The Role of the Leaky Gut in the Development of Alopecia Areata

The study explored the role of a leaky gut in the development of Alopecia Areata (AA) by inducing a leaky gut in mice using Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS). Researchers observed a depletion of tight junction proteins (Occludin, ZO-1, and Claudin-1) in the intestines of C3H and C57/B6 mice, and a 2.59-fold increase in gut permeability in C57/B6 mice compared to controls. The study also noted decreased expression of the PRDX5 gene, which is linked to oxidative stress and is a candidate gene in AA, Crohn’s Disease, and Psoriasis. These findings suggested that dysbiosis-induced disruption of the gut epithelial barrier and the resulting systemic immune response could be potential triggers for AA, warranting further investigation.