Inhibition of 5alpha-reductase activity in human skin by
zinc and Azelaic acid.
AUTHOR
Stamatiadis, D; Bulteau-Portois, MC; Mowszowicz, I.
JOURNAL
British Journal of Dermatology, 1988 Nov, 119(5):627-32.
ABSTRACT
The effects of zinc sulfate and azelaic acid on 5 alpha-reductase
activity in human skin were studied using an in vitro assay with
1,2[3H]-testosterone as substrate. When added at concentrations
of 3 or 9 mmol/l, zinc was a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase
activity. At high concentrations, zinc could completely inhibit
the enzyme activity. Azelaic acid was also a potent inhibitor of
5 alpha-reductase; inhibition was detectable at concentrations as
low as 0.2 mmol/l and was complete at 3 mmol/l. An additive effect
of the two inhibitors was observed. Vitamin B6 potentiated the inhibitory
effect of zinc, but not of azelaic acid, suggesting that two different
mechanisms are involved. When the three substances were added together
at very low concentrations which had shown to be ineffective alone,
90% inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase activity was obtained. If this
inhibition is confirmed in vivo, zinc sulfate combined with azelaic
acid could be an effective agent in the treatment of androgen related
pathology of human skin.
