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Genetics and other factors in the aetiology of female pattern hair loss
Author(s) -
Redler Silke,
Messenger Andrew G.,
Betz Regina C.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/exd.13373
Subject(s) - hair loss , biology , etiology , genetics , locus (genetics) , candidate gene , androgen , gene , physiology , medicine , endocrinology , hormone
Pattern hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in both women and men. Male pattern hair loss, also termed male androgenetic alopecia (M‐AGA), is an androgen‐dependent trait that is predominantly genetically determined. Androgen‐mediated mechanisms are probably involved in female pattern hair loss ( FPHL ) in some women but the evidence is less strong than in M‐ AGA ; other non‐androgenic pathways, including environmental influences, may contribute to the aetiology. Genome‐wide association studies have identified several genetic loci for M‐ AGA and have provided better insight into the underlying biology. However, the role of heritable factors in Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is largely unknown. Recently published studies have been restricted to candidate gene approaches and could not clearly identify any susceptibility locus/gene for FPHL but suggest that the aetiology differs substantially from that of M‐ AGA . Hypotheses about possible pathomechanisms of FPHL as well as the results of the genetic studies performed to date are summarized.