How to read your DNA test

To truly understand how unique and state-of-the-art, the Nimbus platform and experience is, it’s best to hear someone’s unique hair loss story and how Nimbus came to the rescue. Today, I will tell you about my Nimbus success story. I first have to admit that I am biased towards Nimbus. Currently, I act as the pharmacist in charge of Nimbus Healthcare. Six months ago, I noticed I had a severe thinning of my hair. I first saw my hair thinning during my final year of pharmacy school. After graduation, I knew I had to do something about my hair. My hair was thinning faster daily, and I wanted to look my best before my impending wedding. I decided to do something about my hair. At first, I sought help from my PCP, and he offered the traditional finasteride (Propecia) treatment regimen. I was wary of the potential adverse effects of oral finasteride, so I decided to hold off on starting the medication. My time was running out, and I decided to start the medication. For the first few months, I saw a slight improvement, but my hair looked just well enough to avoid being noticeable in the wedding photos by the time my wedding came around. It was around this time that I began working with Nimbus. I told Jobby about my story and how I was not satisfied with the current treatment regimen, and that I was experiencing some minor side effects. Immediately he got me set up to experience the Nimbus platform. 

I received my test kit, did the genetic test, and decided to do the blood work to check my hormones. I had reviewed the science, talked to our Nimbus physicians, and followed the protocol to a “T”. After a few weeks after meeting with my Nimbus physician, accepting my personalized treatment protocol, and obtaining my customized hair loss foam prescription, my hair loss journey took a dramatic turn. My Nimbus hair loss formulation was personalized to my unique needs. I will discuss and share the results of my genetic hair test and explain what makes the Nimbus test different from anything else on the market. This will allow me to show you how unique the Nimbus experience is.

Result Breakdown

My test results indicated that my PTGES2 gene was not associated with lower PGE2 levels, meaning the receptor made by this gene is stable and is not driving hair loss. On the other hand, the yellow indicator for SULT1A1 means that I will need higher concentrations of Minoxidil in my formulation to activate enough to increase hair growth and regeneration. As a result, minoxidil was added to my hair loss formula.

The third set of genes analyzed by the Nimbus hair test covers genes associated with inflammation in the scalp, blood circulation, collagen synthesis, and whether antiandrogen therapy will be effective.

Gene Breakdown: 

GR-Alpha (Glucocorticoid receptor alpha)⁶

The GR gene encodes for the glucocorticoid receptor, which is a receptor involved in regulating inflammation, cell growth, and development. Topical steroids are glucocorticoids and can be used for inflammation and itching associated with certain types of hair loss. Changes in the GR gene can cause variable responses to topical corticosteroids. Nimbus looks for these changes and uses the information to adjust the dosage of topical steroids to ensure efficacy.

CYP19A1⁷

The CYP19A1 gene makes the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone into estrogen. Alterations in this gene are associated with increased or reduced enzyme activity, leading to an imbalance in the estrogen/testosterone ratio. If the enzyme has low activity, testosterone levels are increased, which leads to an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. Excess DHT levels are one of the leading causes of hair loss. DHT is a robust growth-inhibiting signal when present in the hair follicle.

SR5DA (Steroid 5-alpha-reductase)^8-10

The SRD5A gene encodes for the enzyme steroid 5-alpha reductase, which is an enzyme that converts testosterone to the more powerful dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A more active version of 5-alpha-reductase means more DHT production and accumulation in the hair follicle. This accelerates hair loss by increasing the atrophy (withering) of the hair follicle. 

ACE^11,12

ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. This enzyme is a critical regulator of blood pressure and blood flow. ACE converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a potent constrictor of the blood vessels. Nimbus measures changes in this gene because the increased ACE activity is associated with decreased blood flow to the hair follicle resulting in hair loss. Mutations in this gene are also associated with higher blood pressure.

COL1A1^13,14

COL1A1 is a gene for type 1 collagen, the building block of connective tissue, bones, joints, hair, and cartilage. Changes in this gene can lead to increased hair fragility, bone problems, wrinkles, fragile nails, joint pain, and osteoporosis. Nimbus tests for this gene change to see if high-quality collagen therapy would be beneficial.

Results Breakdown: 

My GR gene was green, indicating I would respond well to topical steroids; however, steroids are not necessary for my type of hair loss. I did not have inflammatory hair loss like Alopecia Areata. We check this gene because if the result is yellow or red, we need to use higher doses of steroids or another agent to reduce inflammation. 

My results for the anti-androgen genes (SR5DA genes) are also green. Green means my body does not have more enzymes leading to an elevation in DHT. Elevated DHT is the primary driver in male pattern baldness. If the result is yellow or red, therapy to block DHT is highly recommended, but in my case, other targets should be addressed first. 

My CYP19A1 gene had a yellow result. My body has a reduced capacity to convert testosterone to estrogen resulting in more testosterone available to convert to DHT. Nothing needs to be done in a person whose results are green, but yellow or red can benefit from adding melatonin to their formulations. Melatonin can normalize a sluggish aromatase enzyme and restore the normal conversion of testosterone to estrogen in the scalp.

Lastly, the yellow genes for ACE and COL1A1 indicate derangements in collagen formation and tend to make more of the blood constrictor angiotensin II. The targeted therapies based on these results are supplementing collagen or high collagen foods like bone broth and vasodilators like minoxidil or arginine. Green results would warrant no additional therapy and red results use equivalent therapies as yellow but at higher doses.

The final set of genes analyzed by the Nimbus Hair DNA Test covers genes associated with biotin production and absorption, inflammation, and Vitamin A metabolism.

Gene Breakdown: 

CRABP2 (Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein 2)¹⁵

This gene is responsible for a protein that transports vitamin A into the cell. Vitamin A stimulates hair follicle development and reinforces the production of new hair cells. Some changes in the CRABP2 are associated with a decrease in Vitamin A concentration inside the hair follicle. Patients can often benefit from the addition of Vitamin A or the closely related Vitamin A compounds to increase the efficacy of Minoxidil for hair restoration.

BTD (Biotinidase)¹⁶

Biotin is a fan favorite treatment for hair loss.  Biotin nourishes the hair follicle and, along with the other B vitamins, aids the body in having a normal, healthy response to stressors. The BTD gene encodes the enzyme biotinidase, which is responsible for replenishing and recycling biotin.  This enzyme is necessary for absorbing and releasing biotin found in foods. Biotin deficiencies are closely associated with progressive hair loss.

IGFR-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor)^17,18

IGF-1 is a hormone that looks very similar to insulin and is critical in cell growth. The levels of IGF-1 are severely low in areas where hair loss is the most aggressive, primarily due to androgen (DHT) factors. Mutations in this gene can be associated with IGF-1 levels that are lower than predicted. People with these alterations can benefit from hair restoration therapies that build back normal IGF-1 levels.

Results Breakdown: 

Based on my results for these genes, it was determined that I would not need a specific medication added to my treatment plan as the BTD and CRABP2 genes were green. If the BTD gene is yellow or red, supplemental biotin is recommended. Additional vitamin A is recommended if the CRABP2 gene is yellow or red. We do not have any prescription medications available in the US for IGF-1; however, increasing protein intake, ceylon cinnamon, blueberries, and creatine can improve IGF-1 levels.

The moment you have been waiting for… 

My results were nothing short of amazing. I have been using the Nimbus Hair loss product for approximately six months, and the results are more than I could have ever hoped for. See them for yourself.

  No Treatment

 Three Months

Today

             

I will let the results speak for themselves, but I will ask you this. Are you ready for personalized medicine? Contact us and get started today!