Proliferation, DNA repair and apoptosis in androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a common hair disorder, resulting from interplay of genetic, endocrine and ageing factors. Meanwhile, it is unclear if an altered degree of proliferation or increased apoptosis could contribute to its pathogenesis. To evaluate the role of proliferation, DNA damage and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia. Thirty biopsies were taken from the frontal (bald) area and occipital (hairy) area of 15 male patients with androgenetic alopecia, as well as five specimens from frontal area of five age-matched controls. These specimens were used for immunohistochemical staining of cell proliferation [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)] and DNA repair markers (XRCC1, APE1, PARP-1) as well as apoptosis regulatory protein p53. The frontal bald area of patients showed significantly higher levels of X-ray Cross Complementing-1 (XRCC1; P