Common Type Of Hair Loss Research Articles

Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Exosomes Carrying MiR-122-5p Antagonize the Inhibitory Effect of Dihydrotestosterone on Hair Follicles by Targeting the TGF-β1/SMAD3 Signaling Pathway.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss, where local high concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp cause progressive shrinkage of the hair follicles, eventually contributing to hair loss. Due to the limitations of existing methods to treat AGA, the use of multi-origin mesenchymal stromal cell-derived exosomes has been proposed. However, the functions and mechanisms of action of exosomes secreted by adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs-Exos) in AGA are still unclear. Using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) analysis, immunofluorescence staining, scratch assays, and Western blotting, it was found that ADSC-Exos contributed to the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and up-regulated the expression of cyclin, β-catenin, versican, and BMP2. ADSC-Exos also mitigated the inhibitory effects of DHT on DPCs and down-regulated transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and its downstream genes. Moreover, high-throughput miRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis identified 225 genes that were co-expressed in ADSC-Exos; of these, miR-122-5p was highly enriched and was found by luciferase assays to target SMAD3. ADSC-Exos carrying miR-122-5p antagonized DHT inhibition of hair follicles, up-regulated the expression of β-catenin and versican in vivo and in vitro, restored hair bulb size and dermal thickness, and promoted the normal growth of hair follicles. So, ADSC-Exos enhanced the regeneration of hair follicles in AGA through the action of miR-122-5p and the inhibition of the TGF-β/SMAD3 axis. These results suggest a novel treatment option for the treatment of AGA.

Second-to-fourth digit ratio and age predicting the severity of androgenetic alopecia: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common type of hair loss. Previous studies indicated that the relative length of the index and ring finger (2D:4D ratio) of AGA patients was lower than control. However, the correlation between 2D:4D ratio and disease severity is unclear. In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between digit ratio of the right hand and AGA severity in male patients. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was performed. Hamilton–Norwood scale was used to assess severity. The finger lengths of the right hand were measured using a digital caliper. Results: Our study found that the lower the right-handed 2D:4D ratio, the greater the risk of developing AGA and that the severity of AGA increases with age. Patients with moderate and severe AGA (grade 3 and above) had lower 2D:4D ratios and higher average age compared with patients with mild AGA (Norwood grade 2). Patients aged ≥37.5 with a 2D:4D ratio <0.947 were six times more likely to have moderate-to-severe androgenetic alopecia compared with the reference group (OR: 6.11; 95% CI: 1.96–19.04). Conclusions: Combining 2D:4D ratio and older age may help predict the severity risk of AGA, and offer a clinically accessible, non-invasive approach for patients to easily predict their future severity.

Women’s hair loss: pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

The article presents a review of modern ukrainian and foreign publications on the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnostics of female pattern hair loss (FPHL), which is a common type of hair loss and its frequency increases with age. The questions of terminology, disease prevalence, and risk factors of hair loss are considered. It is emphasized that FPHL is a clinical problem and that it is advisable to clarify the comorbid profile of female patients and to screen for metabolic disorders. There is still no complete understanding of the pathophysiology of FPHL. There is evidence that hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in the process of hair loss in women. Current data concerning systemic hormonal disturbances in ovarian and adrenal gland diseases in women as well as the importance of disorders of androgen-dependent mechanisms of regulation of the hair follicle growth cycle are presented.The attention is drawn to genetic abnormalities in the case of FPHL. The role of growth factors, cytokines, microinflammation, iron deficiency, perifollicular fibrosis, oxidative stress in regression of the hair follicle is considered. FPHL is characterized as non-scarring alopecia, which develops due to progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and further hair reduction, especially in the central (frontal and parietal) scalp, gradual replacement of long terminal hair by short pubic (vellus) hair. Three models of female hair loss, modern classification according to the stages of progression used in practice, possible causes of clinical differences in alopecia in men and women are presented. The main directions of diagnostics (history, clinical and laboratory examination, special dermatological tests) are outlined, the possibilities of modern noninvasive diagnostic method of dermoscopy are emphasized. Pharmacotherapy, recommended on the basis of evidence-based medicine, is limited to two drugs – topical minoxidil and systemic finasteride. The necessity of interdisciplinary approach to the management of patients with FPHL has been proved.

