Recalcitrant Female Pattern Hair Loss Like Alopecia Unveils Unexpected Rare Entity

January 2025 in “ Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology ”

Ahmed H. Nouh, Fatma Elgendy, Fatma Gobran, Maryna Zhuravlova

female pattern hair loss alopecia Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis MUHH HRURF gene genotype–phenotype correlations hair loss patterns dermoscopic findings genetic testing hair development hair cycling female pattern baldness genetic hair loss

TLDR Genetic testing is crucial for diagnosing rare hair loss disorders.

This study reports the first case series of Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis (MUHH) in Egypt, involving two unrelated families. It identifies two heterozygous pathogenic variants in the HRURF gene, contributing to the understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations in this rare disorder. The research highlights the clinical variability of MUHH, with unique hair loss patterns and dermoscopic findings. It underscores the importance of genetic testing for diagnosis and calls for further functional studies to explore the HRURF gene's role in hair development and cycling, which may lead to effective treatments.

View this study on dovepress.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Marie-Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis

4 citations, January 2014 in “International Journal of Trichology”

A 12-year-old boy with a rare genetic condition has progressive hair loss with no effective treatment.

A Newly Identified Missense Mutation of the HR Gene Is Associated with a Novel, Unusual Phenotype of Marie Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis 1 Including Limb Deformities

research A Newly Identified Missense Mutation of the HR Gene Is Associated with a Novel, Unusual Phenotype of Marie Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis 1 Including Limb Deformities

6 citations, May 2012 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

A new mutation in the HR gene is linked to a rare form of hair loss with limb deformities.

research Marie-Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

12 citations, March 2011 in “Pediatric dermatology”

An 18-year-old girl was diagnosed with a rare hereditary hair loss condition, despite no family history.

research Marie Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis: A Turkish Family with Loss of Eyebrows and a U2HR Mutation

11 citations, September 2010 in “American Journal of Medical Genetics - Part A”

A Turkish family with sparse hair and eyebrow loss has a mutation in the U2HR gene linked to Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis.

Loss-Of-Function Mutations of an Inhibitory Upstream ORF in the Human Hairless Transcript Cause Marie Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis

research Loss-Of-Function Mutations of an Inhibitory Upstream ORF in the Human Hairless Transcript Cause Marie Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis

181 citations, January 2009 in “Nature Genetics”

Certain mutations in a hair growth-related gene cause a type of genetic hair loss.

research A Distinct Gene Close to the Hairless Locus on Chromosome 8p Underlies Hereditary Marie Unna Type Hypotrichosis in a German Family

36 citations, October 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

A different gene near the hairless gene on chromosome 8p21 causes a rare hair loss condition in a German family.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 828 upvotes 5 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 102 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community Most Recent Interesting Hairloss Studies: 10% Minox vs 5% Minox / Radio Rrequency Treatment for AA / Topical Ketoconazole / PRP+Minox vs Minox vs PRP / Alopecia as a systemic disease

in Treatment 86 upvotes 5 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, such as topical minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma therapy with or without minoxidil, ketoconazole, non-abative radio frequency, natural products, finasteride and cortexolone 17 alpha propionate. The post evaluates the efficacy and safety of these treatments in various studies.

community A Different Take on Curing MBP

16 upvotes 5 years ago

Addressing hair loss by focusing on posture, blood flow, and craniofacial development. Methods include improving posture, cardiovascular activity, scalp massages, healthy diet, meditation, using minoxidil, and addressing craniofacial issues.

community Hair Remedies that Don't Work for Anybody Seeking Hair Regrowth

in Treatment 7 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841. Salon products and supplements generally don't work for hair regrowth unless there's a severe nutritional deficiency, while hormonal treatments like estrogen and spironolactone can be effective.

community How is it that golden era bodybuilders kept their hair while blasting gear while in the modern era most are bald? I’m convinced there’s something in our food and water causing MPB to speed up

in Satire 726 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about the difference in hair loss between bodybuilders in the "Golden Era" and modern bodybuilders. Some users speculate that factors such as the types and doses of steroids used, genetics, diet, microplastics, and overall health may contribute to hair loss. Hair loss prevention medication and transplants are mentioned as potential treatments.

Related Research

4 / 4 results

research GainmoreTM M: An Oral Supplementation in Men with Androgenic Alopecia for Reduction in Hair Loss and New Hair Growth

August 2015 in “Europe PMC (PubMed Central)”

Using body measurements can help achieve good results in plastic surgery like reshaping the torso, but it doesn't work for all body types.

research Towards a Molecular Understanding of Hair Loss and Its Treatment

236 citations, July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata

48 citations, October 1996 in “Dermatologic clinics”

Some treatments can help with hair regrowth in alopecia areata, but results vary and long-term use is often needed without changing the disease's outcome.

research Disorders of Hair Growth: Diagnosis and Treatment

26 citations, January 1994 in “McGraw-Hill eBooks”

Many hair loss conditions can be treated.