Topical Sulfonylurea as a Novel Therapy for Hypertrichosis Secondary to Diazoxide, and Potentially for Other Conditions with Excess Hair Growth

September 2015 in “ Medical hypotheses ”

Ron S. Newfield

topical sulfonylurea hypertrichosis diazoxide KATP potassium-gated channels Cantú syndrome drug-induced hypertrichosis

TLDR Topical sulfonylurea may reduce excessive hair growth caused by certain medications.

The document discussed the potential use of topical sulfonylurea as a novel therapy for hypertrichosis, particularly when caused by diazoxide, a drug used to treat hypoglycemia. The hypothesis suggested that sulfonylurea could inhibit KATP potassium-gated channels in the skin, which control hair growth, thereby reducing excessive hair growth in a targeted manner. This approach could be beneficial for conditions like Cantú syndrome or drug-induced hypertrichosis. The significance of this hypothesis lay in its potential to offer a localized treatment for excess hair growth without the systemic side effects of current treatments. The author declared no conflicts of interest or funding related to the manuscript.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Cantú Syndrome Is Caused by Mutations in ABCC9

148 citations, May 2012 in “The American Journal of Human Genetics”

Cantú syndrome is caused by mutations in the ABCC9 gene.

research Human Hair Follicles Contain Two Forms of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels, Only One Sensitive to Minoxidil

102 citations, February 2008 in “The FASEB Journal”

One minoxidil-sensitive potassium channel exists in human hair follicles.

Novel and Established Potassium Channel Openers Stimulate Hair Growth In Vitro: Implications for Their Modes of Action in Hair Follicles

research Novel and Established Potassium Channel Openers Stimulate Hair Growth In Vitro: Implications for Their Modes of Action in Hair Follicles

35 citations, March 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Potassium channel openers like minoxidil help hair grow by acting on hair follicles.

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research Topical Sulfonylurea as a Novel Therapy for Hypertrichosis Secondary to Diazoxide, and Potentially for Other Conditions with Excess Hair Growth

5 citations, September 2015 in “Medical hypotheses”

Topical sulfonylurea may reduce excessive hair growth caused by certain medications.