Possible Involvement of Partial Biotinidase Deficiency in Alopecia Areata

The study explored the potential link between partial biotinidase deficiency and alopecia areata (AA). Researchers measured biotinidase activity in 19 patients with AA and compared it to 19 control subjects. Before treatment, patients had significantly lower biotinidase activity (3.0 ± 1.50 mmol/1/min) compared to controls (4.75 ± 0.80 mmol/1/min). After 40 days of biotin supplementation (20 mg/day), patients' biotinidase activity increased (4.40 ± 0.84 mmol/1/min), and 12 out of 19 patients experienced clinical remission, with new hair growth observed. The study concluded that evaluating biotinidase activity and biotin supplementation could be beneficial for AA patients.