Serum Gelsolin Levels in PCOS-Related Androgenetic Alopecia

Aim: To compare serum gelsolin levels of women with androgenetic alopecia with PCOS and patients with non-PCOS alopecia. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 PCOS patients who applied to our dermatology clinic with the complaint of hair loss and were diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were included in the study. Thirty patients who were not diagnosed with PCOS but were diagnosed with AGA were considered as the control group. Patients in the control group were matched with PCOS in terms of age. AGA was diagnosed in cases of widespread thinning of the hair on the scalp and preservation of the frontal hairline. All participants underwent a complete clinical examination and blood examination. Serum gelsolin levels of both groups were measured by ELISA. Results: The number, age, and BMI values of the participants in both groups were recorded as similar. Serum total testosterone, insulin, HOMA-IR and LH values were significantly higher in the PCOS with AGA compared to the AGA without PCOS. There is no significant difference between groups in terms of serum FSH levels. Serum gelsolin levels of the PCOS group were significantly lower than the control group (160.1 ± 34.2 ng/mL vs. 188.6 ± 46.7 ng/mL, p < 0.03). We found a negative and significant relationship between serum gelsolin and testosterone levels (r = 0.68, p < 0.02). Conclusions: Serum gelsolin levels in PCOS patients with androgenetic alopecia were found to be significantly lower than in non-PCOS alopecia patient groups.