Assessment of adipokines, hormonal profile, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in patients with androgenetic alopecia

Context Prior research has investigated the relationship between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, hormonal imbalances, and altered adipokine levels. However, their findings were conflicting. Aim To investigate IR, adipokines level, lipid, and hormonal profiles in AGA patients Patients and methods This case–control study included 50 patients with AGA, and 50 controls. AGA severity was assessed by Hamilton-Norwood scale and Ludwig scale. Blood samples were taken to evaluate adipokines level (resistin, leptin, and adiponectin) in both groups, Homeostatic Model Assessment for IR, and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in male and female AGA patients, and hormonal profile (total and free testosterone, prolactin, 17-17-hydroxy progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate) in female patients. Results Most AGA patients had IR, and IR was significantly higher among females compared with males ( P =0.007). Males had significantly higher triglyceride levels ( P =0.026) and lower HDL levels ( P = 0.001) than females. Most female patients had normal hormonal profiles. Serum resistin, leptin, and adiponectin levels were significantly higher among AGA patients compared with controls ( P =0.014, P <0.01, P < 0.01, respectively), with a significant positive correlation between leptin level and Ludwig scale ( P =0.025), and a significant negative correlation between resistin level and Hamilton-Norwood scale ( P =0.014). Higher resistin, leptin and adiponectin levels were associated with 3-, 10-, and 24-fold increased risk of developing AGA, respectively. Conclusion AGA is associated with IR, elevated adipokines level in both male and female patients, dyslipidemia in males, and normal hormonal profile in females. Resistin, leptin and adiponectin might have a crucial role in AGA pathogenesis.