An Update on Alopecia Areata

July 2009 in “ Current opinion in pediatrics, with evaluated MEDLINE/Current opinion in pediatrics ”

Liborka Kos, Joseph M. Conlon

alopecia areata autoimmune disease human leukocyte antigen hair follicle immune privilege stress

Studysummary This article reviews recent findings on alopecia areata, highlighting genetic and immune factors in its pathogenesis but reporting no new clinical results; the authors emphasize the need for quality evidence on treatment efficacy.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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research Controlled Delivery of T-box21 Small Interfering RNA Ameliorates Autoimmune Alopecia in a C3H/HeJ Mouse Model

69 citations , February 2008 in “The American journal of pathology”

This study found that local injections of interleukin-4 and neutralizing anti-interferon-γ antibody effectively treated alopecia in a mouse model, suggesting potential therapeutic pathways for human alopecia areata.

research Maintenance of Hair Follicle Immune Privilege Is Linked to Prevention of NK Cell Attack

253 citations , December 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study suggests that human hair follicles may actively suppress natural killer cells, which contrasts with the observed defects in NK cell regulation in alopecia areata.

research Probing the Effects of Stress Mediators on the Human Hair Follicle

159 citations , November 2007 in “American Journal of Pathology”

In this study, researchers found that substance P triggered premature catagen development and immune changes in human scalp hair follicles, providing a possible biological link between stress and hair loss conditions like telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.

research Lymphocytes, Neuropeptides, And Genes Involved In Alopecia Areata

286 citations , August 2007 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

This review examines the interplay of genetics and neuroimmunology in alopecia areata, highlighting its potential to inform broader autoimmunity research, but reports no new findings.

research Human Leukocyte Antigen Class II Alleles Are Associated with Risk of Alopecia Areata

36 citations , July 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study observed a strong negative association between the HLA-DQB1*0201 allele and the alopecia totalis/alopecia universalis phenotype in Caucasian individuals, indicating a potential protective role.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Treatment Options

151 citations , February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This review explores the causes and mechanisms of alopecia areata and discusses current treatments, reporting no new clinical findings.

research Genomewide Scan for Linkage Reveals Evidence of Several Susceptibility Loci for Alopecia Areata

143 citations , January 2007 in “The American Journal of Human Genetics”

This study identified four genetic loci on chromosomes 6, 10, 16, and 18 that may contribute to susceptibility for alopecia areata and suggested shared genetic factors with psoriasis.

research Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Chain-Related Gene A Polymorphisms and Extended Haplotypes Are Associated with Familial Alopecia Areata

44 citations , December 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found significant associations between certain MICA variants and haplotypes with alopecia areata, suggesting MICA as a potential candidate gene linked to the disease's susceptibility and severity.

research Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost in the Treatment of Eyebrow Alopecia Areata

36 citations , November 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the potential of latanoprost for treating alopecia areata, but notes that well-controlled studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Infant Alopecia Universalis: Role of Topical PUVA (Psoralen Ultraviolet A) Radiation

4 citations , July 2005 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This article does not contain an abstract and presents no new clinical findings, instead discussing prior cases and literature on infant alopecia universalis and the potential role of topical PUVA therapy.

research Placebo-Controlled Oral Pulse Prednisolone Therapy in Alopecia Areata

141 citations , February 2005 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, oral prednisolone pulse therapy led to significant hair regrowth in some patients with extensive alopecia areata, whereas no improvement was seen in the placebo group.

research 308-Nm Excimer Laser Therapy in Alopecia Areata

85 citations , November 2004 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

The 308-nm excimer laser helps hair regrowth in some alopecia areata cases but not all.

Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

research Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

66 citations , July 2003 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that betamethasone valerate foam was more effective and well-tolerated than betamethasone dipropionate lotion in treating mild-to-moderate alopecia areata, with higher hair regrowth rates observed.