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Androgens modulate the inflammatory response during acute wound healing
Stephen C Gilliver1, Jason J Ashworth, Stuart J Mills
1Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
Journal of Cell Science
|February 2, 2006
Summary
In elderly males, inhibiting 5alpha-reductase, which blocks testosterone conversion, accelerates wound healing. This suggests a new therapeutic target for improving healing in older men.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Impaired wound healing is a significant issue in the elderly, leading to high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
- Intrinsic aging processes and sex-based differences contribute to delayed wound repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of 5alpha-reductase inhibition on cutaneous wound healing in a rat model.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of androgen-mediated effects on wound repair and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Systemic 5alpha-reductase inhibition was administered to rats with cutaneous wounds.
- Cell-specific cytokine expression in macrophages and fibroblasts was analyzed.
- The role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling intermediate Smad3 was examined.
Main Results:
- 5alpha-reductase inhibition accelerated wound healing, mimicking castration effects.
- Androgens upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages, but not fibroblasts.
- Androgen-mediated effects on repair and cytokine levels were dependent on Smad3.
Conclusions:
- Reducing 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone levels via 5alpha-reductase antagonism significantly enhances wound healing.
- This highlights a potential therapeutic strategy for impaired wound healing in elderly males.