Assessment of Retinol-Binding Protein 4 in Patients with Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia

September 2016 in “ Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print) ”

Eman M. H. Morsy, Rasha Mahmoud Genedy, Doreen N. Younan, Maha G. Abou Ghadega

retinol-binding protein 4 RBP4 alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia RA metabolic pathway hair cycle AA AGA

TLDR Higher RBP4 levels found in people with two types of hair loss.

This study assessed the levels of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in patients with alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and compared them to healthy controls. The results showed that both AA and AGA are associated with increased serum levels of RBP4, suggesting that components of the RA metabolic pathway may be involved in the development and progression of both types of alopecia. However, the exact role of RBP4 in the hair cycle remains to be elucidated. The study recommends further research to determine the effect of treatment of AA on serum level of RBP4 and the effect of modulating RA pathway as a therapeutic modality for AA.

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Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

research Endogenous Retinoids in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

54 citations, September 2012 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Vitamin A affects hair loss and immune response in alopecia areata.

research Endogenous Retinoids in the Hair Follicle and Sebaceous Gland

50 citations, September 2011 in “Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids”

Maintaining the right amount of retinoic acid is crucial for healthy hair and skin.

research Increased Retinol-Binding Protein 4 and Anti-RBP4 Antibody in Alopecia Areata

6 citations, June 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata have higher levels of RBP4 protein and antibodies against it.

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.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations, January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Half of people with Alopecia Areata may see hair regrowth within a year without treatment, but recovery is unpredictable.

research Alopecia in the United States: Outpatient Utilization and Common Prescribing Patterns

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Alopecia areata causes significant emotional distress, including high rates of depression and anxiety.

research Immunolocalization of Enzymes, Binding Proteins, and Receptors Sufficient for Retinoic Acid Synthesis and Signaling During the Hair Cycle

48 citations, March 2007 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Retinoic acid production and signaling in hair follicles are regulated by location and timing, affecting hair growth and cycling.

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research Role of Vitamin D in Hair Loss: A Short Review

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research The Role of Vitamin D in Non-Scarring Alopecia

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Low vitamin D might be linked to certain types of hair loss, and supplements could help, but more research is needed.

Assessment of Retinol-Binding Protein 4 in Patients with Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia

Research cited in this study

research Endogenous Retinoids in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

research Endogenous Retinoids in the Hair Follicle and Sebaceous Gland

research Increased Retinol-Binding Protein 4 and Anti-RBP4 Antibody in Alopecia Areata

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

research Alopecia Areata Update

research Alopecia in the United States: Outpatient Utilization and Common Prescribing Patterns

research Immunolocalization of Enzymes, Binding Proteins, and Receptors Sufficient for Retinoic Acid Synthesis and Signaling During the Hair Cycle

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