P226 Malassezia hyphae play possible roles in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss that seriously affects the appearance and psychology of patients. Some studies show that Malassezia seems to participate in the development of AGA, but there is still debate on this because of absent hyphae in the alopecia area. Interestingly, M. hyphae were found in scalp alopecia area of AGA patients. Thus, we speculate that the hyphae form of Malassezia may be not causal in AGA patients, and the M. hyphae may play a possible role in AGA.ObjectiveThe present study aims to elucidate the correlation of M. mycelia with hair loss in AGA patients and compare the species distribution of Malassezia in scalp between AGA patients and healthy individuals.MethodsWe sampled scales from scalp alopecia area from the patients diagnosed with AGA. The specimen was stained with calcofluor white staining (CFW) and observed for Malassezia structure under light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. In the meanwhile, the scales were used for DNA direct extraction and sequencing. The other part of the specimen was inoculated onto Modified Dixon agar and culture at 37°C for 7 days. The isolates were identified by morphological and molecular sequencing (ITS1 and ITS4).ResultsThe fungal load of Malassezia was significantly increased and short club-shaped mycelia exist in AGA patients, accounting for 48.89%, The fungal load was positively correlated with the skin inflammation of the hair loss area. The skin inflammation on the hair loss scalp was relieved after the treatment with antifungal agents, accompanying the disappearance of M. hyphae and decreasing of fungal load. There is no difference in species distribution of Malassezia in both AGA patients and healthy individuals. M. globosa and M. restricta are the two most common species isolated from the hair loss area.Conclusion Malassezia mycelia exist in patients with mild to moderate AGA, accounting for a certain percentage. The hair loss stopped accompanied with the disappearance of M. hyphae and decreasing of fungal burden. Our data suggest that the presence of M. hyphae may contribute to the pathogenesis of AGA.

Prevalence of Non-Scarring Alopecia among Female Patients Complaining from Hirsutism

Background: Hirsutism is a common clinical problem that cause great distress to the patient, and which true incidence is unknown. However, it is more common among Mediterranean women. Hirsutism is excessive terminal hair growth in women in androgen-dependent. Often the cause of it is hyperandrogenism but it can be also idiopathic. In hyperandrogenic states like in cases of PCOS, it can associate with other cutaneous clinical signs of this endocrine disorder like acne and AGA.Aim of the study: To evaluate the prevalence of non-scaring hair loss (alopecia) among female patients complaining of hirsutism.Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on more than 90 patients who have hirsutism within reproductive age (married and UN married) and complained of hair loss A special questionnaire design was developed to record all their data. Hair loss was diagnosed and assessed by visual overview examination by the naked eye and trichoscopic examination, by using Dermatoscope Foto finder stationary mode. The photo of the trichoscopic examination was saved and the features of each type of non-scaring alopecia were assessed.Results: In our study, there are three types of non-scaring hair loss associated with hirsutism (Androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, androgenic alopecia with telogen effluvium). The most common type of hair loss associated with hirsutism is (Androgenetic alopecia with telogen effluvium) 55.6%. The most common trichoscopic features found in (Androgenetic alopecia with telogen effluvium) hair shaft heterogeneity 100%, HF with only one hair 74%, peripilar sign 82%, empty hair follicle 96%, up right re-growing hair 92% and black dots 36%, while these findings present in a lesser ratio in other groups.Conclusions: Androgenetic alopecia with telogen effluvium most common non-scarring alopecia associated with hirsutism.

Weekly treatment with SAMiRNA targeting the androgen receptor ameliorates androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men and women. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androgen receptor (AR) levels are increased in patients with AGA, and DHT-AR signaling correlates strongly with AGA pathogenesis. In this study, treatment with self-assembled micelle inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA) nanoparticle-type siRNA selectively suppressed AR expression in vitro. Clinical studies with application of SAMiRNA to the scalp and massaging to deliver it to the hair follicle confirmed its efficacy in AGA. For identification of a potent SAMiRNA for AR silencing, 547 SAMiRNA candidates were synthesized and screened. SAMiRNA-AR68 (AR68) was the most potent and could be efficiently delivered to human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and hair follicles, and this treatment decreased the AR mRNA and protein levels. We confirmed that 10 µM AR68 elicits no innate immune response in human PBMCs and no cytotoxicity up to 20 µM with HFDP and HaCaT cells. Clinical studies were performed in a randomized and double-blind manner with two different doses and frequencies. In the low-dose (0.5 mg/ml) clinical study, AR68 was applied three times per week for 24 weeks, and through quantitative analysis using a phototrichogram, we confirmed increases in total hair counts. In the 24-week long high-dose (5 mg/ml) clinical study, AR68 showed average additional hair growth of 1.3-1.9 hairs/cm2 per month, which is comparable to finasteride. No side effects were observed. Therefore, SAMiRNA targeting AR mRNA is a potential novel topical treatment for AGA.

