Androgenetic Alopecia

Studies from Chang-Gung University, Department of Dermatology provide new data on alopecia genetics

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"Paired scalp specimens from frontal and occipital scalp areas of 10 patients were examined by real-time RT-PCR for mRNA expression and of 40 patients (mean age 34.9 years, range 22-58) by Western blotting for protein analysis. The SOX-9 mRNA was most abundant in the skin, while SF-1 mRNA was sparsely detected. The protein levels of DAX-1, SRY and WT-1 were significantly higher in the bald scalp (p=0.003, 0.004 and 0.03, respectively). Only the SRY expression showed a positive correlation with the baldness severity in Norwood-Hamilton classification (p=0.024). There was no association between patient's age and the protein levels," wrote W. Chen and colleagues, Chang-Gung University, Department of Dermatology.

The researchers concluded: "Immunostaining of SOX-9 was detected in the outer root sheath keratinocytes of hair follicles but not in the dermal papillae. Further study on a larger population, including normal subjects and female patients, is needed to confirm the pathogenic role of sex-determining genes in androgenetic alopecia."

Chen and colleagues published their study in Dermatology (Expression of sex-determining genes in the scalp of men with androgenetic alopecia. Dermatology, 2007;214(3):199-204).

For additional information, contact W. Chen, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Dept. of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.

The publisher of the journal Dermatology can be contacted at: Karger, Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland.

Keywords: Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Alopecia Genetics, Alopecia, Dermatology, Genetics.

This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.