A new target for squamous cell skin cancer?

The 2014 document discussed the role of Prostaglandins (PGs), particularly PGD2, and Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) in skin cancer and hair loss. PGs, produced by COX-1/-2, regulate pain, inflammation, and cancers, with increased levels disrupting cell differentiation and leading to hyperplasia. AKR1C3, an enzyme converting PGD2 to F2 series prostaglandins, was found to be significantly expressed in skin cells and linked to keratinocyte differentiation. The study indicated that PGD2 and its metabolite, 15d-PGJ2, could inhibit the growth of squamous cell carcinoma cells, possibly through PPARγ activation. Overexpression of AKR1C3 reduced sensitivity to PGD2 in these cells. The document also highlighted that PGD2 is involved in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and inhibits hair follicle neogenesis after wounding. The role of AKR1C3 in enhancing the potency of weak androgens, potentially promoting AGA, was also discussed. The document recommended further research to clarify these mechanisms and their implications for skin cancer and alopecia.