TLDR A genetic marker linked to a type of hair loss was found in most patients studied.
The study examined the genetic predisposition to familial frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) in 13 patients from six families by analyzing their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) profiles and the CYP21A2 gene mutation. It was found that 61.5% of the patients had the CYP21A2 gene p.V281L mutation associated with the F16A HLA class I haplotype (HLA-A*33:01; B*14:02; C*08:02), which is linked to nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This haplotype and mutation were suggested as genetic markers for susceptibility to FFA, indicating a potential antigen-driven mechanism for the disease. The study, despite its small sample size, highlighted the significance of a shared low-frequency MHC extended haplotype among most patients and suggested that these findings could lead to targeted treatments after further confirmation in sporadic FFA cases.
33 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Familial frontal fibrosing alopecia affects premenopausal women too, and early diagnosis is important, but no proven medication exists yet.
12 citations,
January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” A mother and daughter with similar hair loss conditions and identical HLA types suggest a genetic link between the conditions.
220 citations,
June 2013 in “The Journal of Pathology” Lichen planopilaris may be an autoimmune disease causing hair loss due to immune system issues in hair follicles.
1 citations,
September 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica” Certain genetic variants are linked to frontal fibrosing alopecia in Spanish patients.
23 citations,
April 2021 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine” Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia's cause is unclear, affects mainly postmenopausal women, and current treatments focus on stopping hair loss rather than regrowth.
12 citations,
January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” A mother and daughter with similar hair loss conditions and identical HLA types suggest a genetic link between the conditions.
8 citations,
October 2019 in “International Journal of Dermatology” The study concluded that combination therapy with topical corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine or finasteride is effective in treating Frontal fibrosing alopecia in Asians.
38 citations,
January 2019 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology” The document concluded that more research is needed to find the best treatment for Frontal fibrosing alopecia.
