Why is it Gene Therapy?

Mon, 18 Jul 2022

We are glad to offer the latest research-based Gene Therapy to our patients.

Gene therapy: When a product or process is used to influence/modify the expression of a gene.

Gene Expression: It is the process by which information from gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product that enables it to produce end gene products, protein or non-coding RNA and ultimately affect a phenotype.

Regulation of gene expression (gene regulation), includes a wide range of mechanisms that are used by cells to increase or decrease the production of specific gene products (proteins or RNA).
The following molecules :

  • Resveratrol
  • Fisetin
  • NMN (Nicotinamide Mono Nucleotide)
  • Grape seed Extract

act on the genes to modify their expression.
NMN provides NAD for the stem cells of the hair follicle to multiply. (As with live humans, where a person with adequate/high levels of NAD doesn’t notice physical effects after taking NMN, similarly only stem cells lacking in NAD take up the extra NAD and restart their normal multiplication).

NMN is taken orally and improves skin quality too.
It is used intradermally by us to boost hair growth safely and effectively.

Resveratrol and Fisetin, when used intradermally, act on keratinocytes of hair follicles inducing increased expression of TERT (Telomerase reverse transcriptase) .

TERT signals the stem cells of hair follicle to multiply, thus, pushing the hair into anagen (growth) phase.

Fisetin also acts on senile/senescent cells in the hair follicle, killing them.*

Proanthocyanidins from Grapeseed extract promote proliferation of the mouse hair follicle.

Thus, these molecules, NMN , Resveratrol, Grapeseed extract and Fisetin act at the genetic level to induce hair stem cells to multiply.

This is Gene therapy at the basic, safe level.
We will be working on the more advanced forms and will inform about them at the suitable time.

These molecules (NMN, Resveratrol,& Grapeseed extract) are considered safe.
Used alone or in combination, these products help shift the miniaturizing/thinning hair from telogen (resting phase) to anagen (growth phase).
Thus, affecting the hair phenotype from dull thinning hair to its former healthier hair.

Our efforts have been focussed on applying the research findings into clinical setting successfully. The difficulties in replicating the research’s positive effects lie in :

Transplanting the molecules (NMN, Resveratrol etc..)

- In a suitable medium

- To the desired target location

- At the optimum frequency

- At the correct dose.

Thereafter, it was important to follow-up on the improvements in hair growth. This was done by

- The hair pull test

- Hair length diameter & growth speed improvement (essentially looking for shift in the hair from telogen to anagen)

- Asking for patient’s feedback (all patients noticed greatly reduced hairfall in terms of hair in comb/brush, on towel & on pillow in 8 weeks or before).

This has good prognosis for Telogen Effluvium of all etiology including post Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy.

We use our proprietary blend of these molecules at 0.75mm to 1.5mm depth in the dermis using various modalities (we found Dermaroller/Dermastamp to be the easiest & consistent method in a clinical as well as home use setting).

We, therefore, introduce these novel Gene Therapy solutions for hair thinning & hairloss problems.

Precautions: While most of these molecules are safe, we advise caution in pregnant and lactating females who are advised to avoid these therapies.

Changes seen at cellular level :

  • NMN & Grapeseed extract induce increased proliferation/multiplication in the stem cells of thinning/miniaturizing hair follicles (and in the hair in forced telogen phase).
  • Resveratrol & Fisetin increases TERT levels in the skin & increase rapidly multiplying Ki67+ cells around the hair follicle. These stimulate the stem cells in the hair bulge area to start multiplying.

They also protect the niche of stem cells in the bulge area of hair follicle, thus, effectively reversing the hairloss process.

Stated simply, all these products when introduced in vicinity of the stem cells of hair follicle, “make the hair young again”.

Most, if not all these molecules are considered safe. Some like NMN & Glutathione are actually made in body but decreases with age.

Ca AKG is the next molecule of interest along with Glutathione & Apigenin.
Glutathione being the master antioxidant of body(with known skin benefits) has potential in –

  1. Use for immersing hair follicle in glutathione to encourage better & early growth of transplanted grafts(with minimal oxidative damage)
  2. Protecting hair from a variety of oxidative stress. CaAKG (an AMPK inhibitors) has shown potential to reverse hair greying. Many humans using it around the world have shared anecdotal reports of their “greying hair turning back dark”.

Research has already shown that in mice fed CaAKG, not only do they live fit ; they retain a dark, shiny & healthy fur all through their lifespan (while control rats , without Ca AKG not only developed hairloss/furloss, greying/whitening and overall unhealthy appearance).

We are studying this molecule for role in intradermal modality.

CaAKG meanwhile is available for oral intake for those with premature or early hair greying.

The next 2 phases of gene therapy that are under study/research:

  1. Delivering select proteins/RNA made by genes directly in blood stream. These include potent stem cell differentiators (helping stem cells complete their differentiation to the desired tissue type). Humans using them have noticed improved age reversal & better hair regrowth. But more results are awaited.
  2. Injecting RNA/gene material through intravenous/intranasal route.

While the above maybe even more effective way to reverse hairloss & skin ageing, it requires safety studies that are being conducted.

Watch this space for more news.

Topic of interest : Sirtuin gene and sirtuin activating products.

Sirtuin genes are responsible for repairing our body, thus, preventing us from growing old.

To be able to activate sirtuin genes is one of our focus.

We stay committed to providing you the latest, cutting edge treatments direct from the research labs to you in a safe & reliable manner.

Welcome to the world of Gene Therapy for your hair & skin.

Microneedling

These process activate the stem cells of thinning/miniaturizing hair at gene level bringing hope to genetically balding people .

