Naslov
Terapija alopecije
(Therapy of alopecia)

Autori
Hrs, Koraljka ; Barbarić, Monika ; Zorc, Branka

Izvornik
Farmaceutski glasnik (0014-8202) 61 (2005), 11; 621-628

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, stručni

Ključne riječi
alopecija; terapija; minoksidil; finasterid
(alopecia; therapy; minoxidil; finasterid)

Sažetak
Many people view their hair as an important part of their identity, so hair loss can represent a source of anxiety, depression and loss of self-esteem. This problem is of great interest for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Baldness is not usually caused by a disease, but is related to aging, heredity and the level of testosterone. Androgenetic alopecia accounts for 95% of all hair loss. The minor reasons for hair loss are colour and styling hair treatment, an immune disorder, some medications, emotional or physical stress, burns or radiation and certain skin diseases. A variety of substances can be used in alopecia therapy. The most important drugs are minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is an antihypertensive agent which acts predominantly by causing direct peripheral vasodilatation. Finasteride is a specific inhibitor of 5( )-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone into active hormone dihydrotestosterone. It helps to prevent the continued miniaturisation of existing hair follicles and also assist in the recruitment of miniaturised hair follicles to become terminal hairs. The other substances are Saw palmetto, emu oil, vitamin B6, Polysorbate 80, retinoic and azelaic acid. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens L.) is an effective antiandrogen which acts in a similar way that finasteride does. Emu oil is an excellent emollient, with skin cell proliferation properties claimed for it. Vitamin B6 appears to have an important role in the treatment of androgen related disorders such as acne and androgenetic alopecia. Polysorbate causes the histamine release which is thought to be the main mechanism by which it promotes hair growth. Retinoic acid (tretinoin) alone or in combination with minoxidil can result in moderate to good hair growth. Azelaic acid is a competitive inhibitor of 5( )-reductase and is commonly used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. Some drugs like cyproterone (progestogen with antiandrogenic properties), spironolactone (potassium sparing diuretic), cimetidine (untiulcer drug) and ketoconazole (antifungal agent) have also antiandrogen activity. In some cases zinc, unsaturated fatty acids, immunosuppressive drugs, irritants and PUVA treatment proved to be useful as well.

Izvorni jezik
Hrvatski

Znanstvena područja
Farmacija

POVEZANOST RADA