Genome analysis: DNA sampling

At our centre located in Avignon, we invite you to have your DNA sampled for genome analysis. This innovative sampling method is not very well-known, yet its relevance (especially in regard to hair loss) has already been proven.

In five or six weeks you have the results, which will help the NHT team to better understand your alopecia.

The DNA sample we suggest you take allows us to analyse your genome, so you can learn more about the genes involved in your alopecia and find out which one is responsible for your hair loss.

As in all diseases, there is an interaction between genetics and epigenetics; listening to patients to get a complete history combined with the genetic data offered by the trichotest (genetic analysis) allows us to orientate ourselves towards a personalised treatment and to avoid medication that may not be effective.

Although we know the general mechanisms of action of the main medications and therefore the general indications for their use, this does not guarantee their effectiveness in every case; this is particularly noticeable in the treatment of alopecia, where the first positive effects are perceived after approximately 3 months;

Minoxidil is an example: its suspected mechanism of action is to promote the survival of cells of the dermal papilla in men and women; this molecule must be converted into minoxidil sulphate in order to have an effective action on hair growth; patients who have insufficient activity of the necessary enzyme, sulphotransferase, in the hair or skin are not able to convert this medication into its active form; this is why it does not work in all patients.

This is why this new test is interesting, because it allows us to know whether a person is likely to respond to a particular treatment.

Trichotest analyses 13 genes and 48 genetic variations that can help us choose a suitable treatment, it analyses 7 metabolic pathways in the body:

prostaglandin metabolism, inflammation, collagen synthesis, vasodilation, androgenic effect, mineral and vitamin metabolism and metabolism of an insulin-like growth factor, IGF1.

The application of the treatment can be a lotion, a foam, a complementary oral therapy, depending on the sensitivity of the patient determined by the test.

The test itself is very simple, it involves taking a saliva sample with a swab; the analysis by the laboratory takes 4 to 5 weeks.

A complementary questionnaire collecting additional information on the patient, such as current treatments, associated pathologies, emotional state, stress, physical activity, family history of hair loss is also carried out; this allows us to propose a personalised treatment.

A better understanding, a knowledge of your general state of health… This will allow us to offer you a treatment that is not only suitable but effective, which will take into account any undesirable effects.

What does this type of DNA sampling involve?

This kind of DNA sampling allows us to know the genetic predisposition to hair loss, and thus better assess the biological mechanisms behind hair loss.

We collaborate with independent European laboratories specializing in genetic analysis, which offer genetic tests to screen for the predisposition to develop genetic baldness in the future.

More specifically, we can determine, thanks to this DNA testing, the reasons why you are losing your hair. This allows us to offer you a personalized solution. Thanks to these personalised treatments, in a high percentage of cases we manage to stop hair loss and obtain significant hair growth.

What are the indications for DNA testing?

During sampling, three types of alopecia are explored:

• Androgenetic alopecia
• Alopecia areata
• Telogen effluvium

The sample relies on swabbing the inside of the mouth to analyse DNA from saliva.

The indications are as follows:

This analysis allows the exploration of all the chromosomes, the location of the responsible gene and its dysfunction. It provides a better knowledge of the family history of alopecia.

It also allows the detection of a vitamin or other mineral element deficiency.

It also makes it possible to determine in advance how effective a treatment will be, which treatments will have little effect, or which will cause undesirable effects.

It is particularly recommended for young people to slow the progression of baldness.

What are the advantages of this genome analysis?

The genome test, interpreted by independent specialists, gives us valuable information on the effectiveness of treatments. Your genes say a lot about you: which drugs will or will not work, what side effects your body may have as a result of treatment.

Our specialists from NHT Europe will explain to you the therapeutic contraindications linked to your state of health and the daily implications linked to each of these treatments.

Whether you are a man or a woman, the genome test is an innovation that allows treatments to be personalized and treatments to be more effective.

What are the advantages as a patient?

This DNA testing makes it possible to circumvent the therapeutic risk so far inherent in any treatment for baldness. You will be able to know which drug is of interest in your case, and thus avoid paying large sums or using treatments that are unnecessary and that risk causing significant side effects.

In conclusion, what are the advantages of this DNA testing?

• Its effectiveness: it greatly facilitates therapeutic prescription, by analysing the dysfunction of the gene responsible for alopecia; it makes it possible to know in advance whether a particular treatment will be effective or a source of undesirable effects.
• It is painless and non-invasive.
• It allows you to personalize baldness treatments.
• New substances, in addition to minoxidil and finasteride have demonstrated real effectiveness.
• Finasteride, too, can now be given as a topical lotion on the scalp and no longer as a tablet due to much lower rate of transmission to the bloodstream.
• The genetic results remain unchanged throughout a person's life, and you will know for the rest of your life which substances are right for you and which to avoid.
• Having been among the first (we have been practising this analysis since January 2020) to carry out diagnoses and treatments, we have some hindsight on the subject. We frequently observe a stopping of the development of hair loss and sometimes an almost complete regrowth of hair never before observed with the old treatments.

The essential information

Genome analysis provides a better understanding of your alopecia and its origin, and greatly facilitates the choice of medical treatments.

It is particularly recommended in young subjects to stabilize alopecia and prevent early onset of extensive baldness.

It also helps stabilize hair loss, improve the condition of the hair condition and is, in our opinion, an essential supplement for anyone performing a transplant.