Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Scalp Profiling Links Th1/Th2 And JAK3 Activation With Fibrosis And Loss Of Follicular Stem Cells

April 2019 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Ester Del Duca, Tae Won Song, R.D. Sanyal, Ana B. Pavel, Jesús Gay-Mimbrera, Juan Luís Sanz-Cabanillas, R. Li, J.G. Krueger, J. Ruano Ruiz, Emma Guttman‐Yassky

frontal fibrosing alopecia alopecia areata CD8+ T cells CD11c+ dendritic cells granzyme B Th1 Th2 JAK-STAT signaling fibrosis epithelial-mesenchymal transition hair keratin genes CD200 K15 immune-mediated follicular damage FFA AA JAK3

TLDR Targeting immune pathways like JAK/STAT may help treat frontal fibrosing alopecia.

The study investigated frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a subtype of alopecia, by comparing scalp biopsies from FFA patients (n=12), alopecia areata (AA) patients (n=10), and controls (n=3). It found increased CD8+ T cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells in FFA and AA, with higher granzyme B mRNA in FFA. Infiltrates were located at the bulge in FFA and at the bulb in AA. Th1, Th2, and JAK-STAT signaling were up-regulated in FFA, along with markers of fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Hair keratin genes were downregulated in AA but not FFA. Stem cell markers CD200 and K15 were reduced in both FFA and AA, with K15 protein expression specifically diminished in FFA. The findings suggested that immune-mediated follicular damage and fibrosis in FFA could potentially be mitigated by targeting immune pathways like JAK/STAT.

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community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community DUPA/Retrograde might not be DHT based...GET A BIOPSY QUICK or permanent Hair Loss!

in Research/Science 43 upvotes 9 months ago

DUPA and retrograde alopecia may not be solely DHT-based, and a biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, oral minoxidil, pioglitazone, clobetasol, calcipotriol, ketoconazole, and doxycycline, depending on the specific condition.

community Actor Jacob Batalon, 26, has a receding hairline. I thought it was pretty cool to see a younger actor being successful, despite dealing with hair loss. His most well known role is Ned Leeds in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he is currently the CEO of Sex.

in Satire 498 upvotes 2 years ago

Actor Jacob Batalon's receding hairline and how it is a sign of his success despite dealing with hair loss, with some people suggesting he may be using treatments such as Minoxidil or Finasteride to manage it.

community How essential is scalp biopsy when dealing with hair loss?

in Treatment 6 upvotes 1 year ago

The user experienced hair loss despite using Fin and Min for 12 years and switched to Dutasteride, RU58841, and Keto scalp serum, but shedding and itch persist. They are considering increasing Dutasteride to 2.5mg and questioning the necessity of a scalp biopsy, with mixed opinions on its usefulness.

community Dutasteride Isn't Working? Get a Scalp Biopsy NOW

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 19 upvotes 9 months ago

Dutasteride may not be effective for everyone due to underlying issues, suggesting scalp biopsies for further diagnosis. Users discuss using higher doses of dutasteride, topical treatments, minoxidil, and pyrilutamide for hair loss management.

community Diffuse thinning is so brutal.

in Styling 70 upvotes 2 years ago

A 25-year-old with AGA experienced hair thinning and dandruff, stabilized with topical finasteride and minoxidil but saw minimal regrowth. They seek advice on styling and consider oral minoxidil and microneedling for denser hair.

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