Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma Serum Levels and Gene Polymorphism in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia with a complex pathogenesis that is not completely clear yet.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the study were to evaluate serum peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) levels and gene polymorphism in a sample of Egyptian FFA patients.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

The case-control study included 93 FFA female patients and 157 matching apparently healthy control subjects. Patients were subjected to clinical and trichoscopic examinations to diagnose FFA according to the updated diagnostic criteria. FFA severity was evaluated using the FFA Severity Index (FFASI). Serum PPARγ levels and gene polymorphisms were assessed in all participants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction techniques, respectively.

RESULTS

Serum PPARγ levels in the patients' group were significantly lower than that of the control subjects' group. PPARG (Pro12Ala) gene polymorphism was significantly predominant in FFA patients when compared to the control subjects. Patients carrying polymorphic genotypes showed significantly reduced serum PPARγ levels when compared to patients carrying the wild genotype. They also showed significantly higher FFASI in comparison to wild genotype carriers.

CONCLUSION

PPARγ may play an important role in FFA development. It might have a potential utility as a biomarker in FFA.