Related Experiment Videos
Urinary steroids in men with male-pattern alopecia
V Poór1, S Juricskay, E Telegdy
1Central Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Pécs University Medical School, 12Szigeti út, 1Honvéd u. H-7643 Pécs, Hungary. Viktoria.Poor@AOK.PTE.hu
Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Men with androgenic alopecia show increased urinary testosterone metabolites, indicating higher 5 alpha-reductase activity. Elevated 16-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone suggests potential mild hyperadrenal activity in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolomics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Androgenic alopecia is a common condition influenced by androgens.
- Urinary steroid metabolite profiles may offer insights into the pathophysiology of androgenic alopecia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate urinary steroid metabolite changes in men with androgenic alopecia.
- To assess 5 alpha-reductase activity and potential links to hyperadrenal activity.
Main Methods:
- Collected 24-h urine samples from 23 men with androgenic alopecia and 7 controls.
- Utilized enzyme hydrolysis, solid phase extraction, and methoxym-silyl derivatization.
- Analyzed metabolites using capillary gas chromatography.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased testosterone metabolites (androsterone, etiocholanolone) in patients.
- Elevated 16-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol levels observed.
- Increased ratio of total 5 alpha/5 beta metabolites, suggesting higher 5 alpha-reductase activity.
Conclusions:
- Men with androgenic alopecia exhibit altered urinary steroid profiles.
- Increased 5 alpha-reductase activity is associated with androgenic alopecia.
- Elevated 16-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone may indicate mild hyperadrenal activity.