Alopecia Areata: Gene Expression in Skin Samples from Patients

March 2001 in “ Clinics in dermatology ”

A.J.G. McDonagh, A.G. Messenger

Alopecia areata autoimmune T-cell mediated immune response humoral mechanism cellular proliferation arrest apoptotic dysregulation hair follicle structural proteins AA

TLDR Alopecia areata involves immune response and gene changes affecting hair loss.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring inflammatory hair loss disease with a complex autoimmune basis. This study examined gene expression in skin samples from 10 AA patients, comparing lesional and non-lesional sites. Researchers identified 363 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 97 up-regulated and 266 down-regulated. The findings suggested a T-cell mediated immune response and a possible humoral mechanism in AA. Additionally, there was evidence of cellular proliferation arrest, apoptotic dysregulation, and decreased expression of hair follicle structural proteins. Further analysis distinguished gene profiles between patients with AA of less than 1 year duration (n = 4) and more than 1 year duration (n = 6), indicating unique gene expression patterns in different stages of the disease.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

5 / 5 results

research The Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

89 citations, October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Alopecia areata is likely caused by a combination of genetic factors and immune system dysfunction, and may represent different diseases with various causes.

research Alopecia Areata in Korea (1982–1994)

46 citations, November 1995 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata was most common in people in their 30s and 40s, with some family history and a higher relapse rate, and larger bald areas responded better to specific immunotherapy.

research Alopecia Areata in Aging C3H/HeJ Mice

178 citations, June 1994 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Alopecia areata in these mice is inherited, more common in young females, and can be treated with triamcinolone acetonide.

research IL-1 Alpha Inhibits Human Hair Follicle Growth And Hair Fiber Production In Whole-Organ Cultures

30 citations, August 1993 in “PubMed”

IL-1 alpha stops hair follicle growth and hair production.

research Critical Stages of Hair Development and Pigmentation in the Mouse

236 citations, January 1951 in “Physiological zoology”

Hair growth and pigmentation in mice involve specific stages crucial for research.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Why I deleted my YouTube channel Part I

in Update 118 upvotes 3 years ago

A YouTuber named Kevin, also known as Rider_Of_Roach, who deleted his YouTube channel due to personal attacks and controversy surrounding his views on hair loss treatments. He advocated for FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but faced backlash from those who disagreed with him. The conversation also discusses his past trolling behavior and a lawsuit he filed against a website that published false information about him. Despite some disagreements, many viewers appreciated his research-based content and hope to see him return in the future.

community Rare Non responder to Finasteride, Dutasteride, and oral minoxidil

in Minoxidil 78 upvotes 9 months ago

A user did not respond to finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil for hair loss after four years of treatment and is considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Other users suggest the hair loss pattern may indicate alopecia areata and recommend seeing a dermatologist.

community When are we getting a cure to hair loss?

in Chat 1 year ago

Potential treatments for hair loss, including Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and various upcoming pharmaceuticals, gene editing and cloning. It is suggested that a cure, if found, would be highly profitable due to the large number of people affected by hair loss globally.

community If follicles became miniaturized and haven’t grown in 3 years, are they dead ?

in Chat 2 years ago

Hair loss and its potential treatments, such as minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, and supplements. It discusses whether miniaturized follicles can be revived to grow again or must shed for new growth to appear.

community I’m 14 years old and I’m losing more hair than my dad. I’ve gone to the doctor 2 times because of this and I’ve received no help. I’m starting to feel like It’s worthless and my hairs gonna look like this forever. I don’t know how anyone could help me but it’s always worth a shot.

in Treatment 4 years ago

A 14 year old who is experiencing hair loss and has not received any help from the doctor, with advice being given to try different doctors, get tested for underlying conditions and intolerances, buzz it short as an option and treatments that could slow down or reverse the hair loss such as minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and addressing the cause of the hair loss.

community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

in Research/Science 43 upvotes 3 months ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Serum Zinc Concentration in Patients With Alopecia Areata

October 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica (Print)”

People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.