Androgens Inhibit Phagocytosis by Macrophages via the Androgen Receptor In Vitro

January 2018

Chloe Parry

androgens testosterone dihydrotestosterone DHT androgen receptor AR 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride T 5-alpha reductase inhibitor Propecia

TLDR Male hormones can decrease the ability of immune cells to fight bacteria.

The study demonstrated that androgens, specifically testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), inhibited the phagocytosis of MRSA by macrophages derived from U937 monocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibition was reversed by androgen receptor (AR) antagonism, enhancing phagocytosis to levels similar to the untreated control. The 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride significantly increased MRSA clearance, indicating that the inhibition of phagocytosis by T is primarily mediated through its conversion to DHT and subsequent AR activation. These findings suggested that local AR blockade or 5alpha-reductase inhibition could be potential therapeutic strategies to improve bacterial clearance in chronic wounds, particularly in elderly males.

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