Research progress on the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a common, dermatological, chronic, non-cicatricial hair loss disorder, characterized by progressive hair follicular miniaturization. Although androgenetic alopecia is a benign condition, it can have a significant impact on patients' self-esteem, mood and quality of life. There are currently two FDA-approved drugs for androgenetic alopecia; topical minoxidil and finasteride. However, some patients with these two drugs show little improvement in hair loss. Thus, there is an urgent need to clarify the mechanisms involved and treatment methods. Studies have shown that the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia involves many aspects, among which a genetic factor is most important in determining the individual differences between androgenetic alopecia patients. An abnormal increase in 5-α reductase and androgenetic receptors in hair follicles plays a decisive role in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia. Microinflammation of hair follicles, changes in the state of oxidative stress, loss of hair follicle stem cells, and metabolic syndrome are also associated with androgenetic alopecia. We review the complex mechanism of androgenic alopecia, providing insight into the possible direction of future research.