Abstract

ECHAVARRIA, C  and  VELASQUEZ, M M. Clinical and immunopathogenical aspects of alopecia areata. Rev. argent. dermatol. [online]. 2019, vol.100, n.2, pp.11-20. ISSN 1851-300X.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-cicatricial hair loss, in the form of localized or generalized patches, in which the immunological privilege of the hair follicle is lost. Environmental, neuroendocrine and / or psychological factors in genetically predisposed individuals lead to immune activation and hence, alopecia. One third of the patients has affected relatives, association with HLA class I and II antigens, and single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes related to the activation of the T lymphocyte. Neuropeptides such as substance P, the peptide related to the Calcitonin gene and vasoactive intestinal peptide, produced by cutaneous nerves, participate in the immunopathogenesis of AA. Like other dermatological entities, it can be underestimated and cataloged as an aesthetic problem, without considering its high impact on quality of life and its association with psychiatric, autoimmune and endocrine comorbidities.

Keywords : Alopecia areata, immunopathogenesis, neuropeptides.