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Gao L, Li W, Song Q, Gao H, Chen M. The genetic link between thyroid dysfunction and alopecia areata: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1440941. [PMID: 39205687 PMCID: PMC11349512 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1440941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although descriptive studies have found an association between thyroid dysfunction (TD) and alopecia areata (AA), however, the causal relationship between TD and AA remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between the two and the specific directions. Methods We performed large-scale, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine whether there was an association between TD (such as Graves' disease (GD), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), thyroid cancer (TC), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), etc.) and AA. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for TD and AA were from the IEU OpenGwas project. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis method to evaluate the causality between TD and AA, supplemented by the weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode and weighted mode. In addition, sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the study results. Results Our study found that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HT (IVW OR = 1.396, 95% CI 1.030-1.892, P=0.031) and hypothyroidism (IVW OR = 1.431, 95% CI 1.138-1.799, P=0.002) significantly increased the risk of AA. Reverse MR analysis indicated that genetic susceptibility to AA (β=-0.029, 95%CI=-0.051 to -0.007, P=0.009) may be a risk for TRH. Positive MR analysis observed no statistically significant causal relationship between other TD and AA (IVW P>0.05). Reverse MR analysis also showed no statistically significant association between AA and other TD (IVW P>0.05) other than TRH. Furthermore, additional sensitivity analyses were performed, including a leave-one-out test, a heterogeneity test, and a pleiotropy test to assess the robustness of the results. Conclusions This study provides a very comprehensive analysis of the causal relationship between TD and AA, providing convincing genetic evidence to support the causal relationship between TD and alopecia areata. It reveals some causes of AA patients, which is of great significance for the management and treatment of AA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenrui Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qiang Song
- Department of Structural Heart Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hengxing Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mingwei Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Abadjieva TI, Todorova LN, Gardjeva PA, Murdjeva MA. Platelet-rich plasma efficacy in alopecia areata patients with normal and elevated levels of antibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase. Folia Med (Plovdiv) 2024; 66:66-72. [PMID: 38426467 DOI: 10.3897/folmed.66.e115484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate and compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in alopecia areata (AA) patients with normal and with elevated levels of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and/or anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies.
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Hussein RS, Atia T, Bin Dayel S. Impact of Thyroid Dysfunction on Hair Disorders. Cureus 2023; 15:e43266. [PMID: 37692605 PMCID: PMC10492440 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hair loss is a problem for everyone, regardless of their age or sex. The three most prevalent types of hair loss, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia, have been associated with a variety of risk factors. Strong evidence links thyroid hormones (THs) to hair loss. THs control the growth, differentiation, metabolism, and thermogenesis of body cells. The skin is a significant target organ for THs; however, the cellular and molecular causes of thyroid dysfunction-related skin diseases remain unknown. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and drug-induced hypothyroidism can induce widespread hair shedding. Little information is available regarding the incidence and effects of thyroid dysfunction on hair problems. This study aimed to review the impact and prevalence of thyroid disorders on hair loss. The conclusions drawn from this study highlight the underestimated prevalence and impact of thyroid disorders on hair loss. The review of scientific articles, including original research, review articles, and a case report, provides a comprehensive understanding of the topic. This research adds to the existing literature by enhancing our understanding of the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and hair disorders. It contributes to the body of evidence by reviewing relevant studies and summarizing the impact of thyroid disorders on hair loss. The study also highlights the gaps in knowledge and the need for more research in this area to improve the diagnosis and management of hair disorders associated with thyroid dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadan S Hussein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology Unit, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, SAU
| | - Tarek Atia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, SAU
| | - Salman Bin Dayel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology Unit, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, SAU
