Hair loss biomarker can determine covid-19 disease severity in men, say researchers

Researchers have discovered a novel biomarker to identify male covid-19 patients most at risk for ICU admission. 

The findings suggest that men with genetic characteristics (phenotypes) sensitive to the male sex hormone androgen are more likely to experience severe covid-19 disease. Researchers were driven to study
the association between the androgen receptor (AR) gene and covid-19, after observing the disproportionate number of men hospitalised with covid-19 presenting with androgenetic alopecia compared to the expected number in a similar agematched population (79% vs. 31-53%).

Dr Andy Goren, chief medical officer at Applied Biology in California, US, explained: “The identification of a biomarker connected with the androgen receptor is another piece of evidence highlighting the important role of androgens in covid-19 disease severity.”

A survey found four in 10 men say going bald is their biggest cause of stress.