Defective Expression of the Gap Junction Protein Pannexin-1 Channel Contributes to the Formation of PCOS-Realted Androgenetic Alopecia

Objective: To determine serum pannexin-1 channel levels and their association with hair loss in women with PCOS diagnosed with female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five women with PCOS who presented with diffuse and treatment-resistant progressive hair loss and were diagnosed with FAGA were included in the study. 25 patients who were diagnosed with female androgenetic alopecia but did not have PCOS were considered as the control group. PCOS and control groups were matched by age. Follicular miniaturization, displacement of terminal hairs with vellus hairs, and a diffuse decrease in hair density were accepted as FAGA in the trcihoscopy examination of the vertex and bitempoaral area. On the third day of the menstrual cycle serum FSH, LH, testosterone, PRL and insulin levels were measured. Insulin resistance was calculated with HOMA-IR. Serum pannexin-1 channel levels of each group were mesured with ELISA. Results: Serum pannexin 1 channels levels of FAGA group due to PCOS were found to be significantly higher than FAGA patients in the control group (2.72 ± 1.09 ng/mL vs 1.65 ± 0.97 ng/mL, p < 0.01). Serum LH, insulin and testosterone levels of PCOS group were significantly higher than controls. HOMA-IR values were significantly higher and >2.5 in the PCOS group compared to the controls. PRL values were similar except for one patient with elevated PRL. Serum FSH values were the same in both groups. A positive and significant correlation was found between pannexin 1 channels levels and HOMA-IR and serum testosterone levels (r = 0.650, p Conclusions: In addition to hyperandrogenemia, increased pannexin 1 channel levels may play a role in the etiology of PCOS associated FAGA, as it impairs the communication between the skin and hair follicle.

Serum Gelsolin Levels in PCOS-Related Androgenetic Alopecia

Aim: To compare serum gelsolin levels of women with androgenetic alopecia with PCOS and patients with non-PCOS alopecia. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 PCOS patients who applied to our dermatology clinic with the complaint of hair loss and were diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were included in the study. Thirty patients who were not diagnosed with PCOS but were diagnosed with AGA were considered as the control group. Patients in the control group were matched with PCOS in terms of age. AGA was diagnosed in cases of widespread thinning of the hair on the scalp and preservation of the frontal hairline. All participants underwent a complete clinical examination and blood examination. Serum gelsolin levels of both groups were measured by ELISA. Results: The number, age, and BMI values of the participants in both groups were recorded as similar. Serum total testosterone, insulin, HOMA-IR and LH values were significantly higher in the PCOS with AGA compared to the AGA without PCOS. There is no significant difference between groups in terms of serum FSH levels. Serum gelsolin levels of the PCOS group were significantly lower than the control group (160.1 ± 34.2 ng/mL vs. 188.6 ± 46.7 ng/mL, p Conclusions: Serum gelsolin levels in PCOS patients with androgenetic alopecia were found to be significantly lower than in non-PCOS alopecia patient groups.