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

April 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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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Evaluation of the Serum C-Reactive Protein–Albumin Ratio and Its Relationship with Disease Severity in Alopecia Areata: A Prospective Case–Control Study

3 citations, October 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

CAR is a useful marker for assessing alopecia areata severity.

research Intralesional Vitamin D3 in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

7 citations, February 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Injecting vitamin D3 into the skin is an effective treatment for patchy hair loss.

research The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications

37 citations, December 2021 in “Cells”

Alopecia areata severity and treatment response are linked to specific cytokine levels.

research Evaluation of Serum Levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-a in Alopecia Areata Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

6 citations, October 2021 in “Biomedical Research and Therapy”

Alopecia areata patients have higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.

research JAK Inhibitors for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

130 citations, February 2019 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

JAK inhibitors are effective for treating alopecia areata, with most patients seeing hair growth after treatment.

research Evaluation of Association of Vitamin D in Alopecia Areata: A Case-Control Study of 100 Patients in a Tertiary Rural Hospital of Southern India

7 citations, January 2019 in “Indian dermatology online journal”

People with alopecia areata often have lower vitamin D levels, which may be linked to the condition's severity.

research An Investigation of Vitamin D Status in Alopecia Areata

37 citations, June 2018 in “Clinical and Experimental Medicine”

People with alopecia areata often have lower vitamin D levels and more inflammation, suggesting vitamin D might be involved in the condition.

research Correlation of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Expression in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Clinical Paradigm

29 citations, December 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata often have lower vitamin D levels, which are linked to more severe and longer-lasting hair loss, but vitamin D receptor levels in the skin don't show the same pattern and don't predict treatment success.

research Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

99 citations, July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

New treatments for Alopecia Areata show promise but need to be more effective and affordable.

research Serum Level of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Egyptians With Alopecia Areata and Its Relation to the Clinical Severity of the Disease

13 citations, March 2014 in “Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis”

Higher MIF levels in alopecia areata patients suggest it could be a treatment target and disease predictor.

research Vitamin D Deficiency in Alopecia Areata

105 citations, March 2014 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata patients often have low vitamin D levels, suggesting they might benefit from vitamin D supplements.

research Increased Retinol-Binding Protein 4 and Anti-RBP4 Antibody in Alopecia Areata

6 citations, June 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata have higher levels of RBP4 protein and antibodies against it.

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