Androgenetic Alopecia Research Articles

Causal effects of omega-6 and LDL-C on androgenetic alopecia: A Mendelian randomization study.

Increasing studies have reported a causal relationship between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and lipid-related metabolites. However, the relationships between HDL-C, LDL-C, Omega-6, and Omega-3 with AGA remain unclear. Some research findings are even contradictory. Therefore, we designed this study to explore this issue. In this study, we selected seven exposure factors, screened SNPs with significant associations, removed linkage disequilibrium and weak instrumental variables, and conducted bidirectional MR analysis. The study found that omega-6 and LDL-C, especially total cholesterol in medium LDL and total cholesterol in small LDL, are risk factors for the occurrence of androgenetic alopecia. In summary, we found that various lipid-related metabolites have a causal relationship with the occurrence of androgenetic alopecia, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia and offering references for clinical treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Current Protocols: Alopecia Areata Mouse Models for Drug Efficacy and Mechanism Studies.

Alopecia areata is the second most common form of hair loss in humans after androgenetic alopecia. Although a variety of animal models for alopecia areata have been described, currently the C3H/HeJ mouse model is the most commonly used and accepted. Spontaneous hair loss occurs in 15%-25% of older mice in which the lesions wax and wane, similar to the human disease, with alopecia being more common and severe in female mice. Full-thickness skin grafts from mice with spontaneous alopecia areata to young, normal-haired, histocompatible mice provide a highly reproducible model with progressive lesions that makes it useful for drug efficacy and mechanism-based studies. As alopecia areata is a cell-mediated autoimmune disease, transfer of cultured lymph node cells from affected mice to unaffected, histocompatible recipients also promotes disease development and provides an alternative, nonsurgical protocol. Protocols are presented to produce these models such that they can be used to study alopecia areata and to develop novel drug therapies. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Full-thickness skin grafts to reproducibly induce alopecia areata in C3H/HeJ mice Basic Protocol 2: Adoptive transfer of cultured lymphoid cells provides a nonsurgical method to induce alopecia areata in C3H/HeJ mice.

Diagnostic Signs and Symptoms of Cyanocobalamin Deficiency at Rural Setting in India: Novel Method of Supplementation.

Cyanocobalamin or B12 deficiency is common in the Indian population, and responsible for anemia. Various clinical manifestations include central nervous system and cardiovascular manifestations, secondary to a rise in serum homocysteine levels. In a routine outpatient department at Bawaskar Hospital and Clinical Research Centre, Mahad, patients with suspected clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of cyanocobalamin deficiency were studied in detail regarding their dietary habits, serum hemoglobin, B12, and homocysteine levels. A total of 1,992 (female 1,009, 50.75%) were clinically examined in detail. Of these, 945 (49.94%), 999 (50.17%), and 48 (2.40%) were strict vegetarians, both vegetarian and nonvegetarian, and strict nonvegetarians, respectively. Common occupations associated with B12 deficiency include 666 (33.4%) housewives, 396 (19.9%) service workers, 316 (15.9%) businesspeople, 180 (9%), and 198 (9.9%) retired and industrial populations, respectively. Clinical manifestations include recurrent scalp hair loss in 268 (13.5%), poor memory in 240 (12%), tingling and numbness in 200 (10%), and generalized weakness in 387 (19.4%) patients. Additionally, 541 (27.15%) patients had pigmentation of the nail bed, knuckles, oral mucosa, and tongue, while 237 (10.81%) suffered from hypertension and ischemic heart disease. During the process of preparation of vegetarian and nonvegetarian food, there is a 30-48% reduction in vitamin content. Supplementation of vitamin by adding table salt to food on a plate at the time of eating improves the vitamin level in the blood. In the absence of laboratory investigations in rural settings, clinical signs and symptoms are helpful in detecting B12 deficiency. Directly adding vitamin powder, similar to table salt, to cooked food on the plate improved blood vitamin levels.

High-frequency ultrasonography of the scalp: A comparison between androgenetic alopecia and healthy volunteers.

This study aimed to assess differences in various scalp parameters between patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and healthy volunteers using 22MHz ultrasound. Thirty patients with AGA (AGA group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) who visited the Department of Dermatology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September 2021 to June 2022 were randomly selected. The patients with AGA met the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. The severity of alopecia was assessed for males between grades 2 and 4 on the Norwood-Hamilton scale, and for females between stages 2 and 3 on the Ludwig scale. No artificial interventions were conducted at the vertex, and all examination conditions remained consistent. Ultrasound examinations at 22MHz were performed on the scalp at the vertex in both the AGA and control groups. Seven parameters were measured, namely, epidermis + dermis thickness, entire scalp thickness, subcutaneous tissue thickness, average follicle width, average follicle length, follicle count, and the presence of color flow signals in the subcutaneous tissue. The differences in these parameters were then compared. The AGA group showed reduced thickness of the entire scalp and subcutaneous tissue, narrower average follicle width, shorter average follicle length, lower hair follicle count, and fewer instances of color flow signals in the subcutaneous tissue at the vertex area (p<0.05). High-frequency (22MHz) ultrasonography can be employed to visualize the entrance echo, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and hair follicles of the scalp, thereby providing imaging for the clinical assessment of hair loss.

