Serum nuclear factor E-2-related factor 2 in female pattern hair loss

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common dermatological complaint with multifactorial etiology. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that has a major role in protection from ROS-induced apoptosis.

To investigate the relationship between Nrf2 and systemic oxidative stress in FPHL patients.

This case-control study included 30 patients with FPHL and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers as a control group. Serum NRF2, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant capacity (TOC) were measured by ELISA, and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.

The serum level of TOC and OSI was found to be significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001 for both) while serum level of NRF2 and TAC was found to be significantly lower in cases than controls (p < 0.001 for both). There were a significant negative correlation between TAC and BMI (p = 0.03, r = -0.391) and a significant positive correlation between OSI and BMI (p = 0.04, r = 0.365). There were a significant positive correlation between serum level of NRF2 and TAC (p = 0.003, r = 0.532) and a significant negative correlation between serum the level of NRF2 and TOC (p = 0.02, r = -0.418) and OSI (p = 0.003, r = -0.395).

Systemic oxidative stress in FPHL may be, at least in part, due to NRF2 deficiency. NRF2 activators may help in treatment of this disease. NRF2 deficiency has no role in disease severity. Healthy diet and body weight reduction may help in improving oxidative stress and subsequently improving FPHL.