Age-Related Downregulation of Dihydrotestosterone-Inactivating Enzymes in Human Scalp Sebaceous Glands

April 2026 in “ Inflammation and Regeneration ”

Yasuaki Ikuno, Yukie Kande, Akiko Arakawa, Akihiko Yamaguchi, Toshifumi Takahashi, Noriki Fujimoto, Hayato Naka-Kaneda

dihydrotestosterone DHT aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C AKR1C sebaceous glands hair follicle homeostasis androgenetic alopecia AGA AKR1C4 androgen receptor AR sulforaphane hair loss

TLDR AKR1C enzymes in scalp glands decrease with age, possibly affecting hair loss.

The study examines the age-related decline of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-inactivating enzymes, specifically the aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C (AKR1C), in human scalp sebaceous glands (SGs). It found that AKR1C expression is strong in male SGs but decreases with age, potentially affecting hair follicle homeostasis and contributing to androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The research also discovered that AKR1C4, previously thought to be liver-specific, is present in SGs and hair follicles. Androgen receptor (AR) expression remains constant regardless of age, sex, or hair loss condition. Sulforaphane treatment was shown to increase AKR1C expression, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AGA by targeting these enzymes.

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