Androgenetic Alopecia in Men: An Update On Genetics

• Published in: Indian journal of dermatology Vol. 69; no. 3; p. 282
• Main Authors: Sadasivam, Ilakkia Priya, Sambandam, Ravikumar, Kaliyaperumal, Damayandhi, Dileep, Jude Ernest
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01.05.2024; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer - Medknow; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Alopecia; androgen receptor gene; androgenetic alopecia; androgenic alopecia; Androgens; Anopheles; Baldness; Bimatoprost; Cardiovascular disease; Coronary heart disease; Dutasteride; E–IJD; Genes; Hypertension; Insulin resistance; Review; single nucleotide polymorphism; Single nucleotide polymorphisms; Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc; Arkansas; India; androgen receptor gene; Androgenic alopecia; single nucleotide polymorphism; androgenetic alopecia
• ISSN: 0019-5154; 1998-3611; 1998-3611
• DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_729_23

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is defined as the alopecia induced by androgens in genetically predisposed individuals. AGA results in progressive miniaturization of the hair follicles leading to vellus transformation of terminal hair. The high prevalence and wide range of expressed phenotypes in AGA is a result of a polygenic inheritance mode. The androgen receptor (AR) gene located on the X chromosome at Xq11-12 is the first gene to show genetic association with AGA. Newer genetic associations with AGA are under study. In early-onset AGA, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancers and coronary artery disease (CAD) are associated with AGA. Screening of early-onset AGA patients and intervention for metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance can prevent the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at an early stage. As effective treatments continue to be topical minoxidil, systemic finasteride and hair transplantations, newer modalities are under investigation. Understanding the genetic factors involved in AGA and continued research into newer therapies, such as cell-based therapies, will lead to effective treatment and improve the quality of life in patients with AGA.