Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the local and gradual transformation of terminal scalp hair into vellus hair, which has a shorter and thinner shaft. Several studies have analyzed the relationship between AGA and cardiovascular disease in males, and few were conducted in females. The current study aimed to investigate lipid profile and atherogenic index of plasma in non-obese females with AGA.
Methods: Forty non-obese females with early-onset AGA were selected with 40 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects as a control group. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured, and the atherogenic index of plasma was calculated for all cases and control subjects.
Results: Mean values of total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.03), and triglycerides (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in cases than controls. Mean value of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in cases than controls (P = 0.008). The atherogenic index of plasma was significantly higher in cases than controls (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Current findings support the relationship between early-onset AGA and unfavorable lipid profile and cardiovascular risk in affected females. Assessment and follow-up of these cases will allow early intervention to avoid cardiovascular complications.
© 2015 The International Society of Dermatology.