The oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) gene in female-pattern hair loss: replication of association with rs10137185 in German patients

Female Pattern Hair Loss: An Overview with Focus on the Genetics

Pattern hair loss can occur in both men and women, and the underlying molecular mechanisms have been continuously studied in recent years. Male androgenetic alopecia (M-AGA), also termed male pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss in men. M-AGA is considered an androgen-dependent trait with a background of genetic predisposition. The interplay between genetic and non-genetic factors leads to the phenotype of follicular miniaturization. Although this similar pattern of phenotypic miniaturization can also be found in female pattern hair loss (FPHL), the corresponding genetic factors in M-AGA do not account for the phenotype in FPHL, indicating that there are different genes contributing to FPHL. Therefore, the role of genetic factors in FPHL is still uncertain. Understanding the genetic mechanism that causes FPHL is crucial for the future development of personalized treatment strategies. This review aims to highlight the differences in the ethnic prevalence and genetic background of FPHL, as well as the current genetic research progress in nutrition, Wnt signaling, and sex hormones related to FPHL.

Male-pattern hair loss: Comprehensive identification of the associated genes as a basis for understanding pathophysiology

Male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a highly heritable and prevalent condition that is characterized by progressive hair loss from the frontotemporal and vertex scalp. This androgen-dependent hair loss may commence during puberty, and up to 80 % of European men experience some degree of MPHL during their lifetime. Current treatment options for MPHL have limited efficacy, and improved understanding of the underlying biological causes is required to facilitate novel therapeutic approaches. To date, molecular genetic studies have identified 389 associated genomic regions, have implicated numerous genes in these regions, and suggested pathways that are likely to contribute to key pathophysiological mechanisms in MPHL. This review provides an overview of the current status of MPHL genetic research. We discuss the most significant achievements, current challenges, and anticipated developments in the field, as well as their potential to advance our understanding of hair (loss) biology, and to improve hair loss prediction and treatment.

Accuracy of clinical diagnosis and videodermoscopy in female pattern hair loss

BACKGROUND

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a non-scarring hair disease characterized by progressive hair diminishment and decrease of its density. Although typical cases of FPHL are usually straightforward to diagnose, its initial forms can be unrecognized and often need the use of other diagnostic methods.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the accuracy of a diagnosis of FPHL based on clinical grounds and videodermoscopy compared with scalp biopsy.

METHODS

An observational diagnostic test study was performed. Scalp biopsies were read by the same dermatopathologist and processed horizontally to allow follicle's number and size evaluation. Digital videodermoscopy was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 202 patients were enrolled, but only 35 women were assessed with digital videodermoscopy. When clinical diagnosis was compared to scalp biopsy, a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and a negative predictive value (NPV), of 77% %, 72.4%, 82.2%; and 65.5%, were respectively obtained. Videodermoscopy showed a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 88.9%, 100%, 100%, and 72.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided valuable information on the accuracy of clinical examination of FPHL, showed the usefulness of videodermoscopy as a method that in the future may replace scalp biopsy for its diagnosis, or also could aid patient´s follow-up.