Geneticists Get to the Roots of Hair Loss in Men

By www.webmd.com

Gene research may offer a glimmer of hope for men challenged by that bane of aging - male-pattern baldness.

In the largest such study to date, a Scottish research team said it has identified close to 300 genetic regions tied to baldness. Previously, only a handful had been identified, the scientists said.

The University of Edinburgh researchers stressed that their findings don't mean a cure for shiny pates is coming tomorrow.

"However, these results take us one step closer," said study principal author Dr. Ricardo Marioni.

He spoke in a news release from the journal PLOS Genetics, which published the findings Feb. 14.

Marioni, who's with the university's Center for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, believes "the findings pave the way for an improved understanding of the genetic causes of hair loss."

In this study, the research team analyzed genetic data from more than 52,000 men and pinpointed 287 genetic regions linked to severe hair loss.

Many of the identified genes are associated with hair structure and development. The genes could provide targets for the development of drugs to treat baldness some day, the researchers said.

"It was interesting to find that many of the genetics signals for male pattern baldness came from the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mothers," study co-leader Saskia Hagenaars said in the news release. Hagenaars is a Ph.D. student in the university's Center for Cognitive Aging and Cognitive Epidemiology.

"In this study, data were collected on hair loss pattern but not age of onset; we would expect to see an even stronger genetic signal if we were able to identify those with early onset hair loss," added study co-leader David Hill, a statistical geneticist at the university.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/news/20170214/geneticists-hair-loss-men

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Benadryl: Side Effects, Drug Interactions, And Precautions

Every medication carries the potential for side effects, and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is no exception. Understanding what side effects are possible, which are common versus rare, and what warning signs warrant medical attention allows patients to use the medication safely and confidently. Most people who take Benadryl as directed tolerate it without major problems, but individual responses vary. Allergic conditions affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and range from mild seasonal symptoms to chronic conditions that persist throughout the year. The immune system's overreaction to harmless environmental substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods drives most allergic disease. Histamine, released by immune cells when they detect an allergen, is the primary chemical mediator responsible for the familiar symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions. The most frequently reported side effects of diphenhydramine are typically mild and often resolve within days to weeks as the body adjusts. Serious side effects occur less frequently but are documented in prescribing information and patient safety guides. Complete side effect information and precautions are listed at https://mednewwsstoday.com/allergies/benadryl-diphenhydramine/, which serves as a reliable reference for anyone beginning therapy with Benadryl or monitoring an ongoing treatment. Drug interactions are an important safety consideration for any medication. Benadryl may interact with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, or certain foods, affecting how it is metabolized or how effective it is. A pharmacist or doctor can review a patient's full medication list to identify any clinically significant interactions before starting Benadryl. Patients should also avoid making changes to their medication regimen without first consulting a healthcare professional. More information on medications used in allergies and how they compare in terms of safety and efficacy is available through the resource at allergies. Staying informed helps patients participate actively in decisions about their care.

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