Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Simvastatin/Ezetimibe

J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2018 Jan;19(1):S25-S31. doi: 10.1016/j.jisp.2017.10.013.

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by T lymphocytic infiltrates around the bulbar region of hair follicles. Statins have surfaced as potential therapeutic agents for AA, partly because of their modulation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Some data indicate that statins are a possible option for acute, but not chronic, longstanding AA. Animal studies suggest that treatment with statins increases CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+ populations in AA-affected mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia Areata / drug therapy*
  • Alopecia Areata / immunology
  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Ezetimibe, Simvastatin Drug Combination / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Ezetimibe, Simvastatin Drug Combination
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors