Derm News: 2007.11(10)

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

Dermatology 2007;214(2):125-129
Päivi Hirsso, Ulla Rajala, Liisa Hiltunen, Jari Jokelainen, Sirkka Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, Simo Näyhä
ABSTRACT

Background

Previous investigations have revealed an association of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), especially in younger subjects with severe early-onset AGA, with ischemic heart disease.

Objectives

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).

Conclusions

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.

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