Summary:
Background: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is an inherited, androgen depended condition, characterized by a progressive, patterned hair loss from the scalp. The condition affects individuals of both sexes. It has been characterized as a multifactorial condition, in the pathogenesis of which hormones (projecting the role of androgens), genetic factors (AR gene polymorphisms), changes in the hair cycle dynamics and the hair follicle (decrease of anagen phase, whilst telogen remains stabilized or even increases, leading to a subsequent decrease in anagen / telogen ratio), inflammation, oxygen free radicals, and scarring are involved.
Studies have suggested the existence of a strong genetic component, with variations in the AR gene sequence to be the main candidates. The aforementioned gene is located on X chromosome and is consindered responsible for the gene transcription and thus encoding of proteins directly involved in biological processes within hair follicles (and other tissues).
Purpose: The current study was conducted in order to determine the frequency distribution of the AR gene polymorphism rs6152, associated with increased risk of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in a Greek population sample.
In addition, an attempt was made to assess the efficacy of a herbal extracts formulation in the treatment of androgenic alopecia, in a sample of male subjects.
Methods: In total, 1162 participants of Greek origin were recruited for this genetic association study. The cohort consisted of 657 females (56,5%) and 505 males (43,5%). The participants were genotyped for the AR rs6152 (G/A) sequence variant. The cohort was, then, divided into 2 subgroups according to their gender.
For the clinical arm of the current study, 20 male volunteers were randomly selected, aged 33-65 years. The volunteers were classified based on the Hamilton and Norwood Scale, in stages III to VII. All were carriers of the rs6152 G allele. Volunteers administered a preparation containing purified water, glycerin, sodium metabisulfite, glycine, xanthan gum, Larix Europaea wood extract, zinc chloride, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Sabal Serrulata / Serenoa repens extract, Centella asiatica extract, Tea tree oil, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, on a daily basis, for a total of 13 months. All underwent clinical evaluation of their alopecia stage, before treatment initiation, and then on completion of the first (M1), second (M2), fourth (M4), sixth (M6), tenth (M10) and the thirteenth (M13) month of the study.
Results: The 16,8% of male population of the study carries the rs6152 allele A and is protected from AGA. In the female population, 4% appears to be protected against AGA (genotype AA), while 70% (GG genotype carriers) exhibited increased sensitivity to the condition. The comparison of men and women, revealed that the latter were more protected than men as far as AGA is concerned (OR: 0,96, 95% CI: 0,73-1,27).
The formulation which was evaluated in the current study, that contains herbal extracts, seems to be particularly effective in both inhibition of AGA progression and induction of its improvement. The formulation led to an increase in the anagen / telogen ratio and eventually to its stabilization in normal levels. Additionally, an improvement in the percentage of hair in anagen ( A%) and telogen (T%)phase.
Conclusions: This study confirmed that androgenetic alopecia is a multifactorial, pathological condition with a strong genetic component. The SNP rs6152 appears to hold a prominent role. The RHAIR1301 preparation, which was developed at the Faculty of Pharmacy by the Research group of Clinical Phamacology and Pharmacogenomics, appeared to be capable not only to relaunch hair growth but also to decrease hair loss, thus inducing the conversion of hair follicles into the anagen phase, without any severe adverse effects occuring, after a continuous application for a time period exceeding 12 months. A scheduled new study with a larger cohord /number of volunteers is expected to confirm the results of the current study.
