Distribution of Growth Factors and Cytokines in Hair Follicles and Their Microenvironment in Normal and Alopecia Areata Conditions

The study investigated the distribution of TNF-α, IL-1β, EGF, and FGF in the scalp skin of healthy individuals and patients with alopecia areata using immunohistochemical methods. It was found that these growth factors are normally secreted by hair follicle structures, aiding in cell division and hair papilla function. In alopecia areata, there was a deviation from normal distribution, with more intense staining and wider spread in the surrounding dermis, indicating a shift in regulatory molecule synthesis. This imbalance in cytokine and growth factor synthesis could disrupt normal cell proliferation and induce premature anagen phase, contributing to alopecia pathogenesis.