Microneedling - Resveratrol - Grapeseed extract  (MRG) process

This is a process to keep your hair & skin in a youthful state.
Resveratrol is antioxidant derived from black grapes , apples , blueberries , plums, peanuts etc.

Resveratrol has shown to promote the growth phase (anagen) of hair & protect our skin & hair from various oxidative stress. Resveratrol , when present intradermally, leads to

  1. Increased Gene expression of TERT( Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase ) levels in keratinocytes of hair follicle.
     TERT signals the hair follicle bulge stem cells to start multiplying (leading to hair growth & reversal of hair miniaturization) Resveratrol also increases gene expression of
  • IGF , and ,
  • KGF

They activate the Beta catenin pathway leading to increased stem cell multiplication.

Rapidly multiplying Ki67 + cells are noticed around the hair papilla / root when Resveratrol is introduced into the skin . These lead to activation of the hair follicle growth.
In this manner, thinning hair are protected from oxidative stress.

At the same time, Resveratrol promotes stem cell multiplication in thinning hair follicle leading to thicker & longer hair when used continuously.

Read the research at- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8637427/

Stem cell escape - https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/escaping-stem-cells-play-role-hair-loss

The process : The basic MRG process can be carried out by patient at home , after they have been properly trained.

Steps :

  1. Clean & wet scalp .

Use a (derma roller / derma pen / dermastamp ) of 1 mm. depth to create fine 1 mm deep channels in the scalp to facilitate entry of resveratrol in scalp skin.

  1. Apply custom made Resveratrol - Grapeseed extract serum to the scalp.

Read research on Grapeseed extract here : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696942/

  1. Apply the derma roller on scalp again to push the antioxidant into the scalp skin.

Warning / Precautions

  1. Use derma roller only as frequently as told by your doctor.
  2. The skin becomes more absorbent after derma rolling (esp. in first 24- 48 hrs ). So, avoid any harmful chemicals/products from coming in contact with the treated skin for 48 hrs. These harmful agents include hair colours / dyes, chemical based shampoos , make up etc.

Resveratrol Benefits video (Hindi): https://youtu.be/6rnf38VA_pY

Resveratrol Benefits video (English): https://youtu.be/Amfo3D2Cpoc

Grape seed extract video : https://youtu.be/jkB4waot69g

Resveratrol – microneedling treatment video : https://youtu.be/UYI25MsC-4c

Resveratrol – microneedling process video : https://youtu.be/QJ0XTcnDwl8

Stem cell escape video : https://youtu.be/KijM9xGitQk

Genetic Medicine/Gene Therapy :

Genetic medicine refers to use of products that can act on genes to modify their “gene expression”.

Androgenic alopecia or male/female pattern hairloss are inherited conditions where gene expression can now be modified.

The following processes outline use of products that act on the gene(s) to modify their expression.

Gene therapy is a technique that modifies a person’s genes to treat or cure disease.( https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products/what-gene-therapy)

Medical genetics is the branch of medicine that involves the diagnosis and management of hereditary disorders.( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_genetics)

Gene expression

When a gene is turned on and its RNA or protein product is being made, the gene is said to be expressed. The on/off state of cells is called a gene expression profile, with each cell type having a unique profile 

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6579593/)

The Microneedling Resveratrol PRP process (MRG - PRP)

This process has to be carried out in clinic. Steps 1 & 2 are same as for the basic process (A).

Additional steps :

(1a) Use patient’s venous blood to prepare PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma ) .

(1b) Apply the PRP fluid on the scalp skin (after dermarolling) in the same manner as Resveratrol – Grape seed ext. serum ( RG serum ) This gives an additional benefit in stimulating hair growth by providing growth factors that act on the stem cells of the hair.

Precautions are same for all process listed.

NMN boost MRG process

This process will be carried out at the clinic. (NMN disintegrates on exposure to water ). We are currently working on a suitable cream / lotion for home use. All the steps of MRG-PRP are carried out. However, after step 1 & 2 are completed, freshly prepared pure NMN solution in delivered into the scalp skin.

NMN gives a growth boost to the stem cells of the hair follicles, thereby improving hair health & growth .

Read research : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238909/

Benefits of NMN video : https://youtu.be/Skb0NAvN1w8

Wonders of NMN video : https://youtu.be/G-9T-bKPemI

How NMN stop hairloss video : https://youtu.be/ow-7kil5xpI

FISETIN top up therapy

Fisetin is a potent senolytic

Read research : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7593534/

Being a senolytic, fisetin removes senile / senescent cells in & around the thinning hair follicles, thereby improving hair growth .
Fisetin being a senolytic , consult doctor on the frequency of the MRG – F sessions.

DON’T apply FISETIN daily. 

Peptides for hair health

Genes help assemble amino acid sequences (proteins or polypeptides) that then carry out their functions. Peptides are amino acid sequences. Using peptides, we can have profound fitness and antiaging effects, including better hair growth. Peptide use (by injections / orally) is an important part of gene therapy for hair loss.

Some peptides of interest are:

  • GDF11
  • CJC1295 & Ipamorelin
  • TRH (Thyrotropin-releasing hormone)
  • GHK-Ca
  • Follistatin

While research has shown positive benefits, we are evaluating the beneficial effect of these peptides on hair growth.

Please consult our doctors to know which peptides will be the best match for your requirements.

Disclaimer – The therapies are based latest research (URL in the text is available for your reading ). We do not claim/promise any results. These can be considered experimental therapies at this time. Please read the research literature.

Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Regards,
Dr A’s Clinic



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