Androgen Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of Cutaneous Wound Healing

The study found that androgen receptors (AR) inhibited wound healing in C57BL/6 mice, with AR expression increasing during early healing stages. Castration accelerated healing, reduced wound areas, and increased collagen deposition, indicating that male gonadal hormones, particularly testosterone, delayed healing by affecting epidermal/dermal cells or the inflammatory response. Reduced TNF-α expression and inflammation were observed in castrated mice. Human studies showed elderly males healed more slowly than females, correlating higher testosterone levels with delayed repair. AR blockade using flutamide accelerated healing by reducing inflammation and TNF-α expression, suggesting AR plays a crucial role in modulating inflammation and wound repair, highlighting AR blockade as a potential therapeutic strategy.