Effects of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. extract and verbascoside on human dermal papilla and murine macrophage

Androgenic alopecia is a common type of hair loss, usually caused by testosterone metabolism generating dihydrotestosterone and hair follicular micro-inflammation. These processes induce dermal papilla cells to undergo apoptosis. Currently approved effective medications for alopecia are Finasteride, an oral 5α-reductase inhibitor, Minoxidil, a topical hair growth promoter, and Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory agent, all of which, however, have several adverse side effects. In our study, we showed the bioactivity of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. (AE) extract performed by 95% ethanol, and verbascoside (VB), a biomarker of AE extract. Both AE extract and VB were studied for their effects on dermal papilla cell viability and the cell cycle by using MTT assay and flow cytometry. The effect of an anti-inflammatory activity of AE extract and VB on IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α, released from LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells, and IL-1α and IL-6 released from irradiated dermal papilla cells were detected using ELISA technique. The preventive effect on dermal papilla cell apoptosis induced by testosterone was determined by MTT assay. In controlled in vitro assays it was found that AE extract and VB at various concentrations induced dermal papilla cell proliferation which was indicated by an increase in the number of cells in the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. AE extract at 250 µg/mL concentration or VB at 62.50 µg/mL concentration prevented cell apoptosis induced by testosterone at a statistically significant level. In addition, both AE extract and VB greatly inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from RAW 264.7 and dermal papilla cells. The release of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO from RAW 264.7 cells, as well as IL-1α and IL-6 from dermal papilla cells, was also diminished by AE extract 250 µg/mL and VB 125 µg/mL. Our results indicate that AE extract and VB are promising ingredients for anti-hair loss applications. However, further clinical study is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of AE extract and VB as treatment for actual hair loss.

Assessment of the Oxidative Stress Status in Androgenetic Alopecia in Egyptian Men

Abstract Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is commonly known as a male pattern baldness. It is characterized by a stepwise miniaturization of the hair follicle, resulting from alteration in the hair cycle dynamics, leading to vellus transformation of terminal hair follicle. In AGA, the duration of anagen phase gradually decreases and that of telogen phase increases, the maximum length of the new anagen hair becomes shorter than that of its predecessor, leading to miniaturization and eventually a bald appearance. Aim of the Work To assess the expression of NRF2 in the scalp of men with androgenetic alopecia. Patients and Methods This case control study included 28 male patients whose age ranged from 18 to 45 years old. They were diagnosed as having AGA according to Norwood-Hamilton scale. Further, 28 age and sex matched healthy male controls were recruited. All patients and controls were recruited from the dermatology outpatient clinic of Ain-Shams University Hospitals, during the period of September 2018 to April 2019. Results A group of Twenty-eight male patients with AGA were recruited to the study. The of patients ranged from 18 to 45 years (mean = 33.46 years ± 9.9 SD). Twenty-eight age matched male healthy volunteers without AGA were e recruited. The majority of AGA patients had positive family history of AGA in their first degree relatives. None of our patients had a medical history of systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus or hypertension. Conclusion The current study showed that alteration of Nrf2 levels may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AGA.

