Topical minoxidil is a medication used to treat hair loss. It works by stimulating hair growth and increasing the size of hair follicles. The exact mechanism of action of minoxidil is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by opening potassium channels, which leads to increased blood flow and nutrient supply to hair follicles. This promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Sulphotransferases are a group of enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of various drugs and xenobiotics in the body. In the case of topical minoxidil, sulphotransferases are responsible for converting the drug into its active metabolite, minoxidil sulphate. Minoxidil is a prodrug, meaning that it is not active until it is metabolized in the body. Once it is absorbed through the skin, it undergoes a two-step conversion process. First, it is converted to minoxidil glucuronide by the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT). This metabolite is then further metabolized to minoxidil sulphate by sulphotransferases.
Minoxidil sulphate is the active form of minoxidil and is responsible for stimulating hair growth. It works by opening potassium channels in hair follicles, which leads to increased blood flow and nutrient supply. This promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. In summary, sulphotransferases play an important role in the metabolism of topical minoxidil. They convert the drug into its active form, minoxidil sulphate, which promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss by opening potassium channels in hair follicles.
Minoxidil sulphate is believed to be responsible for the vasodilatory effects of minoxidil on the scalp, which increases blood flow and stimulates hair growth. It may also promote the growth of hair follicles by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Variations in the genes that encode for sulphotransferase enzymes, such as SULT1A1, may affect the metabolism of minoxidil and contribute to individual differences in response to the medication. This is why genetic testing for SULT1A1 variants, such as the SULT1A1*2 allele, is used to predict an individual’s likelihood of responding to minoxidil treatment for hair loss.
Trichogene is a company that offers genetic testing and personalized treatment plans for hair loss. One of the services they provide is the Minoxidil Response Test (MRT). Trichogene’s MRT involves genetic testing to determine the patient’s genetic predisposition to hair loss and their likelihood of responding to minoxidil treatment. The test evaluates several genetic markers that are associated with minoxidil response.
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Based on the genetic testing results, Doctor provides a personalized treatment plan that may include minoxidil and other hair loss treatments. The plan is tailored to the patient’s specific genetic profile and is designed to maximize the chances of a positive response to treatment.Trichogene’s MRT is a unique approach to hair loss treatment that combines genetic testing and personalized medicine. Trichogene MRT is very simple just saliva or a buccal swab sample is enough to find Minoxidil Response.