title: Increased DHT levels in androgenic alopecia have been selected for to protect men from prostate cancer.
abstract: Androgenic alopecia, a condition characterized by increased levels of DHT could have been selected for due to the benefits that prostaglandin D2 (PGD(2)) has on the prostate. A DHT metabolite can increase the transcription of prostaglandin D2 synthase through estrogen receptor beta. The increase of PGD(2) can decrease the risk of prostate cancer and proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, the mechanisms behind male pattern baldness may also curtail the advancement of prostate cancer.
authors.affiliation: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA. Electronic address: sb649@cornell.edu.
authors.forename: Shiva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhargava
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000097:blood*; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000097:blood*; D018120:Finasteride / Q000009:adverse effects; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015230:Prostaglandin D2 / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D018120:Finasteride; D015230:Prostaglandin D2