Alopecia Areata

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the nature and causes of alopecia areata. The paper explains that some show a strong link between alopecia areata and genetics, while others suggest that environmental factors may contribute to this condition. This paper reviews the general epidemiology of alopecia areata, the contributing factors and the relationship of animal models of experimentation and study to finding new treatments for the disease. The paper relates that the future of research will continue to focus on identifying risk factors for developing alopecia areata, including possible environmental triggers and genetic factors increasing one's susceptibility to the condition.

Outline:
Overview
Epidemiology: Alopecia Areata
Animal Models and Alopecia Areata
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Based on the research that is available most researchers consider alopecia areata an autoimmune disease, suggesting that the body's own immune system, which normally protects the body, attacks the hair and hair follicles resulting in hair loss or an immune reaction. Still others have proposed certain viruses may contribute to the disease, though there is presently little evidence supporting this claim. Most at risk for alopecia areata include those with close member of their family with the disease. As more is learned and uncovered about this complex condition, researchers are likely to uncover other risk factors for alopecia areata."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bolduc, C. & Lui, H. (2006, Feb). "Alopecia Areata." American Academy of Dermatology, 20, March 2006: http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic14.htm#section~bibliography
• Chow, S., Rizzo, C., Ravitskiy, L. & Sinha, A.A. (2005, Jun). "The role of T cells in cutaneous autoimmune disease." Autoimmunity, 38(4): 303-17
• Dombrowski, N.C. & Bergfeld, W.F. (2005, Sep). "Alopecia areata: what to expect from current treatments." Cleve Clin J Med, 72(9): 758, 760-1.
• Gilhar, A. & Kalish, R.S. (2006, Jan). "Alopecia areata: A tissue specific autoimmune disease of the hair follicle." Autoimmune Rev, 5(1): 64-9.
• Freyschmidt, P.P., Happle, R. & Hoffman, R. (2004, April). "Alopecia areata in animal models-new insights into pathogenesis and treatment of T cell mediated autoimmune disorder." J Dtsch Dermatol Ges., 2(4): 260-73.

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