Leptin and metabolic syndrome in alopecia areata

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the role of leptin gene polymorphism in alopecia areata with metabolic syndrome (MS).BackgroundAlopecia areata is considered an organ-specific autoimmune disease of hair follicles. Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, represents a link between metabolism, nutritional status, and immune response. T helper1-promoting effects of leptin have been linked to develop experimentally induced autoimmune disease.Patients and methodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 alopecia areata with MS patients. Body mass index, Severity of Alopecia Tool score, blood pressure, serum fasting glucose, triglyceride, and leptin polymerase chain reaction were done for alopecia areata patients.ResultsIn this cross-sectional study, the males represent 54% (27) and females 46% (23), their age ranging from 30 to 48 years with mean ± SD 36.7 ± 4.93. In all, 80% had sudden onset and 20% had gradual onset; 54% had progressive course of the disease; And 10% had positive family history. Patchy type was present in all cases. Regarding leptin gene polymorphism, GG genotype was present in 54% of patients. GA and alopecia areata were present in 30 and 16% of patients, respectively. No significant relation between leptin gene polymorphism and demographic and clinical data of alopecia areata with MS patients (P > 0.05) was found except for family history.ConclusionsThe study showed significant association between leptin gene polymorphism and susceptibility to alopecia areata with MS patients and ascertained that this polymorphism has a direct relationship with the severity of the disease.