Influence of Interleukin-1α on Androgen Receptor Expression and Cytokine Secretion by Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

The study investigated the effects of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) on androgen receptor expression and cytokine secretion in cultured human dermal papilla cells (DPC), which are crucial for hair follicle growth. IL-1α was found to activate the nuclear factor-κB pathway, reduce androgen receptor mRNA and protein levels in DHT-stimulated DPC, and increase the secretion of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-8, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). However, IL-1α did not affect transforming growth factor-β1 levels, a known negative regulator of hair growth. The study suggested that IL-1α could significantly modify dermal papilla activity and potentially influence androgen-regulated gene expression in these cells.