A study into wound healing, led by researchers at the University of Sheffield in the UK and COMSATS University in Pakistan, earlier this year made a remarkable discovery that could be a potential new treatment for hereditary alopecia – a disorder that has affected millions around the world.
This breakthrough revolves around deoxyribose, a sugar that occurs naturally in the human body and forms part of the structure of DNA. Primarily, the researchers were studying the relationship between sugar and the healing process of skin wounds in mice. To their surprise, they noticed faster fur growth around the treated lesions compared to their untreated counterparts.
Motivated by this unexpected discovery, the research group expanded their exploration to investigate the possibility of deoxyribose’s ability to promote hair growth. While future studies are needed to confirm, this discovery still raises hopes for new therapeutic treatments in the fight against hereditary male pattern baldness. The results of this discovery represent a long-awaited advance in addressing the most common cause of hair loss worldwide.
In a He studies Published in June, deoxyribose has been shown to be as effective in hair regrowth as minoxidil, an existing drug used to treat hair loss. However, research offers a potential alternative method for stimulating hair growth through the naturally occurring sugar deoxyribose.
Professor Sheila MacNeill, Emeritus Professor of Tissue Engineering at the University of Sheffield, He said: “Male pattern baldness is a common condition, affecting men all over the world, but currently there are only two FDA-licensed drugs to treat it. Our research suggests that the answer to treating hair loss may be as simple as using the naturally occurring sugar deoxyribose.” To enhance blood flow to hair follicles to encourage hair growth.
“Our research is still in its early stages, but the results are promising and require further investigation. This could offer another approach to treating this condition, which can affect men’s self-image and confidence.”
Professor (Associate) Muhammad Yar (TI) of IRCBM, COMSATS University Pakistan, He said: “The angiogenesis-promoting sugar deoxyribose is naturally occurring, inexpensive and stable, and we have shown that it can be obtained from a variety of gels or carrier dressings. This makes it an attractive candidate for further exploration for the treatment of hair loss in men.”
