ACNE By Dr Book

Date: November 27, 1999 02:03 AM
Author: BookWorm
Subject: ACNE
Many of you guys have posted about breakouts during and immediately following your cycle. Usually the cycles consist of harsher androgens like Test, Dbol, Sust, etc.

In order to help you guys solve the problem, I'll explain briefly what's going on and tell you what worked for me.
The 5-Alpha-Reductase enzyme secreted by the prostate, folicular cells, and sebacial cells selectively transforms a 4-ene-3-oxosteroid (e.g., testosterone) irreversibly to the corresponding 5-3-oxosteroid (e.g., 5-dihydrotestosterone) in the presence of NADPH as an essential coenzyme at an optimal pH.

The hydride transferred from NADPH occurs at position 5 of T with protonation from solvent at the 4-position. The 5-hydrogen of DHT originates from the 4-pro-S proton of the nicotinamide ring. A proposed mechanism of 5-R action involves the direct donation of a hydride (H) from NADPH to the C-5 position of T, leading to the formation of an enolate that presumably would be stabilized by some electrophilic residue (E+) in the active site; however, this process may be viewed alternatively as activation of the enone by E+ leading to a positively polarized species that accepts a hydride from NADPH at C-5. Then enzyme-mediated tautomerism leads to the product DHT with release of NADP+. Both the development of the sebaceous glands and the onset of acne at puberty depend on the presence of androgens, but there is no correlation between testosterone blood levels and sebum production. The key and primary event in the pathogenesis of acne is the amplification in the skin of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT then binds to a specific DHT receptor. The heightened ability of skin with acne to metabolize testosterone is the critical factor which determines the occurrence and severity of the disease. Excess sebum production and abnormal follicular keratinization clog the pores, inflame the skin and provide a rich environment for local bacteria to thrive and contribute to infected lesions (pustules and cysts).
The effects of zinc sulphate 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 been shown to be ineffective alone, 90% inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase activity was obtained.
The inclusion of a more potent 1,5-AR inhibitor such as Finasteride in your cycles will improve your complexion.
Drugs like acutane and tetracycline are symptom-specific, but 5-10 mg/day of finasteride may prevent the problem from even starting.
I'm in week 10 of my cycle which consists of 90% testosterone enanthate, and with 5 mg/day of Finasteride, my acne has been very very mild. In fact, a little tan clears it right up.
Another benefit, of course, is hair retention. Lowering DHT levels can also spare your prostate and avoid the "thick" feeling (semi-obstruction) when you urinate.

Now we need some more ideas for easily-absorbable topical anti-androgens. Blocking DHT isn't a whole lot of help if we use AAS that Already have the 5-alpha reduced A-ring structure...

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For women, I would think 2.5mg per day would be just fine. If your interested I can post the web addy.

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Late

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Late

For WW: go ahead and ask for clarification on any of this or Book's post. I'll do my best.

LAte

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LAte