In Vivo Hair Growth Promotion Effects of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid from Bacillus Subtilis (Chungkookjang)

A 19-year-old male with no family history of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is experiencing hair loss and considering using a topical minoxidil and finasteride mixture. Despite low vitamin D levels and normal DHT serum levels, he seeks confirmation of AGA before starting treatment.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) might have evolved to reduce prostate cancer risk by increasing UV exposure to the scalp, but this theory is debated. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are used for AGA, though the exact causes and evolutionary reasons for hair loss are unclear.

FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

The conversation discusses using a multimodal approach to treat androgenic alopecia, including substances like gamma-linolenic acid, DHA, sulforaphane, melatonin, cetirizine, astaxanthin, fisetin, apigenin, curcumin, limonene, genistein, and berberine. Users also mention using ketoconazole, minoxidil, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as part of their hair loss treatment regimens.

GT20029 is a new hair loss treatment in Phase 3 trials in China, using PROTAC technology to target androgen receptors, potentially with fewer side effects than finasteride and minoxidil. VDPHL01, a second-generation minoxidil, is also mentioned as potentially more effective.

The user experiencing diffuse hair loss is using various treatments including RU58841, finasteride, minoxidil with tretinoin, anti-hair loss shampoo, and microneedling, and is considering adding peptides TB500, BPC157, and GHK-Cu. They have low growth hormone levels and are questioning its impact on hair loss, while another user suggests androgenic alopecia and androgens are likely the main cause of hair loss.