A Perspective on Predictive Markers of Alopecia

January 2020 in “ Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences ”

Anil Kakunje, Ashwini Prabhu, Rahyanath Pookoth, ES Sindhu Priya, Ravichandra Karkal, Parmod Kumar, Nitin Gupta

alopecia cytokines Interferon-α IFN-α interleukin IL tumor necrosis factor-α TNF-α Alopecia areata AA autoimmune disorder erythroid differentiation regulator 1 ErDr 1 genetic loci hair loss immune response stress molecular mechanisms drug targets

TLDR Certain immune molecules and stress affect hair loss, and while genes play a role, more research is needed to fully understand and treat it.

In 2020, a review on predictive markers of alopecia, a hair loss condition, highlighted the role of cytokines such as Interferon-α (IFN-α), interleukin (IL), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the development of Alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disorder affecting nearly 2% of the population. The review also discussed the impact of stress on the immune response and hair growth, citing a study of 33 female medical students. Additionally, a study of 52,000 males identified 250 genetic loci linked to severe hair loss. The potential of erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (ErDr 1) as a predictive biomarker for alopecia was also discussed. The review concluded that while genetic and environmental factors are significant in hair loss, further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms and develop new drug targets.

View this study on journals.lww.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

7 / 7 results

research Efficacy of Systemic Minoxidil and Tofacitinib Combination in Treatment-Resistant Alopecia Universalis

1 citations , June 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Using minoxidil and tofacitinib together can effectively treat severe hair loss.

research Hair Disorders

August 2018 in “Oxford University Press eBooks”

The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document cannot be parsed.

research Alopecia Areata With White Hair Regrowth: Case Report and Review of Poliosis

12 citations , January 2014 in “Dermatology online journal”

White hair regrowth in alopecia areata may be more common than thought.

research Noninflammatory, Nonpruritic Alopecia of Horses

5 citations , December 2013 in “Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice”

Some horses lose hair without inflammation or itching due to various conditions, and while mainly a cosmetic issue, diagnosis requires examination and biopsies, and breeding is not advised if it's hereditary.

research Disorders of Hair

July 2013 in “DeckerMed Family Medicine”

The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.

research Primary Cicatricial Alopecia: Diagnosis and Treatment

48 citations , May 2013 in “Canadian Medical Association Journal”

Primary cicatricial alopecia, a rare disorder causing permanent hair loss, is hard to diagnose and treat, with treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids offering varied results and no guaranteed cure. Psychological support for patients is important, and future research should aim to identify causes of the condition.

research Alopecia Areata: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Unusual Cases

109 citations , May 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that can lead to complete baldness, often associated with other autoimmune conditions, and half of the cases may see hair return within a year.