TLDR Steroid sulfatase in hair follicles may be a target for treating hair loss.
The study explored the role of steroid sulfatase (STS) in human hair follicles, particularly its concentration in the dermal papilla, and its potential link to androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It was found that STS is primarily located in the dermal papilla, where it converts dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), a key androgen in hair growth regulation and AGA development. The study involved scalp biopsies from 20 healthy volunteers and beard hair follicles from 4 men. It demonstrated that STS activity could be inhibited by estrone-3-O-sulfamate, suggesting that STS inhibitors could be potential treatments for androgen-dependent hair disorders like AGA.
28 citations
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February 1999 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” Finasteride potentially treats hair loss by reducing DHT production.
41 citations
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March 1998 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” The enzyme that changes testosterone to a stronger form is mostly found in the part of the hair follicle called the dermal papilla.
34 citations
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July 1993 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Human hair growth is influenced by androgen hormones, and red deer mane follicles have similar hormone receptors.
34 citations
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December 1991 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” Differences in enzyme activity and androgen receptors in hair follicles may explain why hair loss appears differently in men and women.
69 citations
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August 1988 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” 52 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” 46 citations
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June 1983 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine” 28 citations
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March 1973 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”
8 citations
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September 1987 in “Acta Dermato Venereologica”
