Understanding Finasteride’s Mechanism of Action

• Finasteride is a medication used to treat hair loss by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• DHT is implicated in the miniaturization of hair follicles and eventual hair loss, making finasteride an effective treatment option for androgenetic alopecia.

The Role of Androgen Receptor (AR) Gene

• The androgen receptor (AR) gene plays a pivotal role in mediating the effects of DHT on hair follicles.
• Variations in the AR gene, including the CAG repeat length, can influence androgen receptor sensitivity and, consequently, individual responses to finasteride therapy.

Significance of CAG Score in Finasteride Response

• The CAG repeat polymorphism in the AR gene refers to the number of cytosine-adenine-guanine repeats in a specific region of the gene.
• Studies have suggested that shorter CAG repeat lengths are associated with increased androgen receptor sensitivity, leading to a greater response to finasteride treatment.
• Conversely, longer CAG repeat lengths may be associated with reduced androgen receptor sensitivity and a diminished response to finasteride therapy.

Predictive Value of CAG Score

• By analyzing the CAG score as part of the Finasteride Response Test, clinicians can predict individual responses to finasteride therapy with greater accuracy.
• Patients with shorter CAG repeat lengths may be more likely to experience positive outcomes with finasteride treatment, while those with longer CAG repeat lengths may require alternative treatment approaches.

Conclusion 

The Finasteride Response Test offers a scientific approach to personalized hair loss treatment, leveraging the predictive power of the CAG score to optimize treatment outcomes. By understanding the genetic factors that influence individual responses to finasteride therapy, clinicians can tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique genetic profile, maximizing efficacy and patient satisfaction.