Androgenetic Alopecia: Update on Etiology

March 2021 in “ Dermatological reviews ”

Rachita Dhurat, Sanober Burzin Daruwalla

androgenetic alopecia AGA genetics androgens dihydrotestosterone DHT miniaturizing hair follicles polygenic inheritance microinflammation oxidative stress medications hair transplantation hair follicle miniaturization

Studysummary This review discusses recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia in males, females, and children, but reports no new clinical results.

Automatically generated from the study's abstract, not written by a person, and not a review of the full paper. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Read the original study, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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Research cited in this study

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research A Review of the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

53 citations , February 2020 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

This review discusses pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for androgenetic alopecia, noting that current medications like finasteride and minoxidil can slow hair loss but only partially restore hair growth, with early treatment offering better outcomes.

research The Diagnosis of Androgenetic Alopecia in Children: Considerations of Pathophysiological Plausibility

7 citations , June 2019 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

This review discusses the role of androgen hormones in the pathophysiology of childhood androgenetic alopecia and reports no clinical results.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical, Pathophysiologic, and Therapeutic Review

66 citations , June 2018 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

This article discusses treatments for female pattern hair loss, highlighting that oral antiandrogens and topical minoxidil can effectively arrest progression and reverse miniaturization in many patients with mild-to-moderate cases, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Genetic and Molecular Aspects of Androgenetic Alopecia

24 citations , January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This review discusses advances in molecular biology and genetics related to androgenetic alopecia and reports no new clinical results.

research NF-κB Participates in Mouse Hair Cycle Control and Plays Distinct Roles in Various Pelage Hair Follicle Types

23 citations , September 2017 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

In this mouse study, NF-κB was shown to play a role in hair follicle cycling and morphogenesis, with specific activity patterns differing by hair type and involving noncanonical signaling for zigzag hair bending.

research Targeting of CXXC5 by a Competing Peptide Stimulates Hair Regrowth and Wound-Induced Hair Neogenesis

37 citations , June 2017 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study suggests that the interaction between CXXC5 and Dishevelled is a potential target for promoting hair regrowth and hair follicle formation, offering a new approach to treat hair loss.

research Multi-Therapies in Androgenetic Alopecia: Review and Clinical Experiences

55 citations , July 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This article reviews treatment options for androgenetic alopecia and suggests that therapy should be personalized and targeted at various pathophysiological aspects, but reports no new clinical findings.

research Apoptosis in Follicles of Individuals with Female Pattern Hair Loss Is Associated with Perifollicular Microinflammation

30 citations , May 2016 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

This study found that apoptosis was more prevalent in hair follicles of women with female pattern hair loss, particularly in miniaturized follicles, and was associated with follicular inflammation.

research The Impact of Oxidative Stress on Hair

59 citations , November 2015 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

This review considers oxidative stress effects on hair aging and emphasizes the need for dermatologists to recognize and treat factors affecting scalp and hair health, but it provides no new clinical findings.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical and Pathophysiological Review

91 citations , August 2015 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

This review discusses the clinical, epidemiological, and pathophysiological aspects of female pattern hair loss, reporting no new research findings.

research Oxidative Stress-Associated Senescence in Dermal Papilla Cells of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

93 citations , February 2015 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study suggests that oxidative stress may contribute to androgenetic alopecia by inducing premature senescence and secretion of hair growth inhibitors in dermal papilla cells from balding scalp.

Similar Response Patterns to Topical Minoxidil Foam 5% in Frontal and Vertex Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Microarray Analysis

research Similar Response Patterns to Topical Minoxidil Foam 5% in Frontal and Vertex Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Microarray Analysis

19 citations , September 2014 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that topical minoxidil 5% foam was effective in promoting hair growth in both the frontal and vertex scalp for men with androgenetic alopecia.

research Signaling Involved in Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Development

223 citations , January 2014 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This article reviews the complex signaling pathways between epithelial and mesenchymal cells crucial for hair follicle morphogenesis, highlighting the Wnt pathway's role as a master regulator without reporting new experimental findings.

research Evidence for a Polygenic Contribution to Androgenetic Alopecia

26 citations , May 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study provides evidence that a polygenic component contributes to the heritable risk for androgenetic alopecia, indicating the need for further research to identify the complex biological pathways involved.

research The Contribution of Endogenous and Exogenous Factors to Male Alopecia

37 citations , April 2013 in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery”

This study found that environmental factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, and testosterone levels may significantly influence various forms of hair loss in male identical twins.

research New Investigational Drugs for Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations , April 2013 in “Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs”

This article reviews emerging treatments for androgenetic alopecia, including topical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and prostaglandin modulators, but reports no clinical results and calls for further efficacy evidence, especially for PRP.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Identification Of Four Genetic Risk Loci And Evidence For The Contribution Of WNT Signaling To Its Etiology

74 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Four genetic risk spots found for hair loss, with WNT signaling involved and a link to curly hair.

