Sulfotransferase Activity in Plucked Hair Follicles Predicts Response to Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia

April 2014 in “ Dermatologic Therapy ”

Janet L. Roberts, Nisha Desai, John D. McCoy, Andy Goren

sulfotransferase activity plucked hair follicles topical minoxidil female androgenetic alopecia biomarker Rogaine

TLDR Sulfotransferase in hair follicles helps predict how well minoxidil works for female hair loss.

Measuring sulfotransferase activity in plucked hair follicles can predict the response to topical minoxidil treatment in female androgenetic alopecia with 93% sensitivity and 83% specificity. This suggests that sulfotransferase activity can be used as a biomarker to predict treatment response in female androgenetic alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Interventions for Female Pattern Hair Loss

35 citations , May 2012 in “Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews”

Minoxidil effectively treats female pattern hair loss.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

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New 5% minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and is safe for use.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Multiple Human Cytosolic Sulfotransferases

59 citations , February 1998 in “Chemico-Biological Interactions”

Minoxidil breakdown varies by enzymes, affecting hair loss treatment effectiveness.

research Diffuse Hypertrichosis During Treatment with 5% Topical Minoxidil

44 citations , January 1997 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Stopping 5% topical minoxidil can reverse unwanted hair growth on the face and limbs.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations , March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.

research Minoxidil Sulfation in the Hair Follicle

32 citations , January 1994 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth by activating enzymes in hair follicles.

research Use of Topical Minoxidil Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

58 citations , October 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth and reduces shedding in women.

research Minoxidil Sulfate Is the Active Metabolite That Stimulates Hair Follicles

166 citations , November 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.

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community Being Safe on Oral Minoxidil: tl;dr on the literature.

in Research/Science 51 upvotes 10 months ago

Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but can cause cardiovascular side effects, such as pericardial effusion, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Starting with low doses and monitoring cardiovascular health are advised to reduce risks.

community Minoxidil + Tretinoin if you suspect you have low sulfotransferase enzyme activity

in Minoxidil 1 upvotes 7 months ago

Minoxidil may not be effective due to low sulfotransferase activity, and the user considers adding tretinoin to the regimen. They are unsure about the timing and combination with microneedling.

community Tretinoin vs. micro-needling: what increases sulfotransferase activity more?

in Research/Science 1 upvotes 4 months ago

Tretinoin and microneedling both enhance hair growth through different mechanisms, with microneedling being considered safe for long-term use. Optimal microneedling needle length varies, but 0.8 mm is suggested for hair growth, and a Dermastamp is recommended to avoid skin damage.

community Minoxidil Non-responders: Have you tried Minoxidil Sulfate?

in Minoxidil 6 upvotes 8 years ago

Minoxidil non-responders may benefit from using minoxidil sulfate due to reduced sulfotransferase activity in their scalps. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with minoxidil sulfate.

community You may not have the enzyme for topical minoxidil to work - a rarely talked about impact

in Minoxidil 96 upvotes 2 months ago

Some people may not respond to topical minoxidil due to low SULT1A1 enzyme activity, but oral minoxidil can be effective. Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness, and some users prefer oral minoxidil despite side effects.

community Minoxidil Response Bottlenecks: Why Sulfation and Transport Matter (And Where Tretinoin Fits In)

in Research 461 upvotes 5 months ago

Minoxidil's effectiveness is limited by the need for sulfation and proper transport to hair follicles, with tretinoin potentially enhancing its effects by promoting enzyme activity and keratinocyte differentiation. Tretinoin may improve minoxidil's response by boosting the expression of necessary enzymes and transporters.

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