Minoxidil Increases 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 5α-Reductase Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells from Balding Scalp

February 1999 in “ Journal of Dermatological Science ”

Toshihiro Sato, Taketsugu Tadokoro, Tadashige Sonoda, Yuji Asada, Satoshi Itami, Susumu Takayasu

minoxidil 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 5α-reductase human dermal papilla cells testosterone dihydrotestosterone hair loss male pattern baldness Rogaine DHT androgenic alopecia

Studysummary This study found that minoxidil increased 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity by nearly 40% in dermal papilla cells from balding scalps but not in nonbalding scalp cells or dermal fibroblasts. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study found that minoxidil increases the activity of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α-reductase in human dermal papilla cells from balding scalp. These enzymes are involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is known to contribute to hair loss. The study suggests that minoxidil may work by increasing the activity of these enzymes, leading to increased hair growth. The study was conducted on cultured human dermal papilla cells from balding scalp, and further research is needed to clarify the role of 5α-reductase in male pattern baldness and whether the effect of minoxidil on testosterone metabolism is related to its therapeutic effect.