knocking someone over as she walked past.
Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez arrived in a Balmain gown emblazoned with a cross and a feathered train, while the evening saw a vibrant performance from Madonna, 59, who sang her hit Like A Prayer along with Leonard Cohen’s song Hallelujah.