The role of oxidative stress in early-onset androgenetic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of alopecia in men. In the literature, although there are in vitro studies investigating the relationship between oxidative stress and AGA, any in vivo study does not exist.

AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the oxidative stress status in male patients with early-onset AGA by measuring total oxidant levels (TOS), total antioxidant levels (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI).

METHODS: Our study included 33 male patients with early-onset AGA and 30 healthy men between ages of 18 and 30 years old. TAS and TOS measurements were taken, and OSI was calculated.

RESULTS: When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were compared between patient and control groups, there was no difference for TAS level, while TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patient group. In patient group, correlation between TAS, TOS, and OSI levels and age, and disease onset age and disease duration was evaluated. Highly significant negative correlation was determined between TAS level and both age and disease duration. When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were assessed according to AGA stage, there was no significant difference between groups, while OSI level was significantly higher in patients with family history.

CONCLUSIONS: We found increased oxidative stress in younger patients with early-onset AGA. There is need for further molecular studies on the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of AGA. We also think that topical or systemic antioxidants can be promising in treatment of AGA, especially for young patients.