The Genetically Programmed Hair Growth Cycle And Alopecia: What Is There To Know?

June 2006 in “ Expert Review of Dermatology ”

Desmond J. Tobin

TLDR The document concludes that hair loss is complex, affects many people, has limited treatments, and requires more research on its causes and psychological impact.

The 2006 document provides a comprehensive overview of hair follicle biology, the hair growth cycle, and common forms of alopecia. It explains the hair follicle as a mini organ with a cycle consisting of anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases, influenced by systemic and local factors. The review emphasizes the dermal papilla's role in regulating the hair cycle, the bulge activation hypothesis for stem cell stimulation, and the complex role of androgens in hair growth. It also discusses genetic programming of hair growth patterns, racial and ethnic differences, and the influence of societal expectations. Male pattern alopecia (MPA) is identified as the most common hair loss condition, affecting a significant percentage of men by age 70, with treatments like minoxidil and finasteride available. Female pattern alopecia (FPA) is characterized by diffuse hair thinning, with limited treatment options, and the importance of considering iron status in affected women is noted. Alopecia areata (AA) is described as an immune-mediated condition with no cure, and telogen effluvium (TE) as a condition with excessive hair shedding due to various triggers. The document underscores the psychological impact of hair loss and the need for more research into genetic regulation and the aging process in alopecia.

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research Exogen, Shedding Phase of the Hair Growth Cycle: Characterization of a Mouse Model

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Researchers found that hair shedding happens mostly when new hair is growing and involves a unique process.

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research Telogen Effluvium: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Cathepsin L is essential for normal hair growth and development.

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Hair loss occurs due to fewer papillary cells, smaller follicles, and shorter growth phases.

research The Prevalence and Types of Androgenetic Alopecia in Korean Men and Women

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research Lack of Efficacy of Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

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Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.

research Conditional Disruption of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Defines Its Critical Role in Hair Development and Regeneration

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The hedgehog signaling pathway is crucial for hair growth but not for the initial creation of hair follicles.

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research The Biology of Hair Follicles

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The document concludes that certain rats and mice are useful for studying hair loss in humans and testing treatments.

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101 citations , January 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

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research Dermal-Epidermal Interactions in Hair Follicle Development and Maintenance

114 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic clinics”

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17 citations , July 1994 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

The cause of alopecia areata is likely a mix of genetics, immune system issues, and environmental factors, with more research needed to understand it fully.

research Hair Growth Induction: Roles of Growth Factors

44 citations , December 1991 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences”

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5 / 5 results

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