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IRF4

Inflammation & Regulation of Cell Death in Hair Loss (IRF4)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on December 10th, 2020

IRF4 encodes an immune protein that can cause excessive cell death in hair follicles when not regulated properly. Can it cause hair loss? Find out here.

Summary

IRF4 encodes interferon regulatory factor 4. Variants of IRF4 may play a role in male pattern baldness by promoting cell death in the hair follicles. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by balancing IRF4 either directly or through STAT3.

IRF4 and Male Pattern Baldness

The IRF4 gene encodes interferon regulatory factor 4, one of the family of compounds that regulate the interferon response to viral infection [R].

IRF4 has a complex mechanism with both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. In various tissues, it promotes Th2 immune response and increases the production of IL-10 and IL-33 cytokines [R].

IRF4 activity is regulated by STAT3, a signaling protein that responds to inflammatory signals and controls the expression of genes involved in the growth, development, and activation of immune system cells [R, R, R, R, R].

IRF4 is also believed to play a role in programmed cell death. Some researchers have suggested that its connection to cell death explains why some IRF4 variants are associated with male pattern baldness [R].

IRF4 encodes an immune protein that can cause excessive cell death in the hair follicles when it isn’t regulated properly.

Your IRF4 Results for Male Pattern Baldness

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs12203592

IRF4 rs12203592 [R, R]

‘C’ = Not associated with male pattern baldness
‘T’ = Associated with increased rates of male pattern baldness
The ‘T’ allele may cause dysregulated IRF4, leading to increased rates of cell death and hair loss [R].

Recommendations

Avoid Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke is believed to have a complex interaction with STAT3 that may lead to increased IRF4 and greater rates of cell death [R, R].

Several studies have associated smoking with an approximately 2-fold risk of male-pattern baldness. Cigarette smoke may cause oxidative and inflammatory damage in the hair follicles, impair hair growth, and reduce female sex hormone levels. A study found that the combination of smoking with being overweight increased male-pattern baldness severity [R, R, R, R, R].

Cigarette smoke may promote inflammatory damage and cell death in the hair follicles by stimulating STAT3 and dysregulating IRF4.

Apples

The active polyphenols found in apples have been found to shift the immune response away from Th2, which may help counteract the downstream effects of dysregulated IRF4 [R].

An oral apple polyphenol extract from Annurca apples (500 mg polyphenols, 2x/day) increased hair density, weight, and keratin content in a placebo-controlled trial of 250 healthy men and women [R].

The apple polyphenol procyanidin B2 increased hair density when topically applied for 4-12 months in 3 placebo-controlled trials of 101 men [R, R, R].

Apple polyphenols may increase hair growth by counteracting the downstream effects of dysregulated IRF4.

Topical Rosemary

Carnosol, an active compound found in rosemary, may balance IRF4 and reduce Th17 activity by reducing STAT3 [R].

In a placebo-controlled trial of 50 men with male-pattern baldness, topical rosemary oil applied for 6 months increased hair counts as effectively as minoxidil [R].

In another placebo-controlled trial of 86 men, aromatherapy massage with rosemary and other essential oils (lavender, thyme, and cedarwood) improved hair density in 43% of those who received it [R].

Rosemary leaf extract promoted hair growth in mice with their backs shaved and hair regrowth in those treated with testosterone [R].

Carnosol, an active compound from rosemary, may balance IRF4 and promote hair growth.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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Summary IRF4 and Male Pattern Baldness Your IRF4 Results for Male Pattern Baldness

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Inflammation & Regulation of Cell Death in Hair Loss (IRF4)

Summary

IRF4 and Male Pattern Baldness

Your IRF4 Results for Male Pattern Baldness

SNP Table

Recommendations

Avoid Cigarette Smoke

Apples

Topical Rosemary

Disclaimer

More skin & beauty blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Ultimate Bundle

Limited Time Offer 25% Off

Individual DNA Reports

Methylation Pathway - MTHFR Test

Histamine Intolerance DNA Pathway Report

Gut Health, Digestion & IBS DNA Report

Autoimmune Disease Risk & Prevention DNA Report

See all reports

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports