Immunolocalization of 5α-Reductase Isozymes in Acne Lesions and Normal Skin
September 2000
in “
Archives of dermatology
”
5α-reductase type 1 5α-reductase type 2 5α-reductase sebaceous glands sebum production hair follicles epidermis comedones inflammatory lesions 5α-reductase inhibitors finasteride 5-alpha-reductase type 1 5-alpha-reductase type 2 5-alpha-reductase oil glands skin oil production hair roots skin layer blackheads pimples 5-alpha-reductase blockers Propecia
TLDR The study found that the enzyme linked to acne is present in the same areas of both acne-affected and normal skin.
The study investigated the localization of 5α-reductase isozymes in normal and acne-affected skin using skin biopsies from 11 subjects (8 with acne and 3 without). It found that type 1 5α-reductase was predominantly in sebaceous glands, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for acne treatment due to its role in sebum production. Type 2 5α-reductase was localized to the companion layer of hair follicles and the granular layer of the epidermis, but its role in comedones and inflammatory lesions remained unclear. The study concluded that inhibitors of type 1 5α-reductase could be effective in reducing sebum production and treating acne, unlike type 2 inhibitors such as finasteride.
