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Roman AM, Petca RC, Dumitrașcu MC, Petca A, Ionescu (Miron) AI, Șandru F. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Reproductive Health: Assessing the Role of Sex Hormones in Disease Development. J Pers Med 2024; 14:72. [PMID: 38248773 PMCID: PMC10817300 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is a distinctive form of cicatricial alopecia characterized by gradual hairline recession, predominantly affecting postmenopausal individuals, thus implying a potential hormonal origin. This narrative review, spanning 2000 to 2023, delves into PubMed literature, focusing on the menopausal and hormonal status of women with FFA. The objective is to unravel the intricate nature of FFA and its plausible associations with hormonal dysregulations in women. While menopause remains a pivotal demographic characteristic linked to FFA, existing data suggest that its hormonal imbalances may not fully account for the development of FFA. Conversely, substantial evidence indicates a strong association between a reduction in fertile years, particularly through surgical interventions leading to an abrupt hormonal imbalance, and FFA in women. Additionally, exposure to hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives has shown varying degrees of association with FFA. Gynecologists should maintain a heightened awareness regarding the ramifications of their interventions and their pivotal role in overseeing women's fertility, recognizing the potential influence on the progression of FFA. The recurrent theme of hormonal disruption strongly implies a causal connection between alterations in sex hormones and FFA in women. Nevertheless, this relationship's extent and underlying mechanisms remain subjects of ongoing debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Maria Roman
- Dermatology Department, “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.R.); (F.Ș.)
| | - Răzvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Urology, “Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele” Clinical Hospital, 050659 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Cristian Dumitrașcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea-Iuliana Ionescu (Miron)
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Medical Oncology, Colțea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Șandru
- Dermatology Department, “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.R.); (F.Ș.)
- Department of Dermatovenerology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Liu L, Chen Y, Chen J, Xue Y, Chen T, Li Y, Shao X, Chen J. Association between frontal fibrosing Alopecia and Rosacea: Results from clinical observational studies and gene expression profiles. Front Immunol 2022; 13:985081. [PMID: 36091020 PMCID: PMC9448884 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.985081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIn recent years, frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a type of scarring alopecia, has attracted increasing attention. Several studies have reported the frequent occurrence of rosacea in FFA; however, the association between FFA and rosacea and the underlying pathogenesis have not been thoroughly clarified. Thus, this study aimed to quantify these relationships and investigate their shared molecular mechanisms.MethodsWe evaluated the association between FFA and rosacea by analyzing clinical data from nine observational studies. We then analyzed the gene expression profiles of FFA and rosacea. First, differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were used to identify the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Later, we conducted a functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction network and used seven algorithms to identify hub genes. Then, we performed a correlation analysis between the hub genes and the gene set variation analysis scores of common pathways in the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The results were validated using different datasets. Finally, transcription factors were predicted and verified, and CIBERSORT and single-sample GSEA were used to estimate the infiltrating immune cells.ResultsPatients with FFA had significantly higher odds for rosacea (pooled odds ratio [OR], 2.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78–3.40), and the pooled prevalence of rosacea in patients with FFA was 23% (95% CI, 14–23%). Furthermore, we identified 115 co-DEGs and 13 hub genes (CCR5, CCL19, CD2, CD38, CD83, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCR4, IRF1, IRF8, and PTPRC). Seven pathways showed a high correlation with these hub genes. In addition, one TF, STAT1, was highly expressed in both diseases, and the results of the immune infiltration analysis indicated the importance of M1 macrophages and effector memory CD8+ T cells.ConclusionThis study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between FFA and rosacea, and based on the hub genes, we reveal the potential pathologies shared by the two diseases. This finding provides new insights of underlying molecular mechanisms and it may inspire future research on this comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangmei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuzhou Xue
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tingqiao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxin Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyi Shao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jin Chen,
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Miao YJ, Jing J, Du XF, Mao MQ, Yang XS, Lv ZF. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: A review of disease pathogenesis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:911944. [PMID: 35957858 PMCID: PMC9357920 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.911944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary patterned cicatricial alopecia that mostly affects postmenopausal women and causes frontotemporal hairline regression and eyebrow loss. Although the incidence of FFA has increased worldwide over the last decade, its etiology and pathology are still unclear. We cover the latest findings on its pathophysiology, including immunomodulation, neurogenic inflammation, and genetic regulation, to provide more alternatives for current clinical treatment. A persistent inflammatory response and immune privilege (IP) collapse develop and lead to epithelial hair follicle stem cells (eHFSCs) destruction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the bulge area, which is the key process in FFA pathogenesis. Eventually, fibrous tissue replaces normal epithelial tissue and fills the entire hair follicle (HF). In addition, some familial reports and genome-wide association studies suggest a genetic susceptibility or epigenetic mechanism for the onset of FFA. The incidence of FFA increases sharply in postmenopausal women, and many FFA patients also suffer from female pattern hair loss in clinical observation, which suggests a potential association between FFA and steroid hormones. Sun exposure and topical allergens may also be triggers of FFA, but this conjecture has not been proven. More evidence and cohort studies are needed to help us understand the pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jie Miao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Jing Jing,
| | - Xu-Feng Du
- Department of Dermatology, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mei-Qi Mao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Shuang Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Fa Lv
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhong-Fa Lv,
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Porriño-Bustamante ML, Fernández-Pugnaire MA, Arias-Santiago S. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1805. [PMID: 33919069 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a scarring alopecia, the prevalence of which is increasing worldwide since its first description in 1994. The reason for this emerging epidemic may be a higher exposure to an unknown trigger, although its aethiology and pathogenesis still remain enigmatic. Clinical, trichoscopic, sonographic, and histopathologic findings are allowing clinicians to understand more aspects about this type of cicatricial alopecia. Several treatments have been used in frontal fibrosing alopecia, although the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors seem to be the most promising. The aim of this report is to provide a compilation about the published data regarding frontal fibrosing alopecia in a narrative review.
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