TINEACAPITISMANIFESTING AS DIFFUSE HAIR LOSS: THE IMPORTANCE OF TRICHOSCOPY IN TWO CASE REPORT

Tineacapitis, a commonfungal infection in children, islessfrequentlyobserved in adults. Whenitmanifests as diffuse hair loss, itsrarelyconsidered. Consequently, diffuse hair lossoften leads to a lowclinical suspicion of tineacapitis, resulting in inappropriateempiricaltreatments and delayed diagnoses. Trichoscopy can bypass the need for lengthy, invasive procedures or KOH examinations. This tool not onlydistinguishestineacapitisfromfemale pattern hair loss but alsohelpsdifferentiatebetweenectothrix and endothrix infections. Here, wepresent a two case reports of tineacapitismimickingfemale pattern hair loss, withtrichoscopyplaying a crucial role in diagnosingendothrix infection.

Review of Stem Cell Therapy for Hair Loss

Background: Hair loss (HL) is a disorder that both male and female experience frequently. The most typical kind of hair loss is pattern hair loss, which is also referred to as androgenetic alopecia. Recent years have seen a surge in interest in stem cell-based therapies, which aim to reactivate hair follicle stem cells and so promote the growth, regeneration, and advance of hair follicles. Stem cell transplant, conditioned media made from stem cells, and exosomes made from stem cells are all examples of stem cell-based therapeutic techniques.

Diagnosis and Management of Hair Loss in Pediatric

Background: Hair loss can occur in pediatric and adult populations and may have different patterns. The causes of hair loss in pediatric patients include tinea capitis, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, anagen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, loose anagen syndrome, short anagen syndrome, congenital aplasia cutis, congenital triangular alopecia, atrichia congenita, congenital hypotrichosis, and transient neonatal hair loss.Purpose: to understand etiologies of hair loss in pediatrics, and to determine the appropriate examinations for diagnosing and managing hair loss in children.Review: Hair loss in children can be categorized as congenital or acquired. Congenital hair loss is classified based on distribution, while acquired hair loss is classified as either scarring or non-scarring. Hair loss complications in children can be irreversible. The diagnosis of hair loss in pediatric patients includes anamnesis, physical examination, and supporting examinations. The supporting examinations used for diagnosis include fungal cultures, hair pull tests, hair tug tests, light microscopy, and trichoscopy. Conclusion: There are numerous causes of hair loss in pediatric patients that need to be identified before appropriate management can be implemented. The management of hair loss requires a holistic approach, including psychosocial support. Correct diagnosis and treatment of pediatric hair loss can prevent a decrease in the patient's quality of life.

18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Promotes Hair Growth by Stimulating the Proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells and Outer Root Sheath Cells, and Extends the Anagen Phase by Inhibiting 5α-Reductase.

18-β-Glycyrrhetinic acid, a major component of licorice, stimulated the proliferation of both dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells isolated from human hair follicles. Thus, suggesting that this compound promotes hair growth. Furthermore, this compound inhibited the activity of testosterone 5α-reductase, an enzyme responsible for converting androgen to dihydroandrogen, with an IC50 of 137.1 µM. 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic acid also suppressed the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which shifts the hair cycle from the anagen phase to the telogen phase. It suggested that this compound may prolong the anagen phase. Based on these findings, this compound could be a potentially effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

Applications of Plasma‐Rich Plasma, Exosomes, and Stem Cells in Aesthetics: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACTIntroductionPlasma‐rich plasma (PRP), exosomes, and stem cells represent promising new treatments for facial rejuvenation and to enhance other cosmetic procedures. Although these treatments are rapidly advancing, there are no universally accepted treatment protocols for their use. The goal of the following review is to describe some of the possible benefits of PRP, exosomes, and stem cells in aesthetic medicine.ResultsA review of available studies showed that potential uses of PRP include wound healing after facial surgery, facial rejuvenation, androgenetic alopecia, acne scars, striae distensae, and vitiligo. Exosomes may provide beneficial treatment for skin rejuvenation, scar reduction, hyperpigmentation, and hair growth. Stem cells show promise for androgenetic alopecia, scar improvement, and treatment of photoaged skin. These new technologies may be used alone, but are often combined with existing aesthetic treatments.ConclusionPRP, exosomes, and stem cells may play an important role in restoring youthful tissue structure and function. Interpretation of some study results is sometimes challenged by the lack of standardized treatment protocols, including routes of application and dosing. When combined with other devices and techniques, results are sometime unclear as to which treatment plays the greater role.

