Expression of NAD+ dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase and protection of prostaglandins in human hair follicle

NAD + dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenate (15-PGDH) catalyses oxidation of 15(S)-hydroxyl group of prostaglandins and as a result inactivates their physiological potential. Positive effects of prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogues were reported on terminal hair, vellus hair or eyelash growth and a complex prostaglandin network was recently described in human hair follicle. In the present study, we showed that 15-PGDH was expressed in human hair follicle mainly in melanocytes and keratinocytes, which brought us to consider this enzyme as a possible target to sustain local prostaglandin production. Using a recombinant enzymatic strategy, specific 15-PGDH inhibitors were screened. We identified a thiazolidine dione derivative exhibiting efficacy on follicular outer root sheath keratinocytes, since it concomitantly decreased the production of deactivated 13,14 dihydro 15-ketoprostaglandin F 2α and sustained prostaglandin F 2α in vitro production. In the context of recent interest in prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogues as hair regrowth agents, we postulated that the use of selected 15-PGDH inhibitors could reinforce or prolong the effect of these physiological mediators on hair and skin.