Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance in young men.
González-González JG, Mancillas-Adame LG, Fernández-Reyes M, Gómez-Flores M, Lavalle-González FJ, Ocampo-Candiani J, Villarreal-Pérez JZ.
Source
Servicio de Endocrinologia, Dr Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez University Hospital, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Ave. Madero y Gonzalitos S/N, Monterrey, Mexico.
jgonzalezg@fm.uanl.mx
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Epidemiological studies have associated androgenetic alopecia (Androgenetic Alopecia) with severe young-age coronary artery disease and hypertension, and linked it to insulin resistance. We carried out a case-control study in age- and weight-matched young males to study the link between Androgenetic Alopecia and insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index or metabolic syndrome clinical manifestations.
METHODS:
Eighty young males, 18-35 years old, with Androgenetic Alopecia > or = stage III in the Hamilton-Norwood classification, and 80 weight- and age-matched controls were included. Alopecia, glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR index, lipid profile and androgen levels, as well as metabolic syndrome criteria, were evaluated.
RESULTS:
The HOMA-IR index was significantly higher in cases than controls. Nonobese cases had a higher mean diastolic blood pressure and a more frequent family history of Androgenetic Alopecia than nonobese controls. A borderline difference in the HOMA-IR index was found in obese Androgenetic Alopecia cases vs. obese controls [P = 0.055, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.36-4.20 vs. 1.75-2.73]. Free testosterone values were significantly higher in controls than cases, regardless of body mass index (BMI). A statistically significant additive effect for obesity plus alopecia was found, with significant trends for insulin, the HOMA-IR index, lipids and free testosterone when BMI and alopecia status were used to classify the participants.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our results support the recommendation for assessing insulin resistance and cardiovascular-related features and disorders in all young males with stage III or higher Androgenetic Alopecia, according to the Hamilton-Norwood classification.