Hair Diseases: Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2010

Satoshi Itami, Shigeki Inui

alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia T lymphocytes SCID mice HLA associations topical minoxidil oral pulse prednisolone therapy systemic cyclosporine androgens androgen receptors hair follicles finasteride male pattern baldness Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Alopecia areata, a type of hair loss, may be passed through T cells and has genetic links, while treatments vary in effectiveness. Male pattern baldness can be treated with finasteride and is influenced by androgens in hair follicles.

The 2009 document discussed alopecia areata, a type of hair loss, and its potential transfer via T lymphocytes to human scalp explants on SCID mice. It also explored the genetic basis of alopecia areata, noting HLA associations with different forms of the condition. Various treatments, including topical minoxidil, oral pulse prednisolone therapy, and systemic cyclosporine, were mentioned, but their efficacy varied and some had side effects. The document also discussed androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, its treatment with finasteride, and the role of androgens and androgen receptors in hair follicles.

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Research cited in this study

23 / 23 results

research Efficacy And Safety Of A New Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Foam In Alopecia Areata: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

114 citations, October 2006 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

The new clobetasol propionate foam is effective and safe for treating alopecia areata.

research Reversal of Androgenetic Alopecia by Topical Ketoconazole: Relevance of Anti-Androgenic Activity

38 citations, September 2006 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Ketoconazole lotion can improve hair regrowth for some people with androgenetic alopecia.

research Finasteride Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

108 citations, March 2006 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride with oral contraceptive helps improve hair loss in premenopausal women.

research Alefacept for Alopecia Areata

33 citations, December 2005 in “Archives of dermatology”

Alefacept showed some effectiveness for alopecia areata but needs more research.

research Recurrence of Alopecia Areata in a Patient Receiving Etanercept Injections

75 citations, June 2005 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Etanercept may not prevent alopecia areata from coming back.

research Management of Hair Loss

74 citations, April 2005 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Minoxidil and finasteride are effective for male hair loss, minoxidil for female hair loss, and various treatments like corticosteroids work for alopecia areata; treatment should be tailored to the individual.

research Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata

182 citations, October 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The 2003 guidelines suggest that while some treatments can regrow hair in alopecia areata, none alter the disease's progression, and wigs may be the best option for extensive hair loss.

Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Inhibits Epithelial Cell Growth: A Clue to Understanding Paradoxical Effects of Androgen on Human Hair Growth

research Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Inhibits Epithelial Cell Growth: A Clue to Understanding Paradoxical Effects of Androgen on Human Hair Growth

190 citations, October 2002 in “The FASEB journal”

Androgens may cause hair loss by increasing TGF-beta1 from scalp cells, which inhibits hair cell growth.

Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth Is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil

research Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth Is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil

83 citations, December 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by targeting adenosine and possibly sulfonylurea receptor 2B.

research The Hair Follicle: A Paradoxical Androgen Target Organ

66 citations, January 2000 in “Hormone Research in Paediatrics”

Androgens can both promote and prevent hair growth due to differences in gene expression in hair follicles.

research Treatment of Hair Loss

370 citations, September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.

research Experimental Induction of Alopecia Areata-Like Hair Loss in C3H/HeJ Mice Using Full-Thickness Skin Grafts

131 citations, November 1998 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Skin grafts on mice can cause an immune response leading to hair loss, useful for studying human hair loss conditions.

research Efficacy of Topical Sensitizers in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

132 citations, November 1998 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical sensitizers have mixed success in treating alopecia areata.

research Balding Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Contain Higher Levels of Androgen Receptors Than Those From Non-Balding Scalp

227 citations, January 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinology”

Cells from balding scalps have more androgen receptors than cells from non-balding scalps.

research Beneficial Effect of Spironolactone on Androgenic Alopecia

20 citations, December 1997 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Spironolactone may help reduce hair loss in androgenic alopecia.

research Systemic Steroids With or Without 2% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

101 citations, November 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Steroids help hair regrowth, and minoxidil slows post-steroid hair loss, but effects are temporary.

research Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells From Androgen-Dependent Human Hair Follicles Contain More Androgen Receptors Than Those From Non-Balding Areas Of Scalp

124 citations, April 1992 in “Journal of Endocrinology/Journal of endocrinology”

Beard hair follicles have more androgen receptors than non-balding scalp hair follicles.

research Effects of Finasteride (MK-906), a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Androgens in Male Volunteers

147 citations, April 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride safely lowers DHT levels without affecting testosterone.

research Evaluation of Anthralin in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

109 citations, November 1987 in “Archives of dermatology”

Anthralin cream helped 25% of patients with severe alopecia areata regrow hair, but caused skin irritation.

research Topical Minoxidil Solution (1% and 5%) in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

101 citations, March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.

research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia Areata

104 citations, March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.

research Topical Photochemotherapy for Alopecia Areata

63 citations, April 1985 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical PUVA can cause temporary hair regrowth in some alopecia areata patients but doesn't change the long-term outcome.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

666 citations, September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.

Related Community Posts Join

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community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months 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 Lost density 60% all over scalp in 120 days (4months)

in Update 10 upvotes 5 months ago

A user lost 60% hair density in 4 months, started finasteride and microneedling, and has greasy, flaky, yellowish scalp. They are awaiting biopsy results, and another user suggested trying ketoconazole shampoo.

community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

in Chat 33 upvotes 2 years ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

community AA and Hirsutism but T levels are normal

in Female 8 upvotes 3 years ago

27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosterone levels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.

community People need to start accepting that only medical therapy (Fin/Dut) can save your hair in the long run.

in Treatment 112 upvotes 10 months ago

Minoxidil can regrow hair but doesn't address the underlying issue of DHT, leading to continued hair loss. Users discuss their experiences with finasteride and dutasteride, mentioning side effects, personal outcomes, and alternatives like microdosing topical finasteride.

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 1 year 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.

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Oral JAK inhibitors help regrow hair in alopecia patients.

research Congenital Alopecia Areata

32 citations, January 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some babies are born with alopecia areata, and a treatment with clobetasol propionate can regrow hair in half of the cases.

research Alopecia in Women: A 2003 Review

18 citations, March 2003 in “PubMed”

Hair loss in women can be due to abnormal hair growth cycles or damaged hair follicles, with the most common type being androgenetic alopecia; treatment varies by cause, and the psychological impact is significant.

research Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

72 citations, January 2001 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss; more research needed for other options.

research Chapter 20: Pathogenesis and Treatment of Alopecias

8 citations, January 1989 in “Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry”

Hair loss from alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia can be treated, but more effective and safer treatments are needed.