Androgen-Dependent Beard Dermal Papilla Cells Secrete Autocrine Growth Factor(s) in Response to Testosterone Unlike Scalp Cells

The study concluded that androgen-dependent beard dermal papilla cells secreted autocrine growth factors in response to testosterone, unlike nonbalding scalp dermal papilla cells. Beard cells showed a significant increase in DNA synthesis and mitogenic activity when exposed to testosterone, suggesting a unique androgen response that could explain the androgen-induced enlargement of hair follicles in beard growth. This differential behavior highlighted the potential role of these factors in androgen-dependent hair disorders and the need for further research to identify the specific mitogenic factors involved.