Inflammatory markers and Lp(a) levels as cardiovascular risk factors in androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

It is not well-established whether patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) show a higher cardiovascular risk and higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS). Therefore, we aimed to analyze the cardiovascular risk and the prevalence of MS by means of a case-control study. We determined lipidic, inflammatory, hormonal and insulin resistance parameters with conventional laboratory methods in 50 male early-onset AGA patients and 50 controls. AGA patients did not show statistical differences for insulin resistance (glucose, insulin, C peptide, HOMA), lipids (total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, tryglicerides) or hormonal parameters (testosterone, free androgen index, sex hormone-binding globulin) P > 0.05, respectively. No differences between groups were observed in prevalence of MS or its components (P > 0.05). AGA patients showed higher levels of fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) (P = 0.016, P = 0.019 and P = 0.032, respectively). In the unadjusted logistic regression analyses, PCR >4 mg/L, fibrinogen >395 mg/dL and Lp(a) >59 mg/dL increased the risk of AGA, but in the adjusted logistic regression analyses, only PCR >4 mg/L and Lp(a) >59 mg/dL independently increased this risk (OR = 5.83, 95% CI 1.33-25.59 P = 0.020; OR = 3.94 CI 95% 1.08-14.43 P = 0.038). The present study indicates that AGA patients do not show differences in either insulin resistance or prevalence of MS. However, AGA patients show a higher cardiovascular risk characterised by an increase in inflammatory parameters and Lp(a) levels.

Lipid profile in patients with androgenetic alopecia: a meta‐analysis

“…Characteristics of the included studies are presented in Table . Our meta‐analysis finally included 19 observational studies (2561 AGA patients and 2098 normal controls).…”

“…Characteristics of the included studies are presented in Table 1. 10,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20]32,[35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] Our meta-analysis finally included 19 observational studies (2561 AGA patients and 2098 normal controls). We identified the following parameters of the lipid profile: total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels.…”

<p>Androgenetic Alopecia: Relationship to Anthropometric Indices, Blood Pressure and Life-Style Habits</p>

“…However, they demonstrated that patients with early-onset androgenetic alopecia have increased levels of C-reactive protein and lipoprotein(a). 13 It can be concluded that the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with androgenetic alopecia may be due to factors other than insulin resistance, increased lipid levels, metabolic syndrome or its components. In another study conducted by Ozbas Gok and colleagues, no significant difference was observed between patients with androgenetic alopecia and controls in terms of weight, BMI, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and diastolic blood pressure.…”

“…Some studies show a strong relationship between androgenetic alopecia and hypertension, 12 while others fail to show such association. 13 Furthermore, the possible relationship between anthropometric indices (such as waist circumference) and androgenetic alopecia has been investigated in several previous studies, but they also yielded inconsistent results. Some studies have clearly shown that waist circumference (WC) may be higher in patients with androgenetic alopecia as compared to control subjects, 14,15 while other studies have claimed that WC may be lower in androgenetic alopecia patients.…”

Efficacy of Cistanche Tubulosa and Laminaria Japonica Extracts (MK-R7) Supplement in Preventing Patterned Hair Loss and Promoting Scalp Health

“…Androgenic alopecia (AGA) patients have been shown to have higher levels of fibrinogen, C-reactive protein and lipoprotein(a) [ 16 ]. Sadighha and Zahed [ 17 ] also found significant increases in triglyceride levels and the total cholesterol:HDL-C ratio, as well as significantly lower HDL-C levels in men with AGA.…”