Abstract: An in vitro method for screening candidate compounds for the preventive or curative treatment of acne, includes the determination of the capacity of a compound to modulate the expression or the activity of hydroxysteroid (17-beta) dehydrogenase type 7, and the use of modulators of the expression or activity of this enzyme for the treatment of acne or skin disorders associated with a hyperseborrhea; methods for the in vitro diagnosis or in vitro prognosis of these pathologies are also described.

Abstract: An in vitro method for screening candidate compounds for the preventive or curative treatment of acne, includes the determination of the capacity of a compound to modulate the expression or the activity of UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG), and the use of modulators of the expression or activity of this enzyme for the treatment of acne or skin disorders associated with a hyperkeratinization; methods for the in vitro diagnosis or prognosis of these pathologies are also described.

Abstract: An in vitro method for screening candidate compounds for the preventive or curative treatment of acne, includes the determination of the capacity of a compound to modulate the expression or the activity of sterol-C4-methyl oxidase (SC4MOL), and the use of modulators of the expression or activity of this enzyme for the treatment of acne or skin disorders associated with a hyperseborrhea; methods for the in vitro diagnosis or prognosis of these pathologies are also described.

Abstract: An in vitro method for screening candidate compounds for the preventive or curative treatment of acne, includes the determination of the capacity of a compound to modulate the expression or the activity of lanosterol synthetase (LSS), and the use of modulators of the expression or activity of this enzyme for the treatment of acne or skin disorders associated with a hyperseborrhea; methods for the in vitro diagnosis or prognosis of these pathologies are also described.

Abstract: An in vitro method for screening candidate compounds for the preventive or curative treatment of acne, includes the determination of the capacity of a compound to modulate the expression or the activity of ELOVL5 and the use of modulators of the expression or activity of this enzyme for the treatment of acne or skin disorders associated with a hyperseborrhea; methods for the in vitro diagnosis or prognosis of these pathologies are also described.

Abstract: Novel methods for determining the anabolic activity of a compound in muscle using microarrays to compare the in vivo changes of the genomic profile of mammalian muscle induced by a tested compound versus the corresponding changes induced by a known anabolic steroid. For example, in vivo changes of the genomic profile in the mouse induced by a tested compound may be compared to the genomic profile changes induced by the androgenic and anabolic steroid dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Abstract: Biphenyl derivatives are disclosed for use in the treatment of androgen-dependent diseases, such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, precocious puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome, acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and premature male baldness. For example, some preferred compounds having the structure: are formulated together with pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier for topical use in the treatment of acne, hirutism, seborrhea or androgenic alopecia, or for systemic use in the treