11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibition Attenuates the Adverse Effects of Glucocorticoids on Dermal Papilla Cells

• Published in: Yonsei medical journal Vol. 58; no. 6; pp. 1204 - 1210
• Main Authors: Lee, Sang Eun, Lee, Eun Young, Kang, Sang Jin, Lee, Seung Hun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Yonsei University College of Medicine 01.11.2017; 연세대학교의과대학
• Subjects: Original; 의학일반; 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; dermal papilla cells; glucocorticoids
• DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2017.58.6.1204
• ISSN: 0513-5796

Glucocorticoids, stress-related hormones, inhibit hair growth. Intracellular glucocorticoid availability is regulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). 11β-HSD1 was recently detected in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. However, the expression of 11β-HSD1 in human hair follicles remains unknown. We aimed to examine 11β-HSD1 expression in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and to investigate whether modulation of 11β-HSD1 activity can regulate the negative effects of glucocorticoids on DPCs. 11β-HSD1 expression in normal human scalp skin was examined by immunohistochemistry. 11β-HSD1 protein was detected in Western blots of human DPCs. Cultured human DPCs were treated with cortisol with or without a selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor and subsequently stained for Ki-67 antibody. Expression levels of 11β-HSD1, Wnt5a, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were analyzed by Western blotting. 11β-HSD1 was detected in dermal papilla in human scalp skin by immunohistochemistry. Human DPCs expressed 11β-HSD1 protein in vitro. Furthermore, cortisol stimulated the expression of 11β-HSD1 in DPCs. Glucocorticoids decreased cellular proliferation and the expression of Wnt5a, ALP, and VEGF in DPCs. A specific 11β-HSD1 inhibitor significantly attenuated the anti-proliferative effects of cortisol and reversed the cortisol-induced suppression of Wnt5a, ALP, and VEGF expression in DPCs. Our data demonstrated the expression of 11β-HSD1 in human DPCs and revealed that inhibition of 11β-HSD1 activity can partially prevent the negative effect of glucocorticoids on DPCs, suggesting the possible application of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors for stress-related hair loss.