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A peptide hormone causing abnormal hair-growth associated with malignancy
1Department of Internal Medicine, University and PUblic Health Hospital, Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
Medical Hypotheses
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Acquired hypertrichosis, a rare condition of abnormal hair growth linked to cancer, is likely caused by a peptide hormone. Further research is needed to detect this hormone in patient samples.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Acquired hypertrichosis, characterized by excessive hair growth, is a rare condition associated with malignancy.
- First described in 1865, the literature on this condition has been reviewed extensively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose that a peptide hormone is the causative agent of acquired hypertrichosis.
- To identify the need for detecting this hormone in serum, skin, and tumor specimens.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of acquired hypertrichosis from 1879 to 1994 using Index Medicus and Medline.
- Analysis of clinical features, including rapid onset and remission upon tumor removal.
- Examination of electron microscopy findings and experimental macaque models.
Main Results:
- The rapid onset and remission of acquired hypertrichosis following tumor removal suggest a hormonal etiology.
- Electron microscopic findings of affected tissues provide further support for a biological mechanism.
- Experimental models in macaques indicate a potential systemic cause.
Conclusions:
- A peptide hormone is the most probable cause of acquired hypertrichosis.
- Detection of this hormone in patient samples is crucial for diagnosis and understanding the condition.
- This hypothesis is supported by multiple lines of evidence, including clinical, pathological, and experimental data.