Predominant Expression of 5 Alpha-Reductase Type 1 in Pubic Skin from Normal Subjects and Hirsute Patients

    May 1996 in “ ˜The œJournal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism ”
    Chidi Mestayer, Isabelle Berthaut, M. C. Portois, Françoise Wright, Frédérique Kuttenn, Irène Mowszowicz, P Mauvais-Jarvis
    Image of study
    TLDR The main enzyme found in pubic skin that could be targeted to treat excessive hair growth is 5 alpha-R2.
    The study from 1996 investigated the expression of two isoforms of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase (5 alpha-R), which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), in genital and pubic skin fibroblasts from normal men, normal women, and hirsute patients. Using Northern blot and RT-PCR techniques, the researchers found that both 5 alpha-R1 and 5 alpha-R2 messenger ribonucleic acids are expressed in these tissues. However, specific inhibitor studies revealed that 5 alpha-R2 is the predominant isoform in pubic skin across all groups. This finding suggests the potential for using specific 5 alpha-R1 inhibitors as a treatment for idiopathic hirsutism.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results
      FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      community FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      in Research  330 upvotes 2 months ago
      FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

      community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

      in Research/Science  230 upvotes 3 months ago
      Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

      community Hair Loss Drugs Ranked in Order of Efficacy

      in Research/Science  67 upvotes 10 months ago
      Dutasteride is likely the most effective treatment for male pattern baldness, followed by finasteride and minoxidil in various forms and dosages. Users discuss personal experiences, dosages, and potential side effects, with some considering combining treatments for better results.

      community 15 years of finasteride/minoxidil

      in Update  194 upvotes 5 months ago
      A user shared a 15-year experience using minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss, stating that despite never missing a dose, their hairline continued to recede slowly. Other users suggested that the hair loss might be exacerbated by the use of steroids and recommended considering other treatments like dutasteride and RU58841.

    Related Research

    7 / 7 results