Skin-deep cells could bring cure for baldness

STRETCH MARKS and baldness are just two of the ways Mother Nature likes to inform us all that we're not getting any younger.

But scientists believe they have found a solution to the effects of the relentless march of time on the human body.

And the solution to such common and widespread body anxieties comes from within our own skin.

The discovery could spell the end to painful surgical procedures for the removal of stretch marks and no more anxieties for men who are losing their hair prematurely.

But the breakthrough could also be used to treat gum disease, which affects up to 80% of people over 40.

A Texas-based company has developed a way of using skin cell injections to treat these common complaints.

The process uses fibroblast cells, which are taken from the middle layer of skin - the dermal layer. These cells are extracted and multiplied in laboratory conditions before being injected into the areas that need treatment.

Scientists have even succeeded in growing hair using these fibroblasts - cells which generate and control levels of the protein collagen and elastin and are found in skin, bones and other connective body tissue.

Fibroblasts also play a major role in the healing of wounds.

Dr Mark Lewis, an expert in fibroblasts at University College, London, said these cells are "marvellous" at knowing what to do.

He said, "Fibroblasts know what to do because they know what is involved in normal maintenance."

The treatment has been used for several years to rejuvenate an ageing face, but scientists at Texas-based biotech company Isolagen, have discovered the technique is effective on stretch marks, a report in today's Chemistry & Industry magazine said.

Stretch marks also occur in the dermal layer of skin. As the dermis is constantly stretched over time, the skin becomes less elastic and the small connective fibres within it break.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, and they often occur as a result of weight gain and pregnancy. The only current way to remove them is by surgery.

Bob Sexauer, vice-president of corporate development at Isolagen, said, "We have carried out 15 case studies and we seem to be having great success with depressed or indented stretch marks. Raised stretch marks are proving more difficult, but we're working on it."

But he believes that it is in the treatment of gum disease, and not stretch marks, that the greatest need for such a technique lies.

Between three-quarters and 80% of people aged over 40 have suffered from periodontal disease which has resulted in some damage to the gums.

Fibroblast injections have been found to be successful in regenerating gum tissue.

Scientists at Isolagen have also succeed in growing hair using fibroblasts, but it is unclear whether the research will lead to a commercial product to tackle baldness. Mr Sexauer said, "We plan to continue research in this area, as we may be able to license technologies to other companies."