Evaluation of Serum G Protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 (GPER 1) Levels in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a non-scarring condition characterized by a gradual reduction in scalp hair density, typically exhibiting a well-defined distribution pattern. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) participates in rapid estrogen-mediated signaling through the activation of multiple protein kinase cascades.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate serum GPER-1 concentrations in AGA cases and telogen effluvium (TE), and to assess the potential role of this biomarker in the pathogenesis of both conditions.
Patients and methods: This investigation enrolled a total of 84 participants, stratified into three distinct cohorts: Group A comprised 28 subjects clinically diagnosed with AGA, group B included 28 cases presenting with TE and group C consisted of 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All subjects underwent clinical and dermoscopic examinations, along with hormonal profiling, including measurements of serum dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate, total testosterone, estradiol (E2), and prolactin. Serum GPER-1 levels were quantified using ELISA kit.
Results: A notable negative correlation was identified between GPER-1 and E2 levels. Among the study groups, AGA cohort exhibited the highest mean GPER-1 level, followed by TE group, with the lowest levels observed in the controls. GPER-1 demonstrated a moderate discriminatory capacity in distinguishing healthy controls from cases with either AGA or TE. However, its ability to differentiate between cases with AGA and those with TE was limited.
Conclusion: Estrogen hormone has an important role in hair growth. Serum level of GPER-1 could be used as a biomarker with reasonable degree of accuracy in differentiating AGA from TE and control.