Red Blood Cells Folate Level in Patients with Alopecia Areata

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common type of hair loss affecting 1-2% of general population, characterized by well demarcated patches of hair loss, which can progress to a complete loss of hair from the scalp or from the whole body in severe cases. Its exact pathogenesis is still unknown, although many theories have been suggested including infectious, neural, genetic, and organ specific autoimmune hypotheses. Over the past decade, interest in the health benefits of folic acid has increased considerably as it is essential for normal cell growth and metabolism. Folic acid supplementation has been demonstrated to reduce some inflammatory mediators relevant in atherosclerosis, insulin sensitivity and other inflammatory conditions including skin diseases. The speculative role of folic acid in modifying skin inflammatory responses needs further biologic and clinical studies. Objective: The aim of this study is to detect the role of RBCs folate in patients with alopecia areata and the relation between its level with the severity and the pattern of AA. Subjects and methods: A case control study of 34 alopecia areata patients and 34 healthy controls was conducted. RBCs folate level was measured in cases and controls by standard enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: RBCs folate levels show a statistically significant difference between the two groups. There is no correlation between RBCs folate levels and pattern or severity of alopecia. Conclusion: Folate deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of AA. Folic acid may be a reasonable and specific treatment strategy of AA in the future.