Efficacy and Tolerability of N-Acetyl-Cysteine for Treatment of The Early-onset Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by non-scarring progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle accompanied by shortening of the anagen phase, leading to a gradual conversion of terminal hairs into vellus hairs with a pattern distribution. It is more frequent in Caucasians than in Asians and Africans, and the prevalence increases with age. The etiology of AGA is multifactorial and polygenetic. Male androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss (MPHL), is clearly an androgen-dependent condition, and although the mode of inheritance is uncertain, a genetic predisposition is observed. The enhanced hair loss in androgenetic alopecia was linked to several factors that increase cellular oxidative stress. AGA is one of the most common causes of hair consultation, affecting quality of life and self-esteem of patients. Frequently, their expectations about therapy results are higher than reality.