Androgens and hair loss.
OBJECTIVE
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern hair loss is a very common condition that has a significant psychosocial impact for patients. Many advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of AGA have been discovered recently. We discuss the pathogenesis and treatment of AGA.


RESULTS
Wide genome analysis showed an association of AGA and chromosome 20pll in addition to androgen-receptor gene. Also, a locus on chromosome 3q26 was found to have a linkage with AGA. Dutasteride has been shown to be more effective than finasteride in the treatment of AGA but is not yet a recommended therapy. In an in-vitro study, a new topical liposomal finasteride formulation showed more than five-fold higher deposition of drug in skin than the corresponding plain drug solution.


CONCLUSIONS
These recent developments in the field of AGA hold some promise and may play a role in the future management.
Alsantali
Adel
A
Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.
Shapiro
Jerry
J
D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000505:Alopecia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001378:Azasteroids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000068538:Dutasteride; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018120:Finasteride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000728:Androgens; D001378:Azasteroids; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D013739:Testosterone; D018120:Finasteride; D008914:Minoxidil; D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase; D000068538:Dutasteride