Comprehensive transcriptome profiling between balding and non-balding scalp of female pattern hair loss in Asian.

While many gene expression studies have focused on male pattern baldness (MPB), few studies have investigated the genetic differences between bald and non-bald hair follicles in female pattern hair loss (FPHL). This study aimed to identify molecular biomarkers associated with FPHL through genetic analysis of paired bald and non-bald hair follicles from 18 FPHL patients, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. RNA transcriptome analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between bald and non-bald hair follicles in FPHL. The DEGs were validated using real-time PCR, and protein expression was confirmed through immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Our findings suggest that HOXB13, SFRP2, PTGDS, CXCR3, SFRP4, SOD3, and DCN are significantly upregulated in bald hair follicles compared to non-bald hair follicles in FPHL. SFRP2 and PTGDS were found to be consistently highly expressed in bald hair follicles in all 18 samples. Additionally, elevated protein levels of SFRP2 and PTGDS were confirmed through western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Our study identified SFRP2 and PTGDS as potential biomarkers for FPHL and suggests that they may play a role in inducing hair loss in this condition. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the pathogenesis of FPHL and potential therapeutic targets.

Fractional photothermolysis laser treatment of male pattern hair loss.

BACKGROUND: Various trials have been conducted on the management of male pattern hair loss (MPHL). A variety of laser and light sources have been used for the treatment of MPHL. OBJECTIVE: To understand the effects of a 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser on the hair cycle in an alopecia mouse model and to study the clinical effects of the same laser used as treatment for MPHL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Irradiation was applied to the shaved skin of C3H/HeN mice using various energy and density settings and varied irradiation intervals. In a clinical pilot study involving human subjects, 20 participants were treated over five sessions at 2-week intervals. A fractional photothermolysis laser was used at the energy of 5 mJ and a total density of 300 spots/cm(2). RESULTS: In the animal study, the hair stimulation effects were dependent upon the energy level, density, and irradiation interval. The anagen conversion of hair and the increase in Wnt 5a, ß-catenin signals were observed. In the human pilot study, incremental improvements in hair density and growth rate were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that a 1,550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser might induce hair growth, but more intensive studies are required to clarify the clinical applications of this treatment.