Dihydrotestosterone-Inducible IL-6 Inhibits Elongation of Human Hair Shafts by Suppressing Matrix Cell Proliferation and Promotes Regression of Hair Follicles in Mice

The study found that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in balding dermal papilla cells, which inhibited hair shaft elongation by suppressing matrix cell proliferation in human hair follicles. IL-6 also promoted the transition from the growth phase to the regression phase in hair follicles, leading to hair growth inhibition. These findings suggested that IL-6 acted as a paracrine mediator in male pattern baldness, contributing to the shortening of the growth phase and promoting hair follicle regression.