Hormones and the pilosebaceous unit

Abstract

Hormones can exert their actions through endocrine, paracrine, juxtacrine, autocrine and intracrine pathways. The skin, especially the pilosebaceous unit, can be regarded as an endocrine organ meanwhile a target of hormones, because it synthesizes miscellaneous hormones and expresses diverse hormone receptors. Over the past decade, steroid hormones, phospholipid hormones, retinoids and nuclear receptor ligands as well as the so-called stress hormones have been demonstrated to play pivotal roles in controlling the development of pilosebaceous units, lipogenesis of sebaceous glands and hair cycling. Among them, androgen is most extensively studied and of highest clinical significance. Androgen-mediated dermatoses such as acne, androgenetic alopecia and seborrhea are among the most common skin disorders, with most patients exhibiting normal circulating androgen levels. The "cutaneous hyperandrogenism" is caused by in stiu overexpression of the androgenic enzymes and hyperresponsiveness of androgen receptors. Regulation of cutaneous steroidogenesis is analogous to that in gonads and adrenals. More work is needed to explain the regional difference within and between the androgn-mediated dermatoses. The pilosebaceous unit can act as an ideal model for studies in dermato-endocrinology.

Beyond acne: Current aspects of sebaceous gland biology and function

“…Currently, the SG has come to the center of attention for researchers in order to both develop new treatment strategies targeting the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of SG and SG-associated diseases and to understand sebaceous lipogenesis and differentiation [23]. Moreover, attention has lately been focused on identifying and understanding the complex endocrine properties of the SG and the role of the several hormone receptors present on sebocytes [24,25] (Figs. 2, 3).…”

Follicular delivery of spironolactone via nanostructured lipid carriers for management of alopecia

“…1,2 In AA, most patients exhibit normal circulating androgen levels, yet they suffer from "cutaneous hyperandrogenism" resulting from in situ overexpression of the androgenic enzymes and hyper-responsiveness of androgen receptors within the skin's pilosebaceous unit. 2 A lot of difficulties face successful treatment interventions for AA, as only two medications (minoxidil and finasteride) are currently approved. However, these medications offer variable results, lack of a permanent cure, and potential complications.…”

The Effect of Parathyroid Hormones on Hair Follicle Physiology: Implications for Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

“…The human pilosebaceous unit is a highly proliferating organ. This capability is crucial in understanding the role of its numerous dermato-endocrinological cross-actions [4]. The hair follicle is also a fascinating subject for molecular biologists, who find it to be a perfect model for studies.…”

“…This endocrine function of the skin and hair follicles appears to be underestimated. Already, the expression of multiple numbers of hormones and their receptors has been discovered in hair follicles [4,5]. Hair follicles seem to be fascinating dermato-endocrinological units.…”