15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase Inhibitor Restores Endothelial Function Under Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Stress in Human Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells

    December 2025 in “ Molecules ”
    Mujun Kim, Hak Joong Kim, Yurim Lee, Sanghwa Lee, Dong Chul Lim, Hee Dong Park, Dong Wook Shin
    Image of study
    TLDR DPP may help hair regrowth by improving blood vessel function under stress.
    This study explores the effects of dihydroisoquinolinone piperidinylcarboxy pyrazolopyridine (DPP), a 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase inhibitor, on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) under dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced stress, a factor in androgenetic alopecia. DPP significantly reduced oxidative stress by lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, restored mitochondrial function, and increased ATP production. It also improved endothelial cell migration and tube formation, essential for perifollicular vascularization. DPP mitigated stress-related MAPK pathway signaling, suggesting restored endothelial homeostasis. These findings indicate that DPP may support hair follicle regeneration by preserving endothelial function under DHT-induced conditions, offering potential as a complementary treatment for hair loss. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm its role in hair follicle regeneration.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    35 / 35 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community 15 months of oral Finasteride + Minoxidil

      in Is this regrowth?  16 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      The user has been using 3mg oral Minoxidil and 1.1mg oral Finasteride for 15 months and plans to switch to 5mg oral Minoxidil, 1.1mg oral Finasteride, and 0.1mg oral Dutasteride. They have also used ketoconazole and salicylic acid shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis and hope to see more hair growth with the increased dosage.

      community 15 months fin, 12 months min results. 22M

      in Progress Pictures  214 upvotes 3 months ago
      A 22-year-old shared his 15-month progress using finasteride and 12-month progress with minoxidil for hair loss, noting improved thickness but minimal hairline change. He experienced initial shedding with minoxidil but no side effects from finasteride, and he advises patience and consistency for results.

      community 15 months - 1mg fin only progress

      in Progress Pictures  442 upvotes 7 months ago
      A 22-year-old is using 1mg finasteride daily for hair loss, noting some scalp thickening but still experiencing visible thinning. They are considering oral minoxidil due to concerns about topical application with cats at home, and others in the conversation share positive experiences with oral minoxidil, reporting no side effects and significant hair regrowth.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results