Idiopathic hirsutism: local and peripheral expression of aromatase (CYP19A) and 5α-reductase genes (SRD5A1 and SRD5A2).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate idiopathic hirsutism etiology via molecular studies testing peripheral and local aromatase and 5α-reductase expression.

DESIGN

Assessment of the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for type 1 and 2,5α-reductase isoenzyme gene (SDR5A1, SDR5A2) and aromatase (CYP19A) in dermal papillae cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S): 28 untreated idiopathic hirsute patients and 20 healthy women (controls).

INTERVENTION(S): Human skin biopsies and peripheral venous blood.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): SDR5A1, SDR5A2, CYP19A gene expression in skin biopsies and peripheral blood.

RESULT(S): A statistically significant reduction of SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and CYP19A gene expression was found in the dermal papillae cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cell between the study and control group.

CONCLUSION(S): Further study, including protein expression and enzyme activity assays, are warranted to characterize the paradoxically low gene expression levels of local 5α-reductase and aromatase in women with idiopathic hirsutism.