HLA class II alleles in patients with alopecia areata.

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Eur J Dermatol 2002 May-Jun;12(3):236-9

HLA class II alleles in patients with alopecia areata.

Our purpose was to determine which HLA class II alleles are associated with Turkish alopecia areata patients. Also we investigated whether there was a relationship between the age of onset and severity of disease and HLA alleles or not. Sixty-five patients with alopecia areata were included in this study, and 50 healthy transplant donors were used as a control group. The total group of alopecia areata patients as well as various subgroups according to scalp hair loss were compared to the control group. HLA DNA typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primer method. The frequency of DQB1*03 allele was 86.1% in all patients compared to 62.0% in controls (P = 0.005). While the frequency of DQB1*03 was significantly increased, the frequency of DRB1*03 was decreased in the all patients group (4.6% versus 22.0%, P = 0.01). In the group of scalp hair loss less than 25%; the frequency of DRB1*03 was decreased (3.2%, P = 0.02). The group of patients with 25-75% scalp hair loss was compared to control group; the frequencies of DRB1*04 (66.7% versus 28.0%, P = 0.02) was increased. When the alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis or alopecia totalis/alopecia universalis group was compared to control group; DQB1*03 was associated with an increased frequency in this group versus control group (90.9%, P = 0.03). There were no significant differences for the other DQ alleles and the DR alleles tested in the patients and in the controls. When patients with early onset were compared to patients with late onset; no significant allele differences were found. Our findings suggested that DQB1*03 allele is a marker for general susceptibility to alopecia areata and may also serve as special genetic marker for susceptibility for the severe form of alopecia areata in our population. However, this association is not related to age at onset of the disease.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001 Dec;86(12):5762-4

Production rates of dihydrotestosterone in healthy men and women and in men with male pattern baldness: determination by stable isotope/dilution and mass spectrometry.

Production rates of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were determined in healthy men (n = 8), in healthy women during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle (n = 7), and in young men with male pattern baldness (n = 8) using the stable isotope dilution technique and mass spectrometry. [2,3,4-(13)C]DHT was infused for 10 h at doses of 15 microg/h (men) and 2 microg/h (women), and blood samples were obtained at 20-min intervals during the last 4 h of the observation period. Production rates estimated between April and June were 2.9 +/- 1.1 microg/h (women) and 17.8 +/- 6.2 microg/h (men). In men production rates of DHT were similar (16.2 +/- 7.7 microg/h) when the investigation was repeated between October and December. Mean production rates of DHT in young men with male pattern baldness (60 +/- 50 microg/h) were higher than those in healthy men (P < 0.005). Although this group included two individuals with normal production rates of DHT, the production rate of DHT was markedly elevated (range, 32.0-161.0 microg/h) in the remaining patients. Stable isotope-labeled infusions of DHT are suitable for clinical use in a routine setting to obtain analytically correct estimates of DHT production in vivo. In the majority of men with male pattern baldness endogenous production of DHT is markedly increased, providing a rationale for therapeutic 5 alpha-reductase inhibition in this disorder.

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2000 Mar;15(2):137-9

The effect of hair loss on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of hair loss on quality of life. Patients were recruited from an alopecia support group, and were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and an adapted version of the DLQI. Financial utility questions, an abbreviated version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and open-ended questions were also used. OBSERVATIONS: Seventy (90% response rate) questionnaires were returned. DLQI scores in responders with hair loss (mean score = 8.3, SD = 5.6, range 0-23, n = 70) were similar to those recorded in severe psoriasis. The hair loss continued to have a significant impact on life quality well after the initial event (median duration of hair loss = 138 months +/- 114; range 7-588, n = 70). Forty per cent of patients also felt dissatisfied with the way in which their doctor dealt with them. CONCLUSIONS: This study specifically identifies the feelings of loss of self-confidence, low self-esteem and heightened self-consciousness in people affected by hair loss.

Eur J Dermatol. 2003 Mar-Apr;13(2):150-60.

Efficacy and tolerability of finasteride 1 mg in men aged 41 to 60 years with male pattern hair loss.

A 24-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of 424 men was conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of finasteride 1 mg on hair growth/loss in men aged 41 to 60 years with mild-to-moderate, predominantly vertex male pattern hair loss. Efficacy was evaluated by review of global photographs of the vertex scalp taken at baseline and at Months 6, 12, 18, and 24 and by patient self-assessments and investigator clinical assessments of change from baseline in hair growth/loss collected at Months 6, 12, 18, and 24. Safety analyses included assessment of clinical and laboratory adverse experiences, including sexual adverse experiences. Analysis of global photographic assessment data showed significant improvement in hair growth for men in the finasteride group compared with those taking placebo beginning at Month 6 (p < 0.001) and maintained through Month 24 (p < 0.001). Results of the patient self-assessment and investigator assessments were consistent with those from the global photographic assessment. Finasteride 1 mg improved scalp hair growth in men aged 41 to 60 years with predominantly vertex male pattern hair loss compared with results seen with placebo. Improvement was evident by 6 months of treatment and continued through 24 months. Treatment with finasteride 1 mg was generally well tolerated.

Hair growth is a sophisticated biological process, which is still not thoroughly understood. A multitude of therapeutic measures, including drugs, surgery, and suppelements have been made available, and used. However, due to the diversity of the problems underlying hair loss, there is no single solution for all hair loss cases. Most of chemical drugs and hair transplantation surgeries are not free from varying degrees of undesirable side effects on health.

Hair Million is an alternative solution to hair loss problems. Anecdotally, it shows prositive results and improvement especially for age-related hair thinning and hair loss for a fraction of people who take it. We do not know the mechanisms of action as to how Hair Million works to help stop hair loss, and promote hair growth. We only know by anecdotal observations. There has been no clinical trials nor placebo controlled statistical analysis on the efficacy of Hair Million on hair loss and hair growth. For the clinically tested, FDA approved prescription medication, check Propecia.

DHEA has been suggested to provide numerous potential benefits. DHEA (or dehydroepiandrosterone) is converted into androgens (male hormones) or estrogens (female hormones) in the cells.

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