Alopecia Areata Is Associated With Increased Expression of Heart Disease Biomarker Cardiac Troponin I

The study from January 1, 2018, indicated that individuals with alopecia areata (AA) had significantly higher levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a biomarker for heart disease, compared to those with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and subjects without hair loss (NHL). The mean plasma cTnI level was notably higher in untreated AA subjects, and high cTnI levels were associated with increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis in cell culture, suggesting a link between AA and potential heart remodeling. The study included 89 AA subjects, 72 AGA subjects, and 34 NHL subjects, and it highlighted the importance of cardiovascular health monitoring in AA patients. The findings suggest that AA may have systemic implications and could be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the need for further research into the management of inflammation in AA patients to mitigate cardiovascular risks.