Androgenic alopecia may have evolved to protect men from prostate cancer by increasing skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Androgenic alopecia affects populations adapted to colder climate, and individuals at an age and hormonal status susceptible to prostate cancer. Male pattern baldness enhances absorption of UV radiation on the top of the head, an area directly exposed to sunlight during everyday activities. Ultraviolet radiation is reported to reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Here I propose that progression of androgenic alopecia rather than being a risk factor is a finely tuned mechanism evolved to protect against prostate cancer.
Kabai
Peter
P
Department of Ecology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, AOTK, SZIE, Szent István University, P.O. Box 2, H-1400 Budapest, Hungary. peter.kabai@gmail.com
D000505:Alopecia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013472:Sunlight; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000728:Androgens; D011944:Receptors, Androgen