Association Between Scalp Microbiota Imbalance, Disease Severity, and Systemic Inflammatory Markers in Alopecia Areata

• DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01281-2
• Publication Date: 2024-10-10T03:41:06Z
• Authors: Pedro J. Gómez-Arias; Jesús Gay-Mimbrera; Irene Rivera-Ruiz; Macarena Aguilar-...; Miguel Juan-Cence...; Carmen Mochón-Jim...; Francisco Gómez-G...; Silvia Sánchez-Go...; Adriana Ortega-He...; Dulcenombre Gómez...; Esmeralda Parra-P...; Beatriz Isla-Tejera; Juan Ruano
• Keywords: Microbial composition; RL1-803; Skin microbiome; Alopecia areata; Dysbiosis; Immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases; Dermatology; Original Research

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease causing non-scarring hair loss, with both genetic and environmental factors implicated. Recent research highlights a possible role for scalp microbiota in influencing local systemic inflammatory responses, potentially impacting AA progression. This study examines the link among imbalances, severity, inflammation. We conducted cross-sectional 24 participants, including patients of varying severities healthy controls. Scalp microbial communities were analyzed using swab samples ion torrent sequencing 16S rRNA gene across multiple hypervariable regions. explored correlations bacterial abundance, microbiome metabolic pathways, circulating markers. Our findings reveal significant dysbiosis compared to Severe cases had increased presence pro-inflammatory taxa like Proteobacteria, whereas milder higher levels anti-inflammatory Actinobacteria. Notable species differences included abundant gram-negative bacteria such as Alistipes inops Bacteroides pleibeius severe AA, contrasted Blautia faecis Pyramydobacter piscolens predominantly Significantly, imbalance correlated severity (SALT scores) markers, elevated cytokines linked more disease. These results suggest that may play AA-related inflammation, although it unclear whether shifts are cause or consequence loss. Further needed clarify causal relationship mechanisms involved.