Obesity and Low-Grade Inflammation among Young Finnish Men with Early-Onset Alopecia

Background: Previous investigations have revealed an association of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), especially in younger subjects with severe early-onset AGA, with ischemic heart disease. Objective: To examine the possible association between early-onset alopecia and low-grade inflammation measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) that has been recommended for the assessment of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Methods: The study population consisted of young men (n = 727, aged 25–34 years) participating in a national survey. The grade of alopecia was assessed by a trained nurse using the Norwood/Hamilton Classification Scale. Results: Men with moderate to extensive alopecia (17%) had a higher body mass index and larger waist, upper arm, hip and waist circumference than those with little to no alopecia (p < 0.05), and statistically insignificant differences were seen in the waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), diastolic blood pressure and hs-CRP. With increasing hs-CRP, the mean WHR increased, but only among men with moderate to extensive alopecia (p = 0.043). Conclusion: Our findings show a relation between moderate to extensive alopecia and low-grade inflammation – a predictor of a future CVD – especially combined with central obesity, among men younger than 35 years.

[1]  S. Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi,et al.  Association of low‐insulin sensitivity measured by quantitative insulin sensitivity check index with hair loss in 55‐year‐old men. A Finnish population‐based study , 2006, Diabetes, obesity & metabolism.

[2]  V. Salomaa,et al.  Associations of leisure time physical activity, self-rated physical fitness, and estimated aerobic fitness with serum C-reactive protein among 3,803 adults. , 2006, Atherosclerosis.

[3]  S. Yusuf,et al.  Obesity and the risk of myocardial infarction in 27 000 participants from 52 countries: a case-control study , 2005, The Lancet.

[4]  K. Channer,et al.  Androgens, insulin resistance and vascular disease in men , 2005, Clinical endocrinology.

[5]  Shumei S. Guo,et al.  Family History and Risk of Hair Loss , 2004, Dermatology.

[6]  Paul M. Ridker,et al.  Inflammation as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor , 2004, Circulation.

[7]  L. Niskanen,et al.  Testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin predict the metabolic syndrome and diabetes in middle-aged men. , 2004, Diabetes care.

[8]  N. Martin,et al.  Genetic basis of male pattern baldness. , 2003, The Journal of investigative dermatology.

[9]  E. Snyder,et al.  The human obesity gene map: the 2002 update. , 2003, Obesity research.

[10]  P. Ridker Clinical application of C-reactive protein for cardiovascular disease detection and prevention. , 2003, Circulation.

[11]  Yu-ling,et al.  Markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease: application to clinical and public health practice: A statement for healthcare professionals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association. , 2003, Circulation.

[12]  C. Lamendola,et al.  Differentiation Between Obesity and Insulin Resistance in the Association With C-Reactive Protein , 2002, Circulation.

[13]  F Xavier Pi-Sunyer,et al.  The obesity epidemic: pathophysiology and consequences of obesity. , 2002, Obesity research.

[14]  A. Rebora,et al.  Baldness and coronary artery disease: the dermatologic point of view of a controversial issue. , 2001, Archives of dermatology.

[15]  J. Pankow,et al.  Familial and genetic determinants of systemic markers of inflammation: the NHLBI family heart study. , 2001, Atherosclerosis.

[16]  J. Michelet,et al.  Androgenetic alopecia and microinflammation , 2000, International journal of dermatology.

[17]  S. Coppack,et al.  C-reactive protein in healthy subjects: associations with obesity, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction: a potential role for cytokines originating from adipose tissue? , 1999, Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology.

[18]  S. Harrap,et al.  Genetic Analysis of Male Pattern Baldness and the 5α-Reductase Genes , 1998 .

[19]  D. Strachan,et al.  C Reactive protein and its relation to cardiovascular risk factors: a population based cross sectional study , 1996, BMJ.

[20]  P. Wilson,et al.  Is baldness bad for the heart? , 1993, JAMA.

[21]  G. Reaven Role of Insulin Resistance in Human Disease , 1988, Diabetes.

[22]  O. Norwood,et al.  Male Pattern Baldness: classification and Incidence , 1975, Southern medical journal.

[23]  J. Hamilton PATTERNED LOSS OF HAIR IN MAN: TYPES AND INCIDENCE , 1951, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.