Genetic Analysis of Male Pattern Baldness and the 5α-Reductase Genes

June 1998 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Justine A. Ellis, Margaret Susanne Stebbing, Stephen Harrap

male pattern baldness 5α-reductase SRD5A1 SRD5A2 polygenic etiology MPB

TLDR Male pattern baldness is likely caused by multiple genes, not just 5α-reductase genes.

The study examined the genetic association between male pattern baldness (MPB) and the 5α-reductase genes, SRD5A1 and SRD5A2, using a sample of 3,000 individuals from 828 families. It compared 58 young bald men and 114 older nonbald men, finding no significant differences in allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies, suggesting these genes were not linked to MPB. The study concluded that MPB likely had a polygenic etiology rather than a simple Mendelian inheritance pattern, indicating the involvement of other genetic or non-genetic factors. Further research into other candidate genes was recommended to better understand the genetic markers for MPB.

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9 / 9 results

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Research cited in this study

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Can Male-Pattern Baldness Be Prevented? Promising Results from a Study on Treating Male-Pattern Baldness with Oral Finasteride

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research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research Role of 5α-Reductase in Health and Disease

research Hair Growth Effects of Oral Administration of Finasteride, a Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Alone and in Combination with Topical Minoxidil in the Balding Stumptail Macaque

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