Biomarkers in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

July 2023 in “ Autoimmunity reviews ”

Hiba Zaaroura, Anthony J. Gilding, Cathryn Sibbald

Alopecia Areata autoimmune non-scarring alopecia Interleukin 6 IL6 C-reactive protein CRP vitamin D AA autoimmune hair loss

TLDR High levels of IL6 and CRP, and low levels of vitamin D, might be indicators of alopecia areata.

The systematic review and meta-analysis of 1714 studies, with 91 included, identified biomarkers that reflect the activity and severity of Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune non-scarring alopecia. The study found that serum Interleukin 6 (IL6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are significantly increased in patients with AA compared to healthy age and sex-matched controls. Conversely, serum vitamin D levels are significantly decreased in patients with AA compared to healthy controls. These findings could potentially influence the clinical guidelines for the diagnostic workup of AA to include testing the serum levels of CRP and vitamin D.

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