Preventable Effect of L-Threonate, an Ascorbate Metabolite, on Androgen-Driven Balding via Repression of Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Dickkopf-1 Expression in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

The study investigated the effects of L-threonate on dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) expression, a factor involved in androgen-driven balding. Using RT-PCR analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, researchers found that L-threonate attenuated DHT-induced DKK-1 expression in cultured dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Additionally, L-threonate significantly repressed DHT-induced activation of DKK-1 promoter activity. In a co-culture system with outer root sheath (ORS) keratinocytes and DPCs, L-threonate reversed the DHT-induced inhibition of ORS cell growth. These findings suggested that L-threonate could be an effective treatment for preventing androgen-driven balding by inhibiting DKK-1 expression.