Local Synthesis and Effect of Sex Steroids in Human Skin and the Hair Follicle and Hormonal Effects on the Wound Healing Response

January 2011 in “ Padua Research Archive (University of Padua) ”

Elena Pomari

TLDR Local estrogen synthesis in skin may improve wound healing.

The study investigated the local synthesis and effects of sex steroids in human skin and hair follicles, particularly their role in wound healing. Researchers found that skin and hair follicles could locally produce active androgens and estrogens from adrenal precursors like DHEA. Steroids such as DHEA-S, testosterone, and 17ß-estradiol were shown to influence gene expression related to inflammation, cell proliferation, and differentiation, and enhanced cell migration in wound healing assays. The study suggested that local estrogen synthesis, especially from DHEA-S, played a significant role in skin repair, offering potential therapeutic avenues for improving wound healing without the risks of systemic estrogen therapy. Further research was recommended to explore implications for hair growth, skin aging, and cancer.

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