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    Did you mean α-smooth muscle actin?
    GlossaryAlpha-smooth muscle actin

    protein involved in smooth muscle contraction and wound healing

    Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the contraction of smooth muscle cells, which are found in various tissues like blood vessels and the digestive tract. It is also a marker used by scientists to identify myofibroblasts, cells involved in wound healing and tissue repair. Elevated levels of α-SMA can indicate tissue remodeling or fibrosis, which is the thickening and scarring of connective tissue.

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      community EU Shouldn't Ban Fin & Dut: PFS is NOT REAL.

      in Research/Science  9 upvotes 3 months ago
      Finasteride and Dutasteride do not cause depression or "Post Finasteride Syndrome," with concerns often linked to the nocebo effect and preexisting mental health issues. The EU is unlikely to ban these drugs, but access may become more restricted due to ongoing debates.

      community Please explain this Minoxidil phenomena

      in Minoxidil  58 upvotes 1 year ago
      The post discusses the difference in effects of Minoxidil (Min) on scalp and facial hair. The user questions why Min-induced hair growth on the scalp is temporary, while facial hair growth seems permanent, even after stopping Min. They propose theories, including different Min mechanisms on body and facial hair, the role of DHT, and the possibility of not achieving fully terminal hair. The responses include personal experiences and theories about Min's effects on hair growth.
      If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      in Research  830 upvotes 7 months ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.