Androgenic alopecia may have evolved to protect men from prostate cancer by increasing skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation

Summary Androgenic alopecia affects populations adapted to colder climate, and individuals at an age and hormonal status susceptible to prostate cancer. Male pattern baldness enhances absorption of UV radiation on the top of the head, an area directly exposed to sunlight during everyday activities....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical hypotheses 2008-01, Vol.70 (5), p.1038-1040
Main Author: Kabai, Peter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alopecia - diagnosis
Alopecia - pathology
Androgens - metabolism
Biological Evolution
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Models, Biological
Models, Theoretical
Prostatic Hyperplasia - pathology
Prostatic Neoplasms - prevention & control
Receptors, Androgen - metabolism
Risk Factors
Skin - radiation effects
Sunlight
Ultraviolet Rays
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Summary:Summary Androgenic alopecia affects populations adapted to colder climate, and individuals at an age and hormonal status susceptible to prostate cancer. Male pattern baldness enhances absorption of UV radiation on the top of the head, an area directly exposed to sunlight during everyday activities. Ultraviolet radiation is reported to reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Here I propose that progression of androgenic alopecia rather than being a risk factor is a finely tuned mechanism evolved to protect against prostate cancer.
ISSN:0306-9877
1532-2777
DOI:10.1016/j.mehy.2007.07.044