Frontiers in the Physiology of Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia: Beyond the Androgen Horizon

The document discusses male pattern androgenetic alopecia (mpAGA) as a common, heritable, androgen-dependent condition characterized by hair follicle miniaturization and anagen shortening, leading to a distinct balding pattern. Despite its prevalence and psychosocial impact, the exact mechanism by which androgens induce mpAGA remains unclear, as androgen receptor polymorphisms and androgen levels do not fully explain the condition. The study explores whether hair follicle changes are driven by mesenchymal factors or intraepithelial events and suggests potential therapeutic targets beyond androgens. It also highlights mpAGA as a model for studying the roles of immune cells, oxidative stress, aging, and the microbiome in hair cycle regulation, identifying key research questions beyond androgen receptor signaling.