Is Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone a Novel Neuroendocrine Modulator of Keratin Expression in Human Skin?

The study from July 2013 demonstrated that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) significantly influences keratin expression in human skin, suggesting its role as a neuroendocrine regulator. TRH treatment altered the expression of various keratins, such as increasing K31 and K32 in hair follicles and stimulating K6, K14, and K17 in the interfolicular epidermis, eccrine sweat, and sebaceous glands. These findings indicate that TRH could potentially be used to promote hair shaft growth and aid in the treatment of skin and hair disorders, including wound healing and genotrichoses like monilethrix, as well as pachyonychia congenita. The study employed immunohistomorphometry, RT-qPCR, semiquantitative, and visual evaluations to assess the changes in keratin expression following TRH treatment. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which TRH modulates keratin expression.