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Role of 5α-reductase inhibitors in androgen-stimulated skin disorders
Faris Azzouni1, Nathalie Zeitouni, James Mohler
1Department of Urology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA. farisazzouni@hotmail.com
Abstract:
5α-reductase (5α-R) isozymes are ubiquitously expressed in human tissues. This enzyme family is composed of 3 members that perform several important biologic functions. 5α-R isozymes play an important role in benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and androgen-stimulated skin disorders, which include androgenic alopecia, acne, and hirsutism. Discovery of 5α-R type 2 deficiency in 1974 sparked interest in development of pharmaceutical agents to inhibit 5α-R isozymes, and 2 such inhibitors are currently available for clinical use: finasteride and dutasteride. 5α-R inhibitors are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Only finasteride is FDA-approved for treatment of male androgenic alopecia. This article reviews the pathophysiology of androgen-stimulated skin disorders and the key clinical trials using 5α-R inhibitors in the treatment of androgen-stimulated skin disorders.
Insights
5α-reductase (5α-R) inhibitors like finasteride treat androgen-stimulated skin disorders. This review covers their role in conditions such as male pattern baldness and the supporting clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- 5α-reductase (5α-R) isozymes are crucial enzymes in human tissues.
- These enzymes are implicated in benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and androgen-driven skin conditions like alopecia, acne, and hirsutism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of androgen-stimulated skin disorders.
- To examine key clinical trials involving 5α-R inhibitors for treating these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the pathophysiology of androgen-stimulated skin disorders.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for 5α-R inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride).
Main Results:
- 5α-R inhibitors are FDA-approved for benign prostate hyperplasia.
- Finasteride is FDA-approved for male androgenic alopecia.
- The article discusses the therapeutic potential of these inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- 5α-R inhibitors represent a significant therapeutic strategy for androgen-stimulated skin disorders.
- Further research and clinical application are supported by existing data.
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