SERUM-CONCENTRATIONS OF DEHYDROEPYAN- DROSTERONE-SULFATE IN MEN WITH ANDROGE- NETIC ALOPECIA

Androgenetic alopecia (AA) is considered as a genetically determinate androgen (DHT)-dependent disorder. Theoretically Dehydroepyandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) is the first main metabolite in the androgen metabolism. The aim of the study was to determine the serum-levels of DHEA-S (DHEA-S(s)) in patients with AA and the possible correlation between clinical stage of AA and DHEA-S(s). Forty-four men (37 with male pattern baldness and 7 healthy controls) aged 19 to 55 had DHEA-S(s) measured. Determination of the hormone was performed by standard radioimmunoassay. Only nine of the men with AA showed high levels of DHEA-S(s). In 3 of the patients were detected a boundary high levels of DHEA-S(s). No correlation between the clinical stage of AA and DHEA-S(s) -levels was established. There was relationship only between increase of the age and decrease of the concentrations of DHEA-S(s). In contrast to previous studies, in our investigation, no elevation of DHEA-S(s) in men with AA was found. Our results indirect support the current understanding of the importance of some follicular enzymes (STS, 3-beta-HSD, 17beta-HSD etc.) that could increase the amount of the alternative DHT-sources in AA, as well as the theory for the “endocrinology of hair follicle”.