Assessment of Human Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 Related Factor 2 (NRF2) in Androgenetic Alopecia in Egyptian Men

Abstract Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is commonly known as a male pattern baldness. It is characterized by a stepwise miniaturization of the hair follicle, resulting from alteration in the hair cycle dynamics, leading to vellus transformation of terminal hair follicle. In AGA, the duration of anagen phase gradually decreases and that of telogen phase increases, the maximum length of the new anagen hair becomes shorter than that of its predecessor, leading to miniaturization and eventually a bald appearance. Aim of the work To assess the expression of NRF2 in the scalp of men with androgenetic alopecia. Patients and Methods This case control study included 28 male patients whose age ranged from 18 to 45 years old. They were diagnosed as having AGA according to Norwood-Hamilton scale. Further, 28 age and sex matched healthy male controls were recruited. All patients and controls were recruited from the dermatology outpatient clinic of Ain-Shams University Hospitals, during the period of September 2018 to April 2019. Results A group of Twenty-eight male patients with AGA were recruited to the study. The of patients ranged from 18 to 45 years (mean = 33.46 years ± 9.9 SD). Twenty-eight age matched male healthy volunteers without AGA were e recruited. The majority of AGA patients had positive family history of AGA in their first degree relatives. None of our patients had a medical history of systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus or hypertension. Conclusion The current study showed that alteration of Nrf2 levels may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AGA.

Androgenetic Alopecia Among Hospital Staff: A Study of Prevalence, Types and a Comparison with General Population in a Secondary Hospital in China

PurposeThe aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence and types of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) among hospital staff and compare it with the general population in dermatology.Subjects and MethodsWe carried out the study in a secondary hospital in China. We conducted face-to-face interviews with hospital staff and the outpatients and their accompanying persons (general population) visiting the dermatology clinic of the hospital. The severity of AGA was evaluated using the Hamilton–Norwood and Ludwig classifications.ResultsThere were 297 subjects in the hospital staff (105 men and 192 women) and 318 subjects in the general population (109 men and 209 women). The prevalence of AGA among male and female staff was 42.9% and 13.0%, respectively, and the corresponding rates among general male and female population were 27.5% and 8.1%, respectively. However, there was no statistical difference in the prevalence of AGA between female staff and general female population. Among male staff, type IV was the most common type of hair loss (17.1%), and type IVa and type Va were the least common (1.0%). Among female staff, type I (6.3%) was the most common type of hair loss, and type III and male pattern hair loss were the least common (1.0%). A positive family history was found in 53.3% of male and 44.0% of female staff with AGA.ConclusionThe prevalence of AGA in the male staff was higher than that in the general male population.

Brassica oleracea extract, glucosinlates, and sulforaphane promote hair growth in vitro and ex vivo.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss, in which dihyrotestosterone (DHT) plays a crucial role via modulating androgen receptors in hair follicles. The current objective is to search for new therapy of AGA. In the present study, we investigated the effects of sulforaphane, its precursor glucosinlates and glucosinlates-enriched Brassica oleracea L.var.italic Planch extract (BOE) on the growth of hair follicle and the related matrix cell viability, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms in vitro and ex vivo. We observed that BOE, glucosinlates, and sulforaphane can prevent the testosterone-induced inhibition of dermal papilla (DP) cells viability. BOE and sulforaphane can even hinder the testosterone-induced inhibition of HaCaT cells viability. Moreover, BOE, glucosinlates, and sulforaphane can up-regulate the cytokeratin gene expression in HaCaT cells, prevent the increase in Bax gene levels induced by testosterone in DP, and promote the growth of hair follicle of mice. These effects can be linked to the enhancement of DP and HaCaT cells activities and the prevention of the testosterone-induced cell apoptosis of DP cells. Taken together, BOE, glucosinlates, and sulforaphane can promote the growth of hair follicle of mice and can be used as potential treatment agents for androgenic alopecia.

Scalp Biophysical Characteristics in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comparative Study with Healthy Controls.

BackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men. Its prevalence increases with advancing age. Characteristics of hair loss in male AGA reveal the possibility of different biophysical and physiological profiles between androgen-sensitive (vertex) and androgen-insensitive (occipital) scalps. However, these variations have not been well investigated.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate and compare scalp biophysical and physiological characteristics in male AGA patients and healthy controls.MethodsScalp biophysiological profiles were evaluated by non-invasive measuring techniques, including skin surface lipids (SSL), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) on both vertex and occipital areas. Values were compared between scalp areas and study groups. Participants with AGA were further categorized based on disease severity (Hamilton–Norwood classification) for subgroup analyses. Correlation coefficients were evaluated to determine the effects of AGA severity and age on each functional parameter.ResultsParticipants were 31 AGA subjects and 31 healthy controls. The vertex scalp of AGA patients had significantly higher SSL (p = 0.03) and lower SCH (p = 0.02) compared to the occipital scalp. TEWL was not significantly different (p = 0.31). AGA group SSL showed a positive correlation with severity of hair loss (r = 0.61, p = 0.03). When compared to controls, the AGA group vertex scalp had significantly higher SSL (p = 0.03) and lower TEWL (p < 0.001). The occipital area showed no statistically significant differences.ConclusionMale AGA presents with different biophysical and physiological characteristics in androgen-sensitive and androgen-insensitive areas, and with further differences from controls. These findings could direct further research and aid in the development of optimal hair and scalp treatments to improve scalp functional profiles in particular patients.

