Authors' objectives: i. To evaluate the effectiveness of epigenetic hair analysis in predicting health status in healthy adults. ii. To assess the safety aspects of epigenetic hair analysis and epigenetic testing. iii. To examine the economic, social, ethical, and organisational implications related to epigenetic testing.

Authors' results and conclusions: A total of 1,631 records were identified through the Ovid and PubMed, with 10 more from other sources. After removing duplicates, 1,631 titles were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria, leading to 24 relevant abstracts that were retrieved in full text. Of these, nine fulltext articles were selected, including one systematic review, one scoping review, one randomised controlled trial, two cohort studies, one pilot study, and three in-vitro studies. All the included studies were published in English between 2012 and 2023, with the majority conducted in the United States of America (five studies). Additionally, one study each was conducted in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and China.

Authors' recommendations: Conclusion Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, are a valuable tool for understanding the relationship between environmental factors, aging, and disease risk. Most current studies primarily analyse DNA samples from peripheral blood, buccal swabs, and saliva. Research on DNA methylation from hair follicles remains limited, with no evidence supporting the use of wave resonance and vibrational analysis for decoding epigenetic information. The epigenetic signatures associated with human wellbeing have not been scientifically established for routine use in risk prediction, prognosis, or diagnosis beyond the scope of research. It should not be used for profit-driven initiatives until its scientific use is well proven. Epigenetic profiles are highly cell-type specific. Analysing only the hair follicle cells is unlikely to be a representative epigenetic profile for an individual.

Authors' methods: Electronic databases were searched through the Ovid interface: Ovid MEDLINE® ALL 1946 to June 28, 2024, EBM Reviews - Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials June 2024, EBM Reviews - Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects - 1st Quarter 2016, EBM Reviews - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005 to June 28, 2024, EBM Reviews - Health Technology Assessment 4th Quarter 2016, EBM Reviews - NHS Economic Evaluation Database 1st Quarter 2016. Searches were also run in Pubmed, US FDA and INAHTA websites. Google was used to search for additional webbased materials and information. The search was limited to articles on human. There was no language limitation in the search. Additional articles were identified from reviewing the references and bibliographies of the retrieved articles. The last search was conducted on 28th June 2024.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/30/429

Year Published: 2024

URL for published report: https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/attach_download/347/416

Requestor: Director of Medical Practice Division, MOH

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Level 4, Block E1, Parcel E, 62590 Putrajaya Malaysia Tel: +603 8883 1229

Contact Name: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Contact Email: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS)