Co-Editors' Messages

In 2013, the role of inflammation in causing different types of alopecia was explored. The inflammatory cascade of events was becoming clearer, with a growing consensus that perifollicular inflammatory infiltrate may not be as incidental as previously thought. Dr. Sawaya's work on inflammasomes, part of the innate immune reaction (IIR), was highlighted. Inflammasomes are formed from pattern recognition receptors that, when activated, can trigger proinflammatory cytokines and the adaptive immune response (AIR). A study by Sawaya and colleagues found that androgen levels increase Caspase-1 levels, an inducer of apoptosis and inflammation, suggesting that the IIR is a potential pathway for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Dr. Sadick's study found IgM deposits along the basement membrane in 64% of women with AGA, suggesting a link between the inflammatory reaction from the AIR and alopecia. The anti-inflammatory properties of strontium were also discussed, with speculation that it could be useful in treating alopecia. The document concluded with the suggestion that many forms of alopecia, including AGA, could be related to the immune response.