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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2009, 12(2): 95-104pl,en  Estrogens and the skin biology. Part IKatarzyna Adamczyk, Magdalena Jurzak Zakład Kosmetologii Śląskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Katowicach Summary The analysis of estrogen receptor expression in human skin and symptoms caused by estrogens deficiency revealed that estrogen is involved in many biological processes in human skin. Estrogen receptors are present in: epidermis cells, dermis cells, hair follicles, sweat and sebum glands, skin blood vessels and cells of skin immune system. Several forms of estrogen act within human body: estradiol, estrone and estriol. Cells in epidermis, hair follicles and sebum glands reveal full enzymatic activity indispensable to convert the parent steroid - cholesterol to gonadal steroids. Besides this, in the skin takes a part conversion of large amount of the precursor steroids dehydroepiandrostendione sulphate and androstendione from the adrenal cortex. These hormones are converted both to more potent androgens as well as to estrogens particularly 17β-estradiol. Estrogens action in the skin is multidirectional. They regulate gene transcription, cell cycle and other cell processes. Estrogens play also a significant role in cell protection against free radical action. Key words: estrogen, 17beta-estradiol, estrogen synthesis, estrogen receptors, skin, SERM, phytoestrogens |