Finasteride Is the Main Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase Activity in Microdissected Dermal Papillae of Human Hair Follicles

February 1999 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

Rolf Hoffmann, Rudolf Happle

finasteride 5α-reductase dermal papillae human hair follicles androgenetic alopecia DHT Propecia 5-alpha-reductase hair follicles androgenic alopecia

TLDR Finasteride potentially treats hair loss by reducing DHT production.

The study found that finasteride is the main inhibitor of 5α-reductase activity in microdissected dermal papillae of human hair follicles, indicating its potential effectiveness in treating androgenetic alopecia. The study involved a small number of human subjects and suggests that finasteride may be a useful treatment for hair loss by reducing DHT production.

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Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

research 5α-Reductase Activity in the Human Hair Follicle Concentrates in the Dermal Papilla

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The enzyme that changes testosterone to a stronger form is mostly found in the part of the hair follicle called the dermal papilla.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

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People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

59 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.

research Finasteride: A Slow-Binding 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor

70 citations , June 1993 in “Biochemistry”

Finasteride slowly binds to 5-alpha-reductase, affecting enzyme stability and inhibitor potency.

research Human Hair Growth In Vitro

385 citations , November 1990 in “Journal of Cell Science”

Human hair follicles can grow in a lab setting.

research Is Increased 5α-Reductase Activity a Primary Phenomenon in Androgen-Dependent Skin Disorders?

39 citations , July 1987 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Metabolism of Androgens by Isolated Human Beard Hair Follicles

31 citations , October 1971 in “Steroids”

Human beard hair follicles change testosterone into other related hormones, but don't much change androstenedione into testosterone.

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community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

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Hair loss treatments discussed include Dutasteride with Ketoconazole, tissue engineering strategies, and androgenetic alopecia therapies. Massage doubles follicular retention, improving treatment effectiveness.

community Efficacy and Tolerability of N-Acetyl-Cysteine for Treatment of The Early-onset Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

in Research/Science 27 upvotes 3 years ago

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) was found to improve hair parameters in men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia, showing increased terminal hair count and decreased vellus hair count, with good tolerability. NAC, used alone or with minoxidil, may help due to its antioxidant properties, though its effectiveness can vary among individuals.

community Natural Remedies: Polyphenols and Hair Loss

20 upvotes 6 years ago

Natural remedies to treat hair loss, such as polyphenols, apple peel extract, grape seed extract, green tea extract, peppermint oil, pumpkin seed oil, apigenin, Ginkgo biloba, red clover extract, olive leaf extract, Ecklonia Cava and Grateloupia elliptica. In addition, terpenes, carotenoids, and tocopherols were discussed as potential treatments.

community Hair loss research is a money grab

in Chat 217 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Hair loss is linked to DHT, with treatments like finasteride and minoxidil being common but not definitive. Economic interests influence research, and there is potential for new treatments like PP405 and RU58841.

community My Theory Of Androgenic Alopecia

in Research/Science 18 upvotes 3 days ago

Hair loss is linked to cellular physiology and the IGF-1 to TGF-B1 ratio, not just androgen sensitivity. The theory lacks evidence, while finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments.

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The herbal mixture could potentially improve hair loss.

research Pharmacological Therapeutics in Androgenetic Alopecia

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Minoxidil and finasteride are effective for treating hair loss, with dutasteride showing potential but with side effects.

research FCP 3: Platelet-Rich Plasma Induced Hair Growth in Alopecia Patients Partially Through Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation, BCl-2 and KGF Up-Regulation

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Platelet-rich plasma treatments help hair growth in people with hair loss by increasing certain cell growth and protein levels.

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AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.

research Finasteride Is the Main Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase Activity in Microdissected Dermal Papillae of Human Hair Follicles

28 citations , February 1999 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Finasteride potentially treats hair loss by reducing DHT production.

research Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Serum Gonadotropins in Normal Men

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Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.