Expression of CD117 and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α in Patients with Alopecia Areata

The study compared CD117 and PDGFRA expression in 30 alopecia areata patients and 18 controls, finding significantly higher CD117 expression in alopecia areata patients' hair follicles. PDGFRA expression was not significantly different but correlated with alopecia severity. The results suggested roles for CD117 and PDGFRA in alopecia areata pathogenesis, with CD117 showing a more pronounced difference. However, the expression patterns could not be confirmed by western blot or real-time PCR, indicating a need for further research.