title: Potential targets in the discovery of new hair growth promoters for androgenic alopecia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the major type of scalp hair loss affecting 60 - 70% of the population worldwide. It is caused by two potent androgens, namely testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT). Till date, only two FDA-approved synthetic drugs, minoxidil and finasteride, are used to cure AGA with only 35 and 48% success, respectively; therefore, a search for new drug based on the mechanism of androgens action is still needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant literature was reviewed to identify current therapeutic targets and treatments for AGA. The potential targets are classified into three categories: i) 5α-reductase; ii) androgen receptor and iii) growth-factor-producing genes related to hair growth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Relevant assay systems using the right targets are required in order to obtain specific and effective drugs for AGA treatment. It is unlikely that single targeted agents will be sufficient for treating AGA, and therefore, it would be a challenge to obtain compounds with multiple activities.
authors.affiliation: Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology , Bangkok, 10330 , Thailand.
authors.forename: Ruchy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: Wanchai
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: De-Eknamkul
mesh_terms: D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000505:Alopecia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D059002:Androgen Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D059002:Androgen Receptor Antagonists; D006133:Growth Substances; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase
keywords: 5α-reductase; IGF-1; VEGF; androgen receptor antagonist; androgen receptor translocation inhibitors; androgenic alopecia; enzyme inhibitors; fibroblast growth factor-7; growth factors inducing compounds; hepatocyte growth factor