Biosynthesis of Dihydrotestosterone by a Pathway That Does Not Require Testosterone as an Intermediate in the SZ95 Sebaceous Gland Cell Line

    October 2009 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”
    Melanie Samson, Fernand Labrie, Christos C. Zouboulis, Van Luu-The
    Image of study
    TLDR Dihydrotestosterone can be made from dehydroepiandrosterone in skin cells without needing testosterone.
    The study demonstrated that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can be synthesized directly from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in SZ95 sebaceous gland cells, bypassing testosterone as an intermediate. This challenges the traditional view that DHT is produced from testosterone via 5α-reductase. The researchers used [¹4C]DHEA and inhibitors to trace the DHT biosynthesis pathway, finding that DHEA was rapidly converted to 4-androstenedione (4-dione) and then to 5α-androstane-3,17-dione (5α-dione), without forming testosterone. The application of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, significantly reduced the levels of 5α-dione and DHT, indicating that 5α-dione is a precursor to DHT. This suggests an alternative DHT biosynthesis pathway: DHEA → 4-dione → 5α-dione → DHT, which could inform the development of targeted treatments for androgen-sensitive skin conditions.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    6 / 6 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 478 results
      Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

      community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

      by MagicBold in Research  865 upvotes 1 year ago
      The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

      community Please take a vitamin & hormone test

      in Chat  260 upvotes 1 year ago
      Checking vitamin and hormone levels is important for addressing hair loss, as deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and iron can affect hair growth. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamin supplements are used, but addressing deficiencies is crucial for effectiveness.

      community DHEA, the culprit behind DUPA ? Read this!

      in Research/Science  19 upvotes 2 years ago
      High DHEA levels may contribute to hair loss by increasing DHT in hair follicles, potentially explaining why finasteride is ineffective for some. Treatments like high-dose dutasteride and RU58841 are suggested, but the underlying cause, such as adrenal issues, should be investigated.

      community What are your thoughts on pre-finasteride blood work?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  1 upvotes 2 years ago
      The user is considering resuming finasteride after a 6-month break and is debating the necessity of extensive blood work, including hormone and health markers, to establish a baseline. They are unsure if the tests are necessary since they experienced no side effects previously.

      community Why use Finasteride instead of Dutasteride?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  39 upvotes 2 years ago
      People are discussing why some choose finasteride over dutasteride for hair loss, noting that while dutasteride is more effective, it's also more expensive, less researched, and potentially has more side effects. Some users shared personal experiences with side effects from both drugs, and others mentioned that finasteride is FDA approved for hair loss, while dutasteride is not, except in Japan.

      community 1.5 year progress update 1mg Fin and 5% minoxidil

      in Progress Pictures  343 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user shared a 1.5-year hair loss treatment progress using 1mg Finasteride and 5% Minoxidil, planning to switch to oral Minoxidil and considering adding RU58841. They saw gradual improvement, suspecting Finasteride as the main contributor since they might not respond to topical Minoxidil.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results