Apoptosis, Androgenetic Alopecia, and the Hair Cycle

The study explored the role of apoptosis in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and the effects of finasteride on this process. Researchers used immunohistochemical analysis to examine caspase and XIAP expression in the scalp tissues of Norwood I male patients and men with AGA before and after 6 months of finasteride treatment. They found increased caspase activity and decreased XIAP in AGA-affected tissues, indicating higher apoptosis levels. Finasteride treatment normalized these levels, suggesting that DHT influences apoptosis-regulating genes in hair follicles. These findings highlight the potential for developing therapies targeting apoptosis to treat AGA and other hair disorders.