Scalp Microbiome Alterations in Androgenetic Alopecia: Patterns and Emerging Mechanistic Insights - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #androgenetic alopecia
- #scalp microbiome
- #hair loss
- Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women, involving progressive follicular miniaturization and reduced hair density.
- Emerging evidence suggests alterations in the scalp microbiome in AGA patients, with an enrichment of Cutibacterium acnes, particularly in males.
- Other microbial changes include increases in Malassezia and reductions in Lawsonella and Corynebacterium, though results are inconsistent across studies.
- These microbial shifts are associated with alterations in scalp sebum composition, such as elevated triglycerides and palmitic acid, which may favor lipophilic microbes.
- Mechanistic insights indicate that C. acnes and Malassezia spp. can generate free fatty acids and activate innate immune pathways, leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
- This inflammation may contribute to follicular stem cell apoptosis and hair follicle miniaturization.
- Microbial-lipid-immune interactions are suggested to play a role in AGA pathogenesis, providing a rationale for treatments like ketoconazole or lipid-modulating interventions.