Latest Information on Alopecia

In most of mammals, hair plays a very important role and protects them against physical forces, defends them against parasites and UV rays, provides heat conservation, and acts as a sensory organ. During the process of evolution, human hair lost these essential life-supporting functions. Human hair is now viewed as an object of aesthetic interest. However, androgenetic alopecia (male pattered hair loss) has been a source of distress for many men since ancient times. Hair loss due to the side effect of anticancer agents and extensive alopecia areata often drastically impair the QOL of affected persons. Recent rapid progress in molecular biology has clarified the molecular mechanisms for hair generation and regeneration. The pathogenetic mechanism of androgenetic alopecia, reported to affect about one-third of all men in their 40’s, and the nature of alopecia areata (as an autoimmune condition), have recently been clarified. New therapies based on these findings are expected to emerge.