Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance in young men |
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Authors: | José Gerardo González-González Leonardo G Mancillas-Adame Mercedes Fernández-Reyes† Minerva Gómez-Flores† Fernando Javier Lavalle-González Jorge Ocampo-Candiani† Jesús Zacarías Villarreal-Pérez |
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Institution: | Servicio de Endocrinologia;and Servicio de Dermatología, 'Dr Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez' University Hospital, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico |
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Abstract: | Background Epidemiological studies have associated androgenetic alopecia (AGA) 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 AGA 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 AGA ≥ 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 AGA than nonobese controls. A borderline difference in the HOMA-IR index was found in obese AGA 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 AGA, according to the Hamilton–Norwood classification. |
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