Influence of Interleukin-1α on Androgen Receptor Expression and Cytokine Secretion by Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

The study investigated the effects of interleukin‐1 α (IL‐1 α) on androgen receptor expression and cytokine secretion in cultured human dermal papilla cells (DPC) from the temporal scalp. IL‐1 α was found to reduce androgen receptor mRNA and protein expression levels in DPC stimulated with the androgen 5 α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Additionally, IL‐1 α increased the secretion and mRNA levels of several cytokines, including keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL‐8, and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), but did not affect transforming growth factor‐β 1 levels. The study suggested that IL‐1 α could be a significant modifier of dermal papilla activity and might influence androgen-regulated gene expression in these cells.