11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibition Attenuates the Adverse Effects of Glucocorticoids on Dermal Papilla Cells

The study explored the role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and its inhibition as a potential treatment for stress-related hair loss. It was found that cortisol, a glucocorticoid, increases 11β-HSD1 expression in DPCs and reduces their proliferation and the expression of key factors like Wnt5a, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, using a selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor significantly mitigated cortisol's negative effects on cell proliferation and the expression of these factors. The study concludes that 11β-HSD1 inhibitors may help prevent the adverse effects of glucocorticoids on DPCs, indicating their potential as a treatment for stress-related hair loss. The number of participants in the study was not provided.