Predictive Metagenomic Profiling, Urine Metabolomics, And Human Marker Gene Expression As An Integrated Approach To Study Alopecia Areata

April 2020 in “ Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology ”

Daniela Pinto, Francesco Maria Calabrese, Maria De Angelis, Giuseppe Celano, Giammaria Giuliani, Marco Gobbetti, Fabio Rinaldi

alopecia areata scalp microbiome urine metabolomics human gene expression microbial genera dermis layer KEGG pathways gene expression analysis urinary volatile organic metabolites prebiotics probiotics postbiotics

TLDR Alopecia areata may be linked to scalp microbiome differences, suggesting potential treatments with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.

The study investigated the role of the scalp microbiome in alopecia areata (AA) by comparing microbial populations, urine metabolomics, and human gene expression between AA subjects and healthy individuals. Significant differences in microbial genera were found, particularly in the dermis layer, and various predicted KEGG pathways were enhanced in AA samples. Gene expression analysis revealed correlations between specific genes and microbiome composition. Additionally, differences in urinary volatile organic metabolites were observed. This integrated approach suggested potential traits associated with AA and highlighted the possibility of novel therapeutic interventions using prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.

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