COVID-19, Androgens, and Androgenic Alopecia

December 2020 in “ Dermatological reviews ”

Carlos Gustavo Wambier

androgens androgenic alopecia anti-androgenic drugs androgen pathway CAG repeats androgen receptor

TLDR COVID-19 may worsen with androgens; anti-androgen drugs could help.

This document explores the possible connection between COVID-19 and androgenic alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by androgen hormones. Studies suggest that androgens may worsen COVID-19 in male patients, and anti-androgenic drugs may offer protection against the virus. However, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the relationship between COVID-19 and androgens. The document also highlights ongoing clinical trials testing drugs that target the androgen pathway in COVID-19 and a study that found a correlation between long CAG repeats in the androgen receptor and severe COVID-19 outcomes.

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Research cited in this study

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Early Antiandrogen Therapy With Dutasteride Reduces Viral Shedding, Inflammatory Responses, and Time-to-Remission in Males With COVID-19: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Interventional Trial

research Early Antiandrogen Therapy With Dutasteride Reduces Viral Shedding, Inflammatory Responses, and Time-to-Remission in Males With COVID-19: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Interventional Trial

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Dutasteride treatment in men with mild to moderate COVID-19 reduced viral shedding, inflammation, and recovery time without serious side effects.

research Alopecia and Grey Hair Are Associated with COVID-19 Severity

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Having a lot of gray hair and hair loss are linked to more severe COVID-19.

Male Balding as a Major Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19: A Possible Role for Targeting Androgens and Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 to Protect Vulnerable Individuals

research Male Balding as a Major Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19: A Possible Role for Targeting Androgens and Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 to Protect Vulnerable Individuals

6 citations, September 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Severe male balding may increase the risk of serious COVID-19, and treatments that reduce androgens or block a specific enzyme might help protect these individuals.

Androgenetic Alopecia in COVID-19: Comparison to Age-Matched Epidemiologic Studies and Hospital Outcomes With or Without the Gabrin Sign

research Androgenetic Alopecia in COVID-19: Comparison to Age-Matched Epidemiologic Studies and Hospital Outcomes With or Without the Gabrin Sign

32 citations, July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

AGA linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes in men.

research Male Balding Is a Major Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19

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Men with severe balding have a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.

research Androgenetic Alopecia Present in the Majority of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: The 'Gabrin Sign'

119 citations, May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Most COVID-19 patients in hospitals have androgenetic alopecia, more in men, suggesting a link between androgen sensitivity and severe COVID-19 symptoms.

research Androgen Sensitivity Gateway to COVID-19 Disease Severity

123 citations, May 2020 in “Drug Development Research”

Men's sensitivity to male hormones might affect how severe COVID-19 gets for them.

Racial Variations in COVID-19 Deaths May Be Due to Androgen Receptor Genetic Variants Associated with Prostate Cancer and Androgenetic Alopecia. Are Anti-Androgens a Potential Treatment for COVID-19?

research Racial Variations in COVID-19 Deaths May Be Due to Androgen Receptor Genetic Variants Associated with Prostate Cancer and Androgenetic Alopecia. Are Anti-Androgens a Potential Treatment for COVID-19?

71 citations, April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.

A Preliminary Observation: Male Pattern Hair Loss Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Spain – A Potential Clue to the Role of Androgens in COVID-19 Severity

research A Preliminary Observation: Male Pattern Hair Loss Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Spain – A Potential Clue to the Role of Androgens in COVID-19 Severity

134 citations, April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.

research What Does Androgenetic Alopecia Have to Do with COVID-19? An Insight into a Potential New Therapy

47 citations, April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Androgenetic alopecia linked to COVID-19 severity; drugs reducing androgen receptor activation may help.

Baldness And The Androgen Receptor: The AR Polyglycine Repeat Polymorphism Does Not Confer Susceptibility To Androgenetic Alopecia

research Baldness And The Androgen Receptor: The AR Polyglycine Repeat Polymorphism Does Not Confer Susceptibility To Androgenetic Alopecia

60 citations, January 2007 in “Human Genetics”

AR polyglycine repeat doesn't cause baldness.

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