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Azelaic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Zinc Sulfate Inhibition of 5alpha-reductase
activity in human skin by zinc and Azelaic acid.
Author: Stamatiadis, D; Bulteau-Portois,
MC; Mowszowicz, I.
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology,
1988 Nov, 119(5):627-32.
Abstract: The effects of zinc sulfate and
azelaic acid on 5 alpha-reductase activity in human skin were studied using an
in vitro assay with 1,2[3H]-testosterone as substrate. When added at
concentrations of 3 or 9 mmol/l, zinc was a potent inhibitor of
5-alpha-reductase activity. At high concentrations, zinc could completely
inhibit the enzyme activity. Azelaic acid was also a potent inhibitor of 5
alpha-reductase; inhibition was detectable at concentrations as low as 0.2 mmol/l
and was complete at 3 mmol/l. An additive effect of the two inhibitors was
observed. Vitamin B6 potentiated the inhibitory effect of zinc, but not of
azelaic acid, suggesting that two different mechanisms are involved. When the
three substances were added together at very low concentrations which had shown
to be ineffective alone, 90% inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase activity was
obtained. If this inhibition is confirmed in vivo, zinc sulfate combined with
azelaic acid could be an effective agent in the treatment of androgen related
pathology of human skin.
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