Neuroendocrine Perspectives in Alopecia Areata: Does Stress Play a Role?
June 2009
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
alopecia areata psychoemotional stress hair follicle regression neurogenic inflammation corticotropin-releasing hormone substance P hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis HPA axis neuroendocrinological research neuroimmunological research inflammatory skin diseases AA stress hair loss CRH skin inflammation
TLDR Stress might contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata.
The document discussed the potential role of psychoemotional stress in the onset and progression of alopecia areata (AA), with recent studies in mice showing that stress could inhibit hair growth and induce hair follicle regression through neurogenic inflammation. Key findings included the upregulation of stress mediators like corticotropin-releasing hormone and substance P in lesional hair follicles. The study by Zhang et al. (2009) highlighted altered hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity in a mouse model of AA, suggesting stress might play a significant role in AA pathogenesis. However, definitive evidence linking stress to AA in humans remained elusive, and the authors emphasized the need for further neuroendocrinological and neuroimmunological research in inflammatory skin diseases.
