title: Brain-derived nerve factor and neurotrophins in androgenetic alopecia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several growth factors and cytokines have been shown to be involved in normal hair cycling as well as in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, the molecular cascades in AGA downstream from androgen receptor activation are far from being fully elucidated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to determine the difference in the protein expression of growth factors/cytokines in balding vs. nonbalding scalp specimens from the same individuals affected with AGA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Balding and nonbalding scalp specimens were collected from four men with pattern baldness. Dermal papilla (DP) cells were isolated and cultured. Quantifying the protein expression of growth factors and cytokines expressed by these cells was performed using Quantibody® Human Growth Factor Array-1 (RayBiotech, Inc., Norcross, GA, U.S.A.).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Brain-derived nerve factor (BDNF) protein expression was upregulated by approximately 12-fold in supernatants obtained from balding as compared with nonbalding DP cells (P < 0·001). Expression of neurotrophin-3 and of β-nerve growth factor was also upregulated. On the other hand, protein expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 and its binding proteins as well as of the vascular endothelial growth factor family were significantly downregulated in the balding scalp.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neurotrophic factors, especially BDNF, may be important in mediating the effects of androgens on hair follicles, serving as a negative regulatory control signal. Further studies may lead to novel pharmacological interventions in AGA.
authors: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Panchaprateep
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Korkij
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Asawanonda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D015536:Down-Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D016207:Cytokines; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors