The 5 Alpha-Reductase System and Its Inhibitors

    January 1996 in “ Dermatology ”
    W. Chen, Christos C. Zouboulis, Constantin E. Orfanos
    TLDR 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, like finasteride, are used to treat conditions like prostate issues and skin disorders.
    The document discussed the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme system, which metabolizes testosterone into dihydrotestosterone and exists in two isoforms: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is primarily found in skin-related cells, while type 2 is located in reproductive tissues and hair follicles. The genes for these isozymes are located on chromosomes 5p and 2p. Over the past decade, various inhibitors have been developed to target 5 alpha-reductase activity. Finasteride, which targets the type 2 isozyme, was introduced for treating benign prostate hyperplasia. However, the clinical evaluation of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, particularly those targeting type 1, in dermatology was limited. These inhibitors, such as MK-386 and LY191704, were considered potential treatments for androgen-dependent skin disorders, including seborrhoea, acne, hirsutism, and androgenetic alopecia.
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