Alopecia Areata and the Gut: The Link Opens Up for Novel Therapeutic Interventions
May 2018
in “
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
”
alopecia areata gut integrity intestinal permeability chronic inflammation T cell-driven autoimmune diseases gut microbiome immune system intestinal inflammation immune cells hair follicles AA gut health leaky gut autoimmune diseases gut bacteria immune response gut inflammation immune attack hair loss
TLDR Gut health may influence Alopecia Areata, suggesting new treatments.
This review explored the potential link between alopecia areata (AA) and increased intestinal permeability, suggesting that chronic inflammation in the gut may drive the autoimmune response leading to hair follicle destruction. The authors hypothesized that modern lifestyle factors, such as a processed Western diet, contribute to gut dysfunction and inflammation, which in turn affects the immune system. They emphasized the importance of a balanced gut microbiome for maintaining a healthy immune response and suggested that future therapies for AA should focus on addressing underlying gut inflammation before targeting local inflammation at the hair follicles. The review highlighted the need for long-term interventions to address the root causes of AA, particularly in genetically susceptible individuals.
