New findings from M.G. Horenstein and co-authors describe advances in alopecia areata genetics
2007 NOV 13 -- A report, 'Investigation of the hair follicle inner root sheath in scarring and non-scarring alopecia,' is newly published data in Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. According to a study from the United States, "Premature desquamation of the inner root sheath (IRS) is described as a defining histologic feature of follicular degeneration syndrome/central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). However, IRS abnormalities have been noted in other types of alopecia We evaluated the IRS in terminal hair follicles with transverse sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Ziehl-Neelsen stains in 22 non-scarring (7 areata and 15 androgenetic) and 21 scarring (13 CCCA, 2 lichen planopilaris, 2 lupus erythematosus, 1 folliculitis decalvans and 3 end stage) alopecia cases." "In addition, we evaluated 15 normal controls with longitudinal sections to establish the level of IRS desquamation The IRS was present in 99.5 ±0.01% (mean ±standard error) of normal follicles at the level of the arrector pili muscle/sebaceous gland/sweat gland coil (L2) and variably present at higher levels. The IRS was present at L2 in 97.9 ±1.5% of alopecia areata, 87.4 ±5.3% of androgenetic alopecia, 59.3 ±7.0% of CCCA and 49.4 ±11.3% of other scarring alopecia follicles Premature desquamation of the IRS was identified in CCCA; however, it was also noted in other scarring alopecia cases," wrote M.G. Horenstein and colleagues, . The researchers concluded: "IRS premature desquamation is a non-specific histologic feature in scarring alopecia and cannot be used alone as a defining feature of CCCA." Horenstein and colleagues published the results of their research in the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology (Investigation of the hair follicle inner root sheath in scarring and non-scarring alopecia. Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, 2007;34(10):762-8). For additional information, contact M.G. Horenstein, Dermatopathology Service, The Dermatology Group, 60 Pompton Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044 USA.. The publisher of the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology can be contacted at: Blackwell Munksgaard, 35 Norre Sogade, PO Box 2148, DK-1016 Copenhagen, Denmark. Keywords: United States, Verona, Alopecia Areata Genetics, Alopecia Areata, Cutaneous Pathology, Dermatology, Immunology, Rheumatology. This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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