MK-386, an Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase Type 1, Reduces Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Serum and Sebum Without Affecting Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Semen

May 1997 in “ The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ”

Jules I. Schwartz, Wesley Tanaka, Daniel Z. Wang, David L. Ebel, Lori Geissler, Aimée Dallob, Barry Hafkin, Barry J. Gertz

MK-386 5α-reductase type 1 inhibitor dihydrotestosterone DHT serum DHT sebum DHT finasteride 5α-reductase type 2 inhibitor acne Propecia

Studysummary This study found that MK-386 selectively suppressed sebum DHT levels in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting potential use for treating acne.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study investigated the effects of MK-386, a 5α-reductase type 1 inhibitor, on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in 100 men over 14 days. MK-386 significantly reduced serum and sebum DHT concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest dose (50 mg) reducing serum DHT by 22.2% and sebum DHT by 49.1%. In contrast, finasteride, a 5α-reductase type 2 inhibitor, reduced serum DHT by 65.8% and sebum DHT by 14.9%, but significantly decreased semen DHT by 88%. MK-386 did not significantly affect semen DHT levels. The study suggested that MK-386 could be useful for treating conditions like acne due to its ability to suppress sebum DHT without affecting semen DHT. MK-386 was well tolerated, though some subjects experienced reversible liver enzyme elevations at higher doses.

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Research cited in this study

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Effect of MK-386, a Novel Inhibitor of Type 1 5 Alpha-Reductase, Alone and in Combination with Finasteride, on Serum Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Men

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research Clinical Review 73: Medical Treatment of Androgen-Dependent Hirsutism

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research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

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This study found that 4 weeks of finasteride treatment significantly decreased DHT levels in bald scalp to levels similar to hair-containing scalp in men with male pattern baldness.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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This study found that finasteride significantly suppresses serum dihydrotestosterone levels at all tested doses in normal male volunteers without significant adverse effects.

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51 citations , November 1988 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This study found that serum 3 alpha-Adiol-G levels in men are significantly associated with chest hair density and acne, indicating its role in reflecting androgen activity in peripheral tissues.

research 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide in Plasma: A Marker of Androgen Action in Idiopathic Hirsutism

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This study found that plasma 3 alpha-diol glucuronide was markedly elevated in women with idiopathic hirsutism, suggesting it may be a marker of peripheral androgen action.

research Testosterone Metabolism in the Skin

74 citations , November 1975 in “Archives of dermatology”

This review discusses testosterone metabolism in human skin and its role in androgenetic skin disorders, suggesting that temporary increases in dihydrotestosterone may lead to these conditions.

Testosterone Metabolism in the Skin: A Review of Its Function in Androgenetic Alopecia, Acne Vulgaris, and Idiopathic Hirsutism Including Recent Studies with Antiandrogens

research Testosterone Metabolism in the Skin: A Review of Its Function in Androgenetic Alopecia, Acne Vulgaris, and Idiopathic Hirsutism Including Recent Studies with Antiandrogens

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