The role of androgen and androgen receptor in skin-related disorders

Arch Dermatol Res. 2012 Sep;304(7):499-510. doi: 10.1007/s00403-012-1265-x. Epub 2012 Jul 25.

Abstract

Androgen and androgen receptor (AR) may play important roles in several skin-related diseases, such as androgenetic alopecia and acne vulgaris. Current treatments for these androgen/AR-involved diseases, which target the synthesis of androgens or prevent its binding to AR, can cause significant adverse side effects. Based on the recent studies using AR knockout mice, it has been suggested that AR and androgens play distinct roles in the skin pathogenesis, and AR seems to be a better target than androgens for the treatment of these skin diseases. Here, we review recent studies of androgen/AR roles in several skin-related disorders, including acne vulgaris, androgenetic alopecia and hirsutism, as well as cutaneous wound healing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / metabolism*
  • Acne Vulgaris / therapy
  • Alopecia / metabolism*
  • Alopecia / therapy
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Androgens / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Hirsutism / metabolism*
  • Hirsutism / therapy
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Receptors, Androgen / genetics
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Androgens
  • Receptors, Androgen