A Study of the Androgen Receptor Gene Polymorphism and the Level of Expression of the Androgen Receptor in Androgenetic Alopecia Among Egyptians

In 2009, a study involving 100 Egyptians, including 60 with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 40 controls, examined the androgen receptor (AR) gene polymorphism and AR expression levels in AGA. The study found that males with AGA had a higher incidence of the Stul cut allele in the AR gene compared to controls, with a borderline significance (p=0.07), and a significant association between the presence of the cut allele and higher grades of alopecia in both sexes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher AR expression in bald scalp biopsies compared to non-bald areas, with a significant difference in staining intensity (p<0.0001). The study suggests that the Stul polymorphism in the AR gene may be associated with AGA, particularly in males, and that both high androgen levels and increased AR expression are required for baldness to occur. However, the association was not statistically significant in females (p=0.57), indicating that other genes and factors are likely involved in AGA. This was the first study to report such findings among Egyptians and points to the potential for genetic-based treatments for AGA, although currently, treatment efficacy is limited and emotional support is a key aspect of patient management.