Male and female pattern hair loss: Treatable and worth treating.

Pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in both men and women. Scalp hair is typically affected in a characteristic distribution without other scalp or dermatologic findings. Early recognition and treatment can help halt its progression to preserve as much hair as possible. Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments have proven helpful.

Efficacy and safety of a novel herbal solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and comparison with 5% minoxidil: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial study.

FDA-approved drugs for the most common type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), present many side effects and disadvantages. However, herbal compounds are characterized by patient compliance, fewer side effects, and several mechanisms of action. The present study set to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the topical herbal solution and to compare it with 5% minoxidil in men with AGA. A randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted from 28 November 2018 to 2 September 2019, in Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. 24 healthy males (mean [SD] age 33.04 [5.81]) with mild to moderate AGA were selected from 44 volunteer participants. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) into two groups. They received 1 ml of topical solutions at morning and evening intervals for 9 months. Primary outcomes consisted of measured hair diameters at baseline and repeated at weeks 12, 24, and 36. Furthermore, hair density was measured at baseline and week 36. The MTS + THS group was significantly superior to the MTS group after 36 weeks of therapy in the hair diameter improvement. At week 36, the mean hair diameter of the MTS + THS group significantly increased compared to the MTS group (P = .001). Hair density increased in both groups; however, only in the MTS + THS group, it was significant (P < .05). The findings established that the topical herbal solution has significant influence on patients with AGA and improvement of their quality of life. This solution can be considered a significant step towards the prevention and treatment of AGA. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03753113.

Examination of androgenetic alopecia with serum biomarkers.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss and affects approximately 50% of the male population. In the present study, to investigate microinflammation, perifollicular fibrosis, and oxidative stress in AGA cases, some serum biomarker levels were measured and evaluated. Serum samples were drawn from patients (n=58) and control (n=30) groups referring to Atatürk Training and Investigation Hospital Dermatology Outpatient clinic. In serum samples, NF-κB, TNF-α, TGF-β1, thioredoxin, nitric oxide, TOS, TAS, and thiol disulfide homeostasis (native thiol, total thiol, disulfide) were measured and evaluated. In patients with AGA, NF-κB (P=.005), TNF-α (P=.008), TGF-β1 (P=.028), thioredoxin (P=.004), nitric oxide (P<.001), and TOS (P<.001) serum levels were found to be significantly higher than those in control group, while TAS (P=.003), native thiol (P<.001), total thiol (P<.001), and disulfide (P<.001) serum levels were found to be significantly lower. According to the results of the present study, it was concluded that in that AGA androgens lead to oxidative stress by increasing free oxygen radicals, which accelerates hair loss by causing microinflammation and fibrosis. The recognition of the effect of androgens and associated factors on the hair follicle cycle is essential for the development of new and effective treatment methods.

Evaluation of the relationship between androgenetic alopecia and blood groups and Rhesus factor.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss. Androgens and genetic factors are responsible for pathogenesis. Blood groups are genetic markers that are used to identify human gene variation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood group distribution in patients with AGA and to compare it with healthy population. A total of 207 patients diagnosed with AGA in dermatology clinic and whose blood group records were available, between 2010 and 2019, were included in the study. Six hundred forty two healthy individuals who matched with the patient group in terms of age and sex, who attending to the family medicine outpatient clinic of our hospital in order to learn their blood groups were included as the control group. When the results were compared, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (P˃.05). We could not find any relationship between AGA and blood groups. However, in order to determine this relationship more clearly, further multicentre studies including more cases and investigating subgroups of the cases are needed.

