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Evaluation of apoptosis regulatory markers in androgenetic alopecia
Author(s) -
ElDomyati Moetaz,
Attia Sameh,
Saleh Fatma,
Bassyouni Mohamed,
Barakat Manal,
AbdelWahab Hossam
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2010.00520.x
Subject(s) - tunel assay , proliferating cell nuclear antigen , apoptosis , biology , hair follicle , terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase , pathology , pathogenesis , dna fragmentation , proliferation marker , immunohistochemistry , cancer research , medicine , immunology , programmed cell death , endocrinology , biochemistry
Summary Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common androgen‐induced progressive disorder; the pathways of which are regulated by local genetic codes and hormonal control. Meanwhile, it is unclear whether an altered proliferation or increased apoptosis could contribute to its pathogenesis. Aims To evaluate the role of some apoptosis regulatory markers and follicular proliferation in the pathogenesis of AGA. Patients/Methods Thirty biopsies were taken from the frontal (bald) area and occipital (hair‐bearing) area of 15 male patients with AGA, as well as five specimens from the frontal area of five age‐matched controls. The biopsies were stained with apoptosis regulatory markers (Bcl‐2, p53, Bax & Fas) and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), as well as TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end‐labeling) staining for the detection of DNA fragmentation in apoptotic cells. Results Bcl‐2 expression was localized to epidermal basal layer and follicular dermal papilla with highly significant correlation with PCNA expression ( P < 0.001). Perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate of the bald area showed significant expression of Bcl‐2. However, pro‐apoptotic Bax and Fas were expressed in the epidermis and not in the hair follicles which does not show any apoptotic keratinocytes by TUNEL staining. Conclusion The low proliferation rate in the bald area of patients, together with persistent perifollicular inflammatory infiltrate as evidenced by the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 expression in dermal lymphocytes, would result in follicular miniaturization and fibrosis.