Age-related progression of androgenetic alopecia: Statistical analysis of 5372 Japanese men

Age-related progression of androgenetic alopecia: Statistical analysis of 5372 Japanese men

Oral Supplementation with l-Cystine, Serenoa repens, Cucurbita pepo, and Pygeum africanum in Chronic Telogen Effluvium and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Study

Plain Language SummaryChronic telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia are two common types of hair loss that can have a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life. Research suggests that deficiencies in essential micronutrients may play a role in hair loss. To investigate this further, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of an oral supplement containing l-Cystine, Serenoa repens, Cucurbita pepo, Pygeum africanum, as well as vitamins and micronutrients, in treating these conditions. The study involved 80 participants aged 18 to 60, both male and female, who were diagnosed with these types of hair loss. They were randomly assigned to take either the oral supplement or a placebo daily for 6 months. Throughout the study period, participants underwent dermatological evaluations, clinical photography, and phototrichograms to monitor changes in their hair. They also completed standardized questionnaires to assess their subjective experience of hair growth and appearance. Results showed that participants who took the oral supplement experienced a significant increase in hair density compared to those who took the placebo, with improvements observed as early as 3 months into the study. Additionally, the overall volume and appearance of their hair showed noticeable enhancement. Importantly, the oral supplement was well-tolerated, with no reports of moderate or severe adverse effects. In conclusion, the findings suggest that this oral supplement could be a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with chronic telogen effluvium or androgenetic alopecia, offering improvements in hair density and overall appearance.

Genetic Differences between Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in a Korean Population.

Studies on androgenetic alopecia (AGA or patterned hair loss (PHL)) have suggested different underlying pathological mechanisms between males and females. While many genetic factors for male hair loss have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWASs), the genetic determinants of female hair loss remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed approximately 1000 individuals (436 males and 568 females) to identify sex-specific genetic factors. We conducted three independent GWASs for the total, male-only, and female-only groups, identifying three novel loci (rs7814359, rs2163085, and rs4793158 of the TSNARE1, FZD1, and GJC1 genes, respectively). rs7814359 showed a significant genome-wide association with AGA in the combined sex group and a weak association in both the male-only and female-only groups. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2163085 showed a significant genome-wide association with AGA in the combined group and notable significance in females. The rs4793158 SNP showed a suggestive association with AGA in both the combined and female-only groups. TSNARE1, related to rs7814359, is involved in vesicle transport. FZD1 is a key regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. GJC1 is a gap junction protein. The associations of FZD1 and GJC1 with female-specific AGA suggest that sex hormones, such as estrogen, may influence FPHL through these genes. These findings will contribute to our understanding of the sex-specific pathophysiology of AGA.

Type D Personality, Stress Levels, and Coping Strategies in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The study was aimed to determine level of stress and using of coping strategies and frequency of type D personality in women with androgenetic alopecia with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to correlate personality type with level of stress and coping strategies, and to correlate severity of alopecia with personality type, level of stress, and coping strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 2023 and included 146 Polish women aged 18 to 45 years with androgenetic alopecia and PCOS. A questionnaire containing social-demographic data, gynecological and obstetric history, health history, history of diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS in the past and present. Three standardized questionnaires were used: the Type-D Scale (DS)-14, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10, and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory. RESULTS Type D personality was found in 45% of patients. Most patients perceived high levels of stress (44%) and most frequently used active and supportive strategies, with avoidance strategies being less frequent. Women with type D personality experienced significantly higher levels of stress, used active strategies less often, and used avoidant strategies more often. Stages of androgenetic alopecia did not correlate with type D personality or levels of perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS In women with androgenetic alopecia, type D personality is determinative of a high level of perceived stress and more frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies. The severity of the condition did not correlate with personality type and level of stress, while it was related to certain coping strategies.

Topical solutions for androgenetic alopecia: evaluating efficacy and safety

Topical solutions for androgenetic alopecia: evaluating efficacy and safety

Clinical Signs and Laboratory Tests for the Differential Diagnosis ofAndrogenic and Post-COVID-19 Alopecia in Women

