The Physiological and Pharmacological Roles of Prostaglandins in Hair Growth

October 2022 in “ The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology ”

Dong Wook Shin

Prostaglandin D2 PGD2 DP2 receptor androgenetic alopecia AGA Cetirizine antihistamine setipiprant DP2 antagonist levocetirizine hydrochloride hair follicle regeneration apoptosis hair follicle cells Levocetirizine

TLDR Targeting the PGD2-DP2 pathway may help treat hair loss.

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and its receptors play significant roles in hair growth regulation, particularly in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Elevated levels of PGD2 in balding scalp regions suppress hair growth via the DP2 receptor. Studies have shown that PGD2 inhibits hair follicle regeneration and induces apoptosis in hair follicle cells. Cetirizine, an antihistamine that reduces PGD2 production, has shown promise in promoting hair regrowth in AGA patients. Other treatments like setipiprant, a DP2 antagonist, and levocetirizine hydrochloride, which down-regulates PGD2 and up-regulates growth pathways, also show potential. These findings suggest targeting the PGD2-DP2 pathway could be effective for AGA treatment.

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