Polymorphisms in Androgen and Estrogen Receptor Genes: Effects on Male Aging

October 2004 in “ Experimental Gerontology ”

Min Jiang, Ilpo Huhtaniemi

androgen receptor estrogen receptor testosterone estrogen gonadal steroids CAG repeats androgen target genes leptin insulin androgenic alopecia androgen-mediated skin disorders male hormones female hormones male pattern baldness

Studysummary This review summarizes how common polymorphisms in androgen and estrogen receptor genes may influence aging-related symptoms and diseases in men, but it reports no new clinical results.

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The 2004 study by Min Jiang and Ilpo Huhtaniemi investigated the impact of polymorphisms in androgen and estrogen receptor genes on male aging. They found that lifelong exposure to gonadal steroids, such as testosterone and estrogen, significantly influences the aging process in men. The study also found a large inter-individual variation in sex hormone levels within given age groups and with aging, attributed to numerous functionally significant polymorphisms detected in the receptors for androgen and estrogen. These polymorphisms can affect gender-specific and aging-related symptoms and diseases in men. The number of androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeats was found to be inversely correlated with the transcriptional activity of androgen target genes, potentially influencing androgen effects on body fat content and serum concentrations of leptin and insulin. The CAG repeat length likely affects the male hair pattern, with shorter CAG repeat lengths possibly associated with the development of androgen-mediated skin disorders, including androgenic alopecia. The study concluded that more data on effects of the polymorphisms from a variety of genetically different populations is needed.

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research Polymorphism of the Androgen Receptor Gene Is Associated with Male Pattern Baldness

299 citations , March 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that specific genetic markers near the androgen receptor gene are significantly more common in men with male pattern baldness, suggesting a genetic component in its development.

research Androgen Receptor Polymorphisms (CAG Repeat Lengths) in Androgenetic Alopecia, Hirsutism, and Acne

186 citations , July 1998 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This study found that shorter CAG-repeat lengths in the androgen receptor may be associated with the development of androgen-mediated skin disorders like androgenetic alopecia, acne, and hirsutism in both men and women.