Background: Pathological hair loss in women has emerged as a prevalent cause for seeking specialized dermatological and cosmetic services. The most common type of this condition is androgenetic alopecia, which arises due to hormonal and micronutrient imbalances.Furthermore, during the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a notable increase in the number of female patients with pathological hair loss as a complication of the disease, with some individualsexperiencing alopecia the sole indication of asymptomatic COVID-19. Aims: The aim of the study wassearch for objective criteria for the differential diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia and post-COVID alopecia in women based on informative trichological and laboratory markers. Materials and methods: The including criteria for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) group were elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, clinical indications of alopecia corresponding to initial stages of the condition, and a past experience of continuous observation untilFebruary 2020. For the post-COVID alopecia (COVID) group, inclusion criteria were a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 using RT-PCR and the presence of alopecia symptoms emerging within a year post-infection. Evaluation of quantitative characteristics of hairs was conducted was carried out based on trichogram and phototrichogram data, followed by image processing using a computer diagnostic program. Key indicators for hair growth were identified in patients' plasma, including DHT, vitamins B9 (folic acid), B12, D (25(OH)-D3 form), E, as well as calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). CART algorithm (Classification and Regression Trees) based on recursive partitioning of available data with selection of informative predictors and formation of a tree-like hierarchical structurewas applied to determine criteria to differentiate between patients with androgenetic and post-COVID alopecia. Results: Analysis of trichograms and phototrichograms revealed that unlike androgenetic alopecia, which primarily impacts hair follicles in the telogen and anagen phases in the androgen-dependent zone, post-COVID hair loss presents as a diffuse telogen effluvium pattern, involving the androgen-dependent (parietal) area of the scalp. Notably, patients with post-COVID alopecia exhibited elevated dihydrotestosterone levels compared to reference values, with no significant differencein comparison to AGA. While there were no variations in vitamin and certain trace element levels (Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn), individuals in COVID group have demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in copper content (46.4% lower than AGA; p=0.006) alongside an increase in selenium levels (24.7% higher than AGA; p=0.003). Conclusions: The performed study for the first time presents objective criteria for the differential diagnosis of androgenetic and post-COVID alopecia in women. The data obtained show a diffuse pattern of telogen effluvium after recovering from COVID-19, linked to an imbalance in trace elements - specifically, a decrease in copper (Cu) and an increase in selenium (Se). Based on this fact, the algorithm CART used allows for a highly effective differentiation of the compared variants of pathological hair loss in studied patients and forms the basis for pathogenetically justified conservative therapy.

Side Effects’ Frequency Assessment of Low Dose Oral Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

Introduction: Hair loss is a very common complaint in dermatologists’ offices, requiring the use of proven safe and effective therapies to improve the condition without jeopardizing patients’ health and well-being. Methods: We selected 100 male patients with androgenetic alopecia beginning treatment with low dose oral minoxidil to observe incidence and frequency of side effects. Results: The side-effects/symptoms observed in the assessed patients included body and facial hypertrichosis (most incidents), lower legs edema, periorbital edema, fatigue, tachycardia, and insomnia. Dizziness, hypotension, respiratory changes, and diarrhea were expected although not found in the assessed participants. No life-threatening adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: The doses administered in current research of oral minoxidil presented good safety profile as hair loss treatment, with the most incident side-effect being related to hypertrichosis. Systemic side-effects were infrequent.

Unique Presentations of Female Pattern Hair Loss Evident in Asian and Black Women.

While racial variations in the presentation of androgenetic alopecia have been reported in men, similar data are very limited in women. We studied the distribution patterns of 112 women with female pattern hair loss and identified unique presentations in Asian, particularly those of South Asian descent, and Black women. These results may have implications for treatment response rates in different populations.

The use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

The use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Hair follicle sulfotransferase activity and effectiveness of oral minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is common. While topical minoxidil remains the only FDA-approved therapeutic for AGA, its efficacy is limited in stimulating clinically significant hair regrowth over the longer term. Oral minoxidil, which is used off-label, is a promising alternative; however, its effectiveness and underlying mechanisms warrant further investigation. To elucidate the site of action and infer the physiological mechanisms underlying therapeutic responses to oral minoxidil in patients with AGA. Forty-one patients with AGA underwent 6 months of low-dose oral minoxidil treatment. Minoxidil sulfotransferase (SULT) activity was assayed in plucked scalp hair follicles. The primary outcome was hair growth after low-dose oral minoxidil treatment for a minimum of 6 months, and the secondary outcome was SULT activity in hair follicles. After 6 months of treatment, 26 (63.4%) patients experienced a clinical improvement in alopecia symptoms. The response rate was higher in men (19/26 [73.1%]) than in women (6/15 [40.0%]). Patients with low hair follicle SULT activity demonstrated a higher minoxidil response rate than those with high enzyme activity (85% vs. 43%, p = 0.009). Our findings indicate that low SULT activity within the hair follicles is associated with a favorable response to oral minoxidil therapy in patients with AGA. Further elucidation of the underlying mechanisms could significantly improve personalized therapeutic approaches through improved patient selection and the rational design of adjuvant treatments.

Androgenetic Alopecia: A Study on The Efficacy of a Combined Protocol of Blue Light Photobiomodulation and Subcutaneous Infiltrations of Biomimetic Peptides

Androgenetic Alopecia: A Study on The Efficacy of a Combined Protocol of Blue Light Photobiomodulation and Subcutaneous Infiltrations of Biomimetic Peptides