This research reported that AKR1C enzyme expression, particularly AKR1C4, in scalp sebaceous glands decreases with age, suggesting potential age-related changes in androgen metabolism affecting hair follicle health. Additionally, sulforaphane treatment increased AKR1C expression in related cell types.
April 2026 in “Inflammation and Regeneration” This study found that androgen inactivation pathways in scalp sebaceous glands change with age, specifically noting that AKR1C expression, including AKR1C4 previously thought liver-specific, declines with age and is sex dependent, which could impact hair follicle health during aging.
In this study, researchers found that androgen receptor expression and AKR1C-mediated androgen inactivation, including AKR1C4, are prominent in scalp sebaceous glands, with AKR1C expression decreasing with age and differing by sex, suggesting these changes may impact hair follicle health as people age.
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July 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” This study found that cortisone reductase deficiency is caused by inactivating mutations in the H6PD gene, affecting cortisol metabolism by preventing 11β-HSD1 enzyme function.
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March 2005 in “Current Medicinal Chemistry” This study reports that newly synthesized steroidal trienones exhibit higher 5α-reductase inhibitory activity than dienones in various biological models, suggesting potential use in treating androgen-dependent diseases.