Glucocorticoid and Sex Hormone Receptors: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Relevance

October 2007 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

Christina Stefanaki, George P. Chrousos, Andreas Katsambas

glucocorticoids sex hormones glucocorticoid receptors mineralocorticoid receptors androgens estrogens androgen receptors estrogen receptors androgenetic alopecia anti-androgens RU 58,841 ER-α ER-β topical estradiol androgenic alopecia antiandrogens estradiol

Studysummary This review discusses the roles of glucocorticoid and sex hormone receptors in the skin and their clinical importance, but reports no new research findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document from 2007 explores the impact of glucocorticoids and sex hormones on skin health, detailing their molecular actions and clinical implications. Glucocorticoids, while useful as anti-inflammatory agents in dermatology, can cause adverse effects like skin atrophy and systemic issues with long-term use. These effects are mediated through glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, with the development of selective agonists and antagonists aimed at reducing side effects. The document also examines androgens and estrogens, which act through androgen and estrogen receptors, respectively, affecting skin and hair. Androgens can lead to conditions like acne and androgenetic alopecia, with treatments including anti-androgens and a novel antiandrogen, RU 58,841, in phase II trials. Estrogens, acting through ER-α and ER-β, can improve skin collagen and thickness and may aid in wound healing, with topical estradiol used for androgenetic alopecia in women. The complexity of hormone actions on the skin is emphasized, with a call for further research to develop targeted treatments for skin diseases.

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19 / 19 results

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