MedinVitagen CALV is a test to examine genetic variation in the genes coding for the androgen receptor (AR), ectodysplasin A (EDAR ) and in a region of chromosome 20 that is strongly linked to male pattern baldness according to recent genome wide research.
Many published studies conducted on thousands of people have shown that these genetic variations are associated with baldness and that genetic screening can help to identify individuals who have a greater or lesser probability of premature hair loss.
| GENE |
VARIANT TESTED |
| AR SNP1 |
G |
| AR SNP2 |
C |
| AR SNP3 |
A |
| EDAR |
C |
| 20p11SNP1 |
T /T |
| 20P11SNP2 |
A /A |
Androgenic alopecia (AGA), or common hair loss, is a benign physiological condition that is the result of variety of genetic and environmental factors.
This condition is also commonly known as male pattern baldness. Hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic "M" shape.Hair also thins at the crown of the head. Often a rim of hair around the sides and rear of the head is left, or the condition may progress to complete baldness. It progressively modifies the aesthetic appearance with possible psychological repercussions which can have a negative effect on personality and relationships.
In order for the development of male pattern baldness two factors are necessary:
▪ The presence of androgenic hormones (male hormones e.g., testosterone): “ Andro ”
▪ A genetic predisposition: " genic "
The prevalence of male pattern baldness in Europe is approximately 60% - that is, about 60% of males will have significant hair loss by the age of 60 years (hair loss of type V-VII, see fig. 1).
Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss and if will affect about 80% of males and 50% of females at some stage during the course of their life.
The frequency of baldness increases with age: about 30% of 30 year olds will show significant hair loss, 50% of 50 yr olds, and by 70 years about 80% will be affected. Also in women it is more common after the menopause – however in the last 10 years there has also been an increase in hair loss amongst younger women.
Genetic predisposition: this determines the sensitivity of the hair follicles to male hormones and therefore influences the age of onset and the severity of hair loss.
Several genes are involved in this polygenic condition and not all the those that predispose to baldness have been discovered – but some important contributing genes have been characterised. The more “risk” versions of these genes that a person possesses, the higher is the possibility to show premature hair loss. The “baldness genes” are inherited from both parents and the situation is likely to be more severe in cases where both the father and the mother are affected by hair loss. Recent studies suggest that maternal heredity may be more important that paternal – in fact several loci of genetic variation are present on the X chromosome (including the androgen receptor) and this chromosome is always passed to the male from the mother.
Family history is also important in order to predict how rapid hair loss will be in an individual – if many members of the same family are affected then the process of hair loss is likely to be more rapid.
As well as genes and family history, lifestyle factors can be important - the onset of baldness can be stimulated and/or accelerated by stressful situations that can have the consequence of increased hair loss. The environmental effect is demonstrated by the fact that identical twins sometimes show different rates and severity of hair loss.
Currently the only effective treatment for male pattern baldness is prevention. Taking all factors into consideration your dermatologist will be able to advise you on the best strategy to prevent or delay the onset of hair loss.
