Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male or female pattern baldness, is a common form of hair loss that affects both men and women. AGA is caused by genetic factors and hormonal changes, specifically an increase in the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can cause hair follicles to shrink and produce thinner, shorter hairs.
In India, AGA is a significant health concern, particularly in men. According to a study published in the International Journal of Trichology, the prevalence of AGA in Indian men ranges from 16% to 73%, depending on age and ethnicity.
AGA is also a concern for women in India, although the prevalence is lower than in men. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the prevalence of AGA in Indian women ranges from 6% to 21%, again depending on age and ethnicity. The study found that AGA was more common in postmenopausal women and those with a family history of baldness. Several treatment options are available for AGA, including topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and hair transplantation surgery.
Minoxidil is regularly prescribed by doctors to treat AGA. Minoxidil is in inactive form needs to be activated by an enzyme sulphotransferase into its active form minoxidil sulphate. Sulphotransferase enzymes are involved in the metabolism and elimination of various substances in the body, including drugs, hormones, and xenobiotics. Genetic variations in sulphotransferase enzymes can affect their activity, leading to differences in drug metabolism and toxicity.
The SULT1A1*2 gene mutation has been associated with reduced activity of the SULT1A1 enzyme, which is one of the sulphotransferase enzymes that is involved in the metabolism of many drugs and hormones, including minoxidil, which is used for the treatment of hair loss.
Studies have shown that individuals with the SULT1A12 gene mutation have lower SULT1A1 enzyme activity compared to those without the mutation. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that individuals with the SULT1A12 gene mutation had significantly lower SULT1A1 enzyme activity compared to those without the mutation.
The reduced activity of the SULT1A1 enzyme in individuals with the SULT1A1*2 gene mutation could potentially affect the metabolism and efficacy of drugs such as minoxidil. Minoxidil is primarily metabolized by SULT1A1 in the liver, but it can also be metabolized by SULT1A1 in the hair follicles, which is where it exerts its effect in treating hair loss. Individuals with the SULT1A12 gene mutation have lower levels of SULT1A1 in the scalp, which could potentially affect the metabolism and efficacy of minoxidil in this location.
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Generally, minoxidil will take a minimum of 6 months to show the results. To reduce the time Trichogene an Indian-based start-up company introduced Minoxidil Response Test (MRT) that can detect minoxidil non-responders from responders in 3 working days. What you need to do is just order the kit from www.trichogene.in. You will receive an MRT kit to your doorstep. Collect a simple buccal swab saliva sample as instructed and send it back to lab. You will receive the results in 3 working days. Based on the MRT result doctor will prescribe more precise treatment for hair loss. TRichogene founders Dr.M. Sai babu and Mohd. Rizwan Younus said that Trichogene MRT is very affordable and saves a lot of time and money.
