The Hair Follicle: A Paradoxical Androgen Target Organ

    January 2000 in “ Hormone Research in Paediatrics ”
    Valerie A. Randall, Nigel A. Hibberts, M. Julie Thornton, Kazuto Hamada, Alison Merrick, Shōji Katō, Tracey J. Jenner, I. De Oliveira, A.G. Messenger
    Image of study
    TLDR Androgens can both promote and prevent hair growth due to differences in gene expression in hair follicles.
    The document from January 1, 2000, examines the contradictory effects of androgens on hair growth, noting that androgens can both stimulate hair growth in certain body areas and cause hair loss on the scalp, a condition known as androgenetic alopecia. It identifies the dermal papilla as the key site of androgen action, where androgens bind to receptors and influence the production of paracrine factors. Studies showed that dermal papilla cells from androgen-sensitive areas have androgen receptors and vary in their ability to form 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which correlates with hair growth patterns seen in individuals with 5α-reductase deficiency. The document suggests that the differences in hair follicle responses are due to differential gene expression, likely established during embryogenesis. It also discusses the role of paracrine factors and the SCF/KIT pathway in hair follicle behavior, and how these findings could inform treatments for hair disorders related to androgen levels.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 1 year ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community HLT Megathread on HMI-115 (key takeaways in comments)

      in Research/Science  39 upvotes 2 years ago
      HMI-115, a newly discovered hair loss treatment that could potentially be effective for those with diffuse thinning and telogen effluvium. It is based on prolactin receptor antagonist signaling and has already undergone Phase I trials in women, with potential commercialization by 2027.

      community Dht kills hair, but no one says why?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  40 upvotes 1 week ago
      DHT affects hair follicles, contributing to hair loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss, though they may have side effects and varying effectiveness.
      If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      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.

    Related Research

    8 / 8 results