Geneticists Get to the Roots of Hair Loss in Men
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
Friday, June 5, 2026
Depakote For Depression: A Patient Guide
Depression is a condition that affects a significant number of people and can range from mild and occasional to persistent and severely disruptive. Understanding the available treatment options is an important part of managing symptoms effectively. Healthcare providers evaluate the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health profile before recommending a specific medication or combination of treatments. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures vary widely in their manifestation, from brief lapses in consciousness lasting only seconds to full convulsive episodes involving the entire body. The specific seizure type, the region of the brain involved, and the underlying cause of the epilepsy are all important factors in determining the most appropriate treatment approach. Depakote (valproic acid) belongs to the class of medications used for seizure and epilepsy treatment and is commonly considered by clinicians evaluating treatment options for this condition. Patients looking closely at depakote for depression will find that the medication offers a practical option for many individuals dealing with this specific issue, particularly when first-line approaches have provided incomplete relief. As with any prescription or over-the-counter medication, proper dosing and adherence to usage guidelines are essential to getting the most benefit from Depakote while minimizing the risk of side effects. Taking the medication as directed, at the appropriate time of day, and for the full recommended duration helps ensure therapeutic blood levels are maintained. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all other medications they are taking to check for potential interactions. For broader context on treatment options related to seizure and epilepsy treatment, seizure and epilepsy treatment provides evidence-based information covering the full range of medications used in this therapeutic area, helping patients and caregivers compare approaches and make informed decisions alongside their medical team.
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