Research, by Leif Carlsson and his research team at Umea University in Sweden, indicates that activation of the gene Lhx2 leads to increased hair growth.
In their recent study, Leif Carlsson and his research team identified the transcription factor Lhx2 as an important regulator of hair formation. It was found that the Lhx2 gene is active during the anagen (growth) phase and dormant during the resting period. It has been shown that Lhx2 is involved in the formation of hair because hair follicles in which Lhx2 is inactive are not able to produce hair growth. In fact, activation of the Lhx2 gene in hair follicles appears to activate the growth phase and thus the formation of hair. Lhx2 is therefore considered to be a gene that is important for the regulation of hair growth.
Hair serves a number of commonly overlooked purposes: it is important for temperature regulation, physical protection, sensory activity, seasonal camouflage, and social interactions. Hair is formed in hair follicles, which are formed during fetal development. New hair is generated in a cycle whereby the hair follicle undergoes recession, rest and growth. Hair length is determined by the duration of the anagen phase.
Gene That Regulates Hair Growth Identified
During one of Tiger Woods’ recent press appearances, he said that he had received PRP, or platelet rich plasma, treatments:
Posted on NBC news: Tiger Admits to Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, What’s That?
PRP treatments have grown increasingly common in the sports medicine world in recent years. During a PRP procedure, the patient’s blood is drawn and put in a centrifuge to separate out platelet-containing plasma from the red blood cells. The plasma is then injected back into the patient’s injury. PRP treatment is thought to accelerate and/or maximize the signals an injury site sends to the body in order to continue the healing process.
At The Cole Hair Transplant, Dr. Cole now provides PRP treatment to our hair transplant patients. The PRP is administered in the form of injections into the extraction sites to improve dermal healing. For hair transplant purposes, PRP could potentially help reduce the occurrence of hypopigmentation (“white spotting”) among some of our patients. We are also investigating evidence that PRP treatment may improve graft yield; one study found PRP improved graft growth by as much as 15%. We will continue to explore the possibilities and benefits that PRP may provide for our patients. To learn more about PRP, feel free to call The Cole Hair Transplant group at 1-800-368-4247.
