Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Overexpression in Miniaturized Follicles in Female Pattern Hair Loss

The study aimed to evaluate the differential expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in terminal and miniaturized hair follicles of patients with female pattern hair loss (FPHL). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is expressed in keratinocytes and can be activated by environmental pollutants leading to alterations in the cell cycle, inflammation, and apoptosis. The study found the overexpression of nuclear aryl hydrocarbon receptors in miniaturized hair follicles in female pattern hair loss, suggesting the activation and migration of AHR to the nucleus in miniaturized FPHL follicles. The mechanisms through which AHR is involved in miniaturization are not clear, but one possibility is the promotion of the apoptosis process. Further investigations are necessary to confirm this association and to explore environmental factors that could activate AHR in the follicle.