Scalp Microbiome and Sebum Composition in Japanese Male Individuals with and without Androgenetic Alopecia

October 2021 in “ Microorganisms ”

Kazuhiro Suzuki, Mizuna Inoue, Otomi Cho, Rumiko Mizutani, Yuri Shimizu, Tohru Nagahama, Takashi Sugita

androgenetic alopecia sebum triglycerides palmitic acid Malassezia restricta Cutibacterium Corynebacterium scalp dysbiosis AGA scalp oil scalp fungus scalp bacteria

TLDR Men with androgenetic alopecia have different scalp oils and microbes compared to those without.

The study analyzed the scalp microbiome and sebum composition of 118 Japanese males, comparing those with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) to those without. It found that individuals with AGA had higher levels of sebum triglycerides and palmitic acid, and their fungal microbiome was dominated by Malassezia restricta. The bacterial microbiome in AGA patients showed increased Cutibacterium and decreased Corynebacterium, indicating scalp dysbiosis. These findings suggest that both sebum composition and microbial imbalances may play roles in the development of AGA.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

13 / 13 results

research Investigation on Microecology of Hair Root Fungi in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

9 citations, June 2019 in “Mycopathologia”

Malassezia yeast linked to hair loss; ketoconazole helps treat it.

research Microbiome in the Hair Follicle of Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

26 citations, May 2019 in “PLOS ONE”

Hair loss patients have different microbes in hair follicles, possibly affecting hair loss.

research Scalp Bacterial Shift in Alopecia Areata

48 citations, April 2019 in “PloS one”

Alopecia areata patients have more Propionibacterium acnes and less Staphylococcus epidermidis on their scalps.

research Dissection of Genetic Variation and Evidence for Pleiotropy in Male Pattern Baldness

58 citations, December 2018 in “Nature Communications”

Male pattern baldness is mostly inherited, involves many genes, and is linked to other traits like early puberty and strong bones.

research Comparison of Healthy and Dandruff Scalp Microbiome Reveals the Role of Commensals in Scalp Health

65 citations, October 2018 in “Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology”

Certain bacteria and fungi are linked to healthy scalps and dandruff, suggesting that the scalp's microbial balance affects its health.

research The Contribution of Endogenous and Exogenous Factors to Male Alopecia

37 citations, April 2013 in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery”

Genetic and environmental factors, like smoking and exercise, affect male hair loss.

research The Role of Sebaceous Gland Activity and Scalp Microfloral Metabolism in the Etiology of Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff

241 citations, August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are caused by yeast feeding on scalp oils, leading to irritation and flaking.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations, December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Early diagnosis and treatment, using finasteride, minoxidil, or hair transplantation, improves hair loss outcomes.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men Aged 40-69 Years: Prevalence and Risk Factors

155 citations, December 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss increases with age; alcohol raises risk, more female partners lowers it.

research Current and Novel Methods for Assessing Efficacy of Hair Growth Promoters in Pattern Hair Loss

86 citations, February 2003 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

New methods improve how we test hair growth treatments, but challenges like slow hair changes and high costs remain.

research Is Androgenetic Alopecia a Photoaggravated Dermatosis?

62 citations, January 2003 in “Dermatology”

Sunlight worsens hair loss; protect scalp.

research Androgenetic Alopecia and Microinflammation

131 citations, August 2000 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Inflammation may be linked to hair loss, and targeting specific enzymes could help treat it.

research Guidelines of Care for Androgenetic Alopecia

37 citations, September 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Treat genetic hair loss early with FDA-approved medications and consider hair transplantation.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Hair Loss & Lipids: Why you have sebderm, folliculitis, LPP, inflammation, etc...

in Research/Science 130 upvotes 1 week ago

Excess sebum rich in cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to hair loss through inflammation, with treatments like Ciclopirox shampoo, Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo, and Clindamycin gel recommended for managing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis. Pioglitazone is suggested for Lichen Planopilaris, while Omega-3s and reducing processed foods may improve sebum quality, though genetic factors play a significant role.

community Androgenetic alopecia is a skin disease: DHT-mediated skin disorders

in Research/Science 65 upvotes 1 year ago

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.

community DUPA/Retrograde might not be DHT based...GET A BIOPSY QUICK or permanent Hair Loss!

in Research/Science 40 upvotes 1 month ago

DUPA and retrograde alopecia may not be solely DHT-based, and a biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, oral minoxidil, pioglitazone, clobetasol, calcipotriol, ketoconazole, and doxycycline, depending on the specific condition.

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

in Research 830 upvotes 7 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 Finasteride 1 mg daily vs Dutasteride 0.5 mg daily

in Treatment 10 upvotes 1 year ago

Switching from finasteride 1mg daily to dutasteride 0.5mg daily may offer better hair regrowth. However, if finasteride is effective, fully switching to dutasteride is not advised; instead, adding dutasteride once a week could be beneficial.

community "DHT Itch" and onset Seborrheic Dermatitis

in Research/Science 76 upvotes 1 year ago

The post and conversation discuss the link between DHT (a hormone), scalp itchiness, and hair loss. Some users share their experiences and treatments, including the use of fluconazole, corticosteroids, and ketoconazole shampoo, with one user suspecting minoxidil as a potential cause of their symptoms.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Scalp Microbiome and Sebum Composition in Japanese Male Individuals with and without Androgenetic Alopecia

4 citations, October 2021 in “Microorganisms”

Men with androgenetic alopecia have different scalp oils and microbes compared to those without.

research Comparison of Healthy and Dandruff Scalp Microbiome Reveals the Role of Commensals in Scalp Health

65 citations, October 2018 in “Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology”

Certain bacteria and fungi are linked to healthy scalps and dandruff, suggesting that the scalp's microbial balance affects its health.