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Adenosine for Androgenetic Alopecia in Adults: A Systematic Review

Background. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss in men and women. Due to very limited therapeutic options, search for other effective and safe drugs is necessary.&#x0D; Objectives. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a potential treatment option, topical adenosine, for AGA in male and female adults.&#x0D; Methods. A search of databases (Cochrane Library, Pubmed Medline, and others) was performed with no time limitations placed. We included human interventional studies published in English involving the use of topical adenosine for AGA in healthy adult males and females. Risk bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria.&#x0D; Results. All four trials in this review, with a total of 260 participants, used 0.75% topical adenosine lotion twice a day for a period of 6-12 months. Comparators were placebo, topical niacinamide, and topical minoxidil. Evaluated parameters include improvement in baldness grading as assessed by dermatologists and investigators, improvement and satisfaction as assessed by participants, anagen growth, thick/thin/vellus hair ratio, and hair density. Two trials found significant improvement with thick hair ratio (&gt;60 or &gt;80 μm) with the use of topical adenosine while two trials showed higher overall participant satisfaction with topical adenosine. Few to no adverse effects were reported with its use.&#x0D; Conclusion. This is the first systematic review involving topical adenosine for AGA. Topical adenosine may be effective in increasing thick hair ratio and improving the self-perception of hair growth. With minimal to no adverse effects, it may serve as an adjunct or alternative to present treatment options. However, more studies are needed to strengthen these findings.

Pharmacological therapeutics in androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss and affects both men and women. Male pattern hair loss shows characteristic frontal recession and vertex baldness, whereas female pattern hair loss produces diffuse alopecia over the mid-frontal scalp. AGA is mediated by increased androgen susceptibility in affected scalp hairs. 5α-Reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a potent androgen, in the scalp. Both androgen receptors and 5α-reductase have higher expression levels in the balding scalp than in non-affected regions. Increased androgen susceptibility induces hair follicle miniaturization, which leads to the progressive loss of thicker terminal hairs in the balding scalp. Currently, topical minoxidil and oral 5α-reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride and dutasteride, are approved options for the pharmacological treatment of AGA. Topical minoxidil remains the mainstay of therapy for mild to moderate AGA in both men and women. The daily intake of 1-mg finasteride or 0.5-mg dutasteride shows better efficacy than topical minoxidil in regard to hair regrowth in male AGA. Anti-androgens can be used in female AGA wit clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism. Patients may be overwhelmed and confused by the variety of treatment options for AGA management, including over-the-count drugs with low evidence quality. Therefore, physicians must be aware of the current guidelines for the management of AGA based on evidence-based approaches to select better options for patients.

Human Derived Immortalized Dermal Papilla Cells With a Constant Expression of Testosterone Receptor.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss, and is mainly caused by the biological effects of testosterone on dermal papilla cells (DPCs). In vitro culturing of DPCs might be a useful tool for the screening of target molecule of AGA. However, primary DPCs cannot continuously proliferate owing to cellular senescence and cell culture stress. In this study, we introduced mutant cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), Cyclin D1, and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) into DPCs. We confirmed protein expression of CDK4 and Cyclin D1, and enzymatic activity of TERT. Furthermore, we found the established cell line was free from cellular senescence. We also introduced the androgen receptor gene using a recombinant retrovirus, to compensate the transcriptional suppressed endogenous androgen receptor in the process of cell proliferation. Furthermore, we detected the efficient nuclear translocation of androgen receptor into the nucleus after the treatment of dihydrotestosterone, indicating the functionality of our introduced receptor. Our established cell line is a useful tool to identify the downstream signaling pathway, which activated by the testosterone.

TAP1 Gene Polymorphism in Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (aa) is a common type of hair loss. It is an autoimmune disease with a variable, typically relapsing or remitting, course that can be persistent-especially when hair loss is extensive. Three major phenotypic variants of the disease are patchy-type aa, alopecia universalis and alopecia totalis. The aim of the present study was to assess the relation between TAP1(rs1057141) gene polymorphism and alopecia areata risk and its clinical criteria. This study was carried out on 100 patients suffering from Alopecia Areata and 100 apparently healthy individuals of matched age and sex as a control group. Patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of Dermatology and Andrology Department of Benha University Hospitals during the period from August 2018 to January 2019. There was insignificant difference in TAP1 (rs1057141) genotypes in both studied groups. TAP1 (rs1057141) gene polymorphism does not have a role in alopecia areata development.