Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors Gamma Serum levels and Gene Polymorphism in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Case Control Study

Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia with a complex pathogenesis that is not completely clear yet. Objective : The aims of the study were to evaluate serum PPAR gamma levels and gene polymorphism in a sample of Egyptian FFA patients.Methods : The case-control study included 93 FFA female patients, and 157 matching apparently healthy control subjects. Patients were subjected to clinical and trichoscopic examinations to diagnose FFA according to the updated diagnostic criteria. FFA severity was evaluated using FFA severity index (FFASI). Serum PPARγ levels and gene polymorphisms were assessed in all participants using ELISA and PCR techniques respectively.Results : Serum PPARγ levels in patients’ group were significantly lower than that of control subjects’ group. PPARG (Pro12Ala) gene polymorphism was significantly predominant in FFA patients when compared to the control subjects. Patients carrying polymorphic genotypes showed significantly reduced serum PPARγ levels when compared to patients carrying the wild genotype. Limitations : Compliance of patients didn’t allow to evaluate PPARγ agonist therapeutic efficacy and safety on FFA.Conclusion : PPARγ may play an important role in FFA development. It might have a potential utility as biomarker in FFA.