Export Objective: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) represents a widespread dermatological condition, affecting approximately 50% of males and 30% of middle-aged females. Recent evidence suggests a role for inflammation and oxidative stress in its pathogenesis, with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) emerging as a potential mediator. The aim of present study was to assess serum NF-κB levels in individuals with AGA compared to controls and investigate their association with disease severity. Methods: A case–control study was conducted with participants from a dermatology clinic. The study enrolled 30 male patients diagnosed with AGA and 30 age-matched healthy participants. Disease severity was determined using the Hamilton–Norwood classification. Serum NF-κB levels were quantified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and their correlation with disease parameters was analyzed. Data were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Pearson’s correlation. Results: Patients with AGA exhibited significantly higher serum NF-κB levels than the control group (7.89±2.48 vs. 3.04±0.96ng/mL, P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed excellent diagnostic value (area under the curve (AUC)=0.979) with 93.3% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity at a 3.83ng/mL cutoff. NF-κB levels strongly correlated with disease severity (r=0.632, P < 0.001) and duration (r=0.689, P < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was found with age (r=0.376, P=0.04) and a moderate negative correlation with body mass index (r=−0.453, P=0.012). Conclusions: The increased serum NF-κB levels in AGA patients and their correlation with disease severity indicate a potential role in disease progression. NF-κB may serve as a useful biomarker for AGA and could represent a novel therapeutic target.
Ali et al. (Tue,) studied this question.