Proscar and Propecia: the Gary and Jerry show

2020 ◽  
pp. 7-24
Author(s):  
Eugene H. Cordes

Tracking down the metabolic basis of a remarkable human single-gene genetic disease provided the insight required to discover drugs to prevent prostate gland growth in aging men (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) and prevent hair loss in men (male pattern baldness). Victims of this genetic disease are born with the appearance of females and are recognized as such. However, at puberty, they undergo a transformation and develop the characteristics of males. The underlying genetic defect is a mutation in the gene that codes for the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR), which promotes conversion of testosterone (T) into the more potent male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Lack of sufficient DHT in utero prevents the full expression of male anatomy at birth, an issue that is corrected at the time of puberty when a surge of male sex hormones occurs. These men have a very small prostate gland that never grows, do not lose their hair, and do not get acne. This strongly suggests that DHT is the causative agent of BPH, male pattern baldness, and acne. An inhibitor of 5AR would create the functional equivalent of the genetic defect and would be expected to be effective in shrinking an enlarged prostate gland and slowing or preventing hair loss and acne in men. Finasteride is such an inhibitor and has met expectations. It is marketed as Proscar for BPH and Propecia for male pattern baldness. Finasteride is a teratogen (can cause birth defects) and has not been developed for acne for that reason.

1993 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 653-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Carey ◽  
K. L. Chan ◽  
F. Short ◽  
D. White ◽  
R. Williamson ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia P Hagenaars ◽  
W David Hill ◽  
Sarah E Harris ◽  
Stuart J Ritchie ◽  
Gail Davies ◽  
...  

AbstractMale pattern baldness can have substantial psychosocial effects, and it has been phenotypically linked to adverse health outcomes such as prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. We explored the genetic architecture of the trait using data from over 52,000 male participants of UK Biobank, aged 40-69 years. We identified over 250 independent novel genetic loci associated with severe hair loss. By developing a prediction algorithm based entirely on common genetic variants, and applying it to an independent sample, we could discriminate accurately (AUC = 0.82) between those with no hair loss from those with severe hair loss. The results of this study might help identify those at the greatest risk of hair loss and also potential genetic targets for intervention.


1993 ◽  
Vol 48 (11) ◽  
pp. 753-755
Author(s):  
A. H. Carey ◽  
K. L. Chan ◽  
F. Short ◽  
D. White ◽  
R. Williamson ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 166 (6) ◽  
pp. 1314-1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Redler ◽  
F.F. Brockschmidt ◽  
R. Tazi-Ahnini ◽  
D. Drichel ◽  
M.P. Birch ◽  
...  

1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-319
Author(s):  
Anthony J. Geroulis ◽  
Bryan J. Kemker

We describe endoscopic forehead and brow-lift surgery for male patients. The endoscopic approach to the male forehead and brow-lift differs distinctly from the female lift. One difference is the consideration for placement of the incisions with respect to male pattern baldness. Another is the elevation of the brow on the orbital rim. Men often possess deeper forehead rhytids which are resistant to flattening out. The approach described allows for an easy solution by scoring of the tissue parallel to the rhytid in the subgaleal plane endoscopically. Our endoscopic technique uses both subgaleal and subperiosteal planes in a composite dissection. With this approach, the surgeon has the ability to regulate the elevation of the brow and deal with rhytids. Our experience with this method involves five male patients aged 44–56 years. Their chief complaints were excessive wrinkles of the forehead and a scowl appearance. To date, there have been no complications including infections, hair loss, or nerve injuries. All of the scars are well camouflaged within the hairline, with good wound healing. All patients have been pleased with the results of their surgery.


Food Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
N.M. Noor ◽  
N.Z. Nazri ◽  
N.A. Mohamad-Salam ◽  
Z.I. Abdul-Rasid ◽  
R. Hasham ◽  
...  

Hair loss or alopecia is a common dermatological issue that can affect millions of human population of all ages and both gender, male and female. Frequently, alopecia has been found to be associated with significant adverse effects or reduction of psychological and self-esteem. Consequently, this may lead to psychological problems such as depression and anxiety, thus it may negatively impact the quality of life as well. There are several types of hair loss including androgenetic alopecia (AGA), alopecia areata (AA), alopecia totalis (AT), Alopecia Universalis (AU), cicatricial alopecia (CA), senescent alopecia (SA), traction alopecia (TA) and telogen effluvium. However, this review will focus on the androgenic alopecia only. Androgenic alopecia (AGA) also known as male pattern baldness is referred to as hair loss that often occurs in men after puberty caused by the androgen. In addition, this review will discuss on the hair growth cycles and their mechanism on the androgenic alopecia and lastly the management of androgenic alopecia using plant derivatives and methods used in order to prolong the efficacy of androgenetic alopecia treatment.


1987 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest K. Manders ◽  
Victor K. Au ◽  
Randolph K.M. Wong

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document