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Popa A, Carsote M, Cretoiu D, Dumitrascu MC, Nistor CE, Sandru F. Study of the Thyroid Profile of Patients with Alopecia. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031115. [PMID: 36769763 PMCID: PMC9918246 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones are required for the physiological growth and maintenance of hair follicles. We aim to study the thyroid profile of patients with alopecia. This is a narrative review. PubMed literature was searched from 2013 to 2022. We followed different types of alopecia: alopecia areata (AA), androgenic alopecia in males and females, telogen effluvium (TE), frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), lichen planopilaris, and alopecia neoplastica (AN). AA shares a common autoimmune background with autoimmune thyroid diseases, either sporadic or belonging to autoimmune polyglandular syndromes. Some data suggested that AA is more severe if thyroid anomalies are confirmed, including subclinical dysfunction or positive antithyroid antibodies with normal hormone values. However, routine thyroid screening for patients with AA, if the patients are asymptomatic from a thyroid point of view and they have negative personal and family history of autoimmunity, remains controversial. TE, apart from the autoimmune type, associates thyroid anomalies of a hormonal assay (between 5.7% and 17%). FFA, mostly a postmenopausal entity (however, not exclusive), associates a higher prevalence of thyroid conditions (up to 50%) than the general population. However, these might have an age-dependent pattern, thus the association may be incidental since there are a limited number of studies. Overall, alopecia remains a very challenging condition for patients and physicians; a multidisciplinary team is required to improve the outcome and quality of life. The common autoimmune background is suggestive of some types of alopecia and thyroid disorders, yet, the underlying mechanisms are still a matter of debate. AA, TE, FFA, LPP, and, potentially, female pattern hair loss have been found to be connected with thyroid entities, thus a state of awareness from a dual perspective, of trichology and endocrinology, is helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Popa
- Department of Dermatovenerology, “Carol Davila University” of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy & National Institute for Mother and Child Health Alessandrescu-Rusescu, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Cristian Dumitrascu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudiu-Eduard Nistor
- Department 4–Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy & Thoracic Surgery Department, “Carol Davila” Central Emergency University Military Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatovenerology, “Carol Davila University” of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
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Sterkens A, Lambert J, Bervoets A. Alopecia areata: a review on diagnosis, immunological etiopathogenesis and treatment options. Clin Exp Med 2021; 21:215-230. [PMID: 33386567 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-020-00673-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients suffering from alopecia areata (AA) can lose hair in focal regions, the complete scalp, including eyelashes and eyebrows, or even the entire body. The exact pathology is not yet known, but the most described theory is a collapse of the immune privilege system, which can be found in some specific regions of the body. Different treatment options, local and systemic, are available, but none of them have been proven to be effective in the long term as well for every treatment there should be considered for the possible side effects. In many cases, treated or non-treated, relapse often occurs. The prognosis is uncertain and is negatively influenced by the subtypes alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis and characteristics such as associated nail lesions, hair loss for more than 10 years and a positive familial history. The unpredictable course of the disease also makes it a mental struggle and AA patients are more often associated with depression and anxiety compared to the healthy population. Research into immunology and genetics, more particularly in the field of dendritic cells (DC), is recommended for AA as there is evidence of the possible role of DC in the treatment of other autoimmune diseases such as multiple Sclerosis and cancer. Promising therapies for the future treatment of AA are JAK-STAT inhibitors and PRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sterkens
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - J Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - A Bervoets
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
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Broadley D, McElwee KJ. A "hair-raising" history of alopecia areata. Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:208-222. [PMID: 31960494 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A 3500-year-old papyrus from ancient Egypt provides a list of treatments for many diseases including "bite hair loss," most likely alopecia areata (AA). The treatment of AA remained largely unchanged for over 1500 years. In 30 CE, Celsus described AA presenting as scalp alopecia in spots or the "windings of a snake" and suggested treatment with caustic compounds and scarification. The first "modern" description of AA came in 1813, though treatment still largely employed caustic agents. From the mid-19th century onwards, various hypotheses of AA development were put forward including infectious microbes (1843), nerve defects (1858), physical trauma and psychological stress (1881), focal inflammation (1891), diseased teeth (1902), toxins (1912) and endocrine disorders (1913). The 1950s brought new treatment developments with the first use of corticosteroid compounds (1952), and the first suggestion that AA was an autoimmune disease (1958). Research progressively shifted towards identifying hair follicle-specific autoantibodies (1995). The potential role of lymphocytes in AA was made implicit with immunohistological studies (1980s). However, studies confirming their functional role were not published until the development of rodent models (1990s). Genetic studies, particularly genome-wide association studies, have now come to the forefront and open up a new era of AA investigation (2000s). Today, AA research is actively focused on genetics, the microbiome, dietary modulators, the role of atopy, immune cell types in AA pathogenesis, primary antigenic targets, mechanisms by which immune cells influence hair growth, and of course the development of new treatments based on these discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Broadley
- Centre for Skin Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Kevin J McElwee
- Centre for Skin Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.,Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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