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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