Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
Effects of diphencyprone on expression of Bcl-2 protein in patients with alopecia areata
Hamidreza Pazoki-Toroudi1, Marjan Ajami, Shahab Babakoohi
1Center for Research & Training in Skin Diseases & Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Alopecia areata (AA) development is attributed to a T cell involved autoimmune process. Apoptosis is one of the suspected culprits in pathogenesis of this disorder. This disorder can be treated by contact sensitizers like diphencyprone (DPCP). We investigated the effects of treatment with DPCP on the expression of Bcl-2 protein in hair follicle epithelial cells of AA patients and its relation to clinical response to treatment.
Materials And Methods:
Patients with chronic and extensive AA who had not received any treatment for at least 6 months were included. Furthermore, 3-mm punch biopsies were obtained from the affected areas before starting the treatment, and, six months after DPCP application, punch biopsies of the same size were taken from the following groups of patients: Group 1: six patients with complete hair regrowth, Group 2: six patients with partial regrowth, and Group 3: six patients with no regrowth. The samples were studied by immunohistochemistry to detect and compare the rate of Bcl-2 expression.
Results:
Level of Bcl-2 expression in respondent patients (Group 1) was significantly higher after DPCP treatment (36.50 +/- 4.23) compared to pretreatment state (3.67 +/- 1.406, P < 0.001). Similar finding was observed in second group with partial regrowth (17.67 +/- 1.745 versus 5.33 +/- 2.076, P < 0.01). Such significant change was not observed in third group (4.75 +/- 1.315 versus 3.50 +/- 0.645, P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
The results of this study indicate the positive effect of DPCP on regulation (inhibition) of apoptotic process in patients with AA.
Insights
Diphencyprone (DPCP) treatment for alopecia areata significantly increases Bcl-2 protein expression in hair follicles, suggesting it inhibits the apoptosis process. This finding correlates with improved hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder involving T cells and apoptosis.
- Contact sensitizers like diphencyprone (DPCP) are used to treat AA.
- The role of Bcl-2 protein in AA pathogenesis and DPCP treatment response requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of DPCP treatment on Bcl-2 protein expression in the hair follicle epithelial cells of AA patients.
- To correlate Bcl-2 expression levels with clinical response to DPCP therapy.
Main Methods:
- Patients with chronic, extensive AA and no prior treatment for 6 months were enrolled.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to assess Bcl-2 expression in hair follicle biopsies.
- Biopsies were collected before and six months after DPCP treatment from patients with complete, partial, or no hair regrowth.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher Bcl-2 expression was observed post-DPCP treatment in patients with complete (36.50 +/- 4.23) and partial (17.67 +/- 1.745) hair regrowth compared to pretreatment levels.
- No significant change in Bcl-2 expression was noted in patients with no regrowth (4.75 +/- 1.315).
- Pretreatment Bcl-2 levels were low in all groups (3.67 +/- 1.406, 5.33 +/- 2.076, 4.75 +/- 1.315).
Conclusions:
- DPCP treatment positively regulates (inhibits) apoptosis in alopecia areata.
- Increased Bcl-2 expression correlates with successful hair regrowth in AA patients treated with DPCP.