Evaluation of Perifollicular Inflammation of Donor Area During Hair Transplantation in Androgenetic Alopecia and Its Comparison With Controls

research Evaluation of Perifollicular Inflammation of Donor Area During Hair Transplantation in Androgenetic Alopecia and Its Comparison With Controls

13 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia patients showed significantly higher perifollicular lymphocytic inflammation and fibrosis compared to controls, emphasizing the need for histopathological evaluation during hair transplantation.

research Factors Associated With Female Pattern Hair Loss And Its Prevalence In Taiwanese Women: A Community-Based Survey

33 citations , November 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reported that female pattern hair loss was prevalent in 11.8% of women aged 30 and older and was associated with high fasting glucose, fewer childbirths, oral contraceptive use, and excessive ultraviolet exposure.

research Pattern Hair Loss in Men: Diagnosis, Genetic Link, Clinical Features, and Treatments

58 citations , September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This article reviews current knowledge on the causes, diagnosis, and medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia, particularly in men, and reports no new findings.

research Adenovirus-Mediated Wnt10b Overexpression Induces Hair Follicle Regeneration

77 citations , July 2012 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

The researchers observed that overexpression of Wnt10b in a mouse model can induce hair follicle regeneration by switching follicles from the resting phase to the growth phase via the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway.

Miniaturized Hairs Maintain Contact With the Arrector Pili Muscle in Alopecia Areata but Not in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Model for Reversible Miniaturization and Potential for Hair Regrowth

research Miniaturized Hairs Maintain Contact With the Arrector Pili Muscle in Alopecia Areata but Not in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Model for Reversible Miniaturization and Potential for Hair Regrowth

22 citations , July 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that loss of contact between the arrector pili muscle and the hair follicle bulge may explain why hair loss in male and female pattern baldness is largely irreversible, unlike in alopecia areata.

research Six Novel Susceptibility Loci for Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia and Their Unexpected Association with Common Diseases

87 citations , May 2012 in “PLOS Genetics”

This study found that early-onset androgenetic alopecia in individuals of European ancestry is significantly associated with increased odds of Parkinson's disease and is influenced by specific genetic loci, including some linked to reduced fertility.

research Prostaglandin D2 Inhibits Hair Growth and Is Elevated in Bald Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

205 citations , March 2012 in “Science Translational Medicine”

PGD2 stops hair growth and is higher in bald men with AGA.

research Hair Cycle Resting Phase Is Regulated by Cyclic Epithelial FGF18 Signaling

158 citations , February 2012 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

FGF18 helps keep hair in its resting phase, affecting hair growth cycles.

Hair Follicle Stem Cell Differentiation Is Inhibited Through Cross-Talk Between Wnt/β-Catenin and Androgen Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells From Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

research Hair Follicle Stem Cell Differentiation Is Inhibited Through Cross-Talk Between Wnt/β-Catenin and Androgen Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells From Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

95 citations , January 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that androgens inhibit hair follicle stem cell differentiation by disrupting the Wnt signalling pathway in dermal papilla cells, but Wnt activation can restore differentiation.

research Association Analysis of Estrogen Receptor Beta Gene (ESR2) Polymorphisms with Female Pattern Hair Loss

27 citations , October 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study builds on previous findings by associating female pattern hair loss with gene polymorphisms related to oestrogen activity, suggesting oestrogen's role in the condition.

research Dihydrotestosterone-Inducible IL-6 Inhibits Elongation of Human Hair Shafts by Suppressing Matrix Cell Proliferation and Promotes Regression of Hair Follicles in Mice

173 citations , September 2011 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

IL-6 contributes to hair loss by shortening the growth phase and causing hair follicles to regress.

research Molecular Basis of Androgenetic Alopecia: From Androgen to Paracrine Mediators Through Dermal Papilla

122 citations , November 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

This study found that increased expression of type II 5α-reductase, androgen receptors, and Hic-5/ARA55 in dermal papilla cells upregulates androgen sensitivity, playing a key role in androgenetic alopecia pathogenesis.

research Male Androgenetic Alopecia

100 citations , April 2010 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

This article reviews existing treatments for male-pattern hair loss, noting that while they can slow progression, they generally achieve only partial hair regrowth.

research Association of Androgenetic Alopecia with Metabolic Syndrome in Men: A Community-Based Survey

69 citations , April 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found a significant association between androgenetic alopecia and metabolic syndrome, highlighting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as a particularly important factor.

research Gene-Wide Association Study Between the Aromatase Gene (CYP19A1) and Female Pattern Hair Loss

77 citations , April 2009 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, genetic variation in the CYP19A1 gene, particularly the common rs4646 C allele, was associated with an increased risk of female pattern hair loss, especially in women under 40.

research EDA2R Is Associated With Androgenetic Alopecia

82 citations , April 2008 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

EDA2R gene linked to hair loss.

research Genome-Wide Scan and Fine-Mapping Linkage Study of Androgenetic Alopecia Reveals a Locus on Chromosome 3q26

62 citations , March 2008 in “American Journal of Human Genetics”

This study located a potential genetic link for androgenetic alopecia on chromosome 3q26, marking an early step in identifying new susceptibility genes for male pattern baldness.

research Different Patterns of 5α-Reductase Expression, Cellular Distribution, and Testosterone Metabolism in Human Follicular Dermal Papilla Cells

22 citations , February 2008 in “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications”

Androgen effects on hair follicles vary by skin area.

research Genetic Variation in the Human Androgen Receptor Gene Is the Major Determinant of Common Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia

195 citations , June 2005 in “American Journal of Human Genetics”

Genetic variation in the androgen receptor gene mainly causes early-onset hair loss, with maternal inheritance playing a key role.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Children: Report of 20 Cases

72 citations , March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this case series, researchers observed androgenetic alopecia in 20 prepubertal children with a strong genetic predisposition, despite the condition typically not occurring before puberty.

research Different Gene Expression Profile Observed in Dermal Papilla Cells Related to Androgenic Alopecia by DNA Macroarray Analysis

47 citations , July 2004 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

In this study, decreased expression of BMP2 and ephrin A3 and increased NT-4 gene expression were observed in dermal papilla cells from androgenic alopecia-affected skin, suggesting potential roles in hair growth regulation.

research Is Androgenetic Alopecia a Photoaggravated Dermatosis?

62 citations , January 2003 in “Dermatology”

This review suggests that androgenetic alopecia may be exacerbated by exposure to ultraviolet radiation and proposes considering it as a photoaggravated condition requiring photoprotection.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Pathogenesis and Potential for Therapy

174 citations , November 2002 in “Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine”

This review discusses the genetic factors contributing to androgenetic alopecia and highlights the potential for developing more effective therapies based on recent discoveries, but reports no new clinical results.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

86 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This review discusses female pattern hair loss, emphasizing its complex causes and the limited treatment options available, and reports no new clinical results.

research Effects of Minoxidil 2% vs. Cyproterone Acetate Treatment on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled, 12-Month Randomized Trial

149 citations , June 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.

research Treatment of Hair Loss

370 citations , September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

This article discusses the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata with finasteride and minoxidil but reports no new clinical results.

research Diffuse Female Hair Loss: Are Androgens Necessary?

110 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This case report describes a young woman with hypopituitarism who experienced hair loss typical of female androgenetic alopecia without detectable androgens, suggesting this hair loss pattern may not always be androgen dependent.

research Genetic Analysis of Male Pattern Baldness and the 5α-Reductase Genes

169 citations , June 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found no significant genetic association between the 5α-reductase enzyme genes and male pattern baldness, suggesting a polygenic etiology rather than simple inheritance.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research The Inheritance Of Common Baldness: To Be Or Not To Be?

203 citations , November 1984 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study presents evidence suggesting that androgenetic alopecia is most likely inherited through a polygenic model, challenging the traditional view that it is caused by a simple Mendelian autosomal dominant gene.