L-Ascorbic Acid 2-Phosphate Represses Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Dickkopf-1 Expression in Human Balding Dermal Papilla Cells
November 2010
in “
Experimental Dermatology
”
TLDR Vitamin C derivative reduces hair loss-related protein in cells.
The study explored the effects of L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc 2-P) on the production of dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), which is associated with hair loss, in human balding dermal papilla cells (DPCs) when exposed to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The results showed that Asc 2-P reduced the levels of DKK-1 mRNA and protein induced by DHT, as determined by RT-PCR and ELISA. Furthermore, Asc 2-P inhibited the activation of a DKK-1 promoter-driven luciferase reporter gene by DHT. These outcomes indicate that Asc 2-P or its derivatives could potentially be useful in treating and preventing hair loss caused by androgens. The study was conducted on cells, not live subjects, and does not specify the number of individuals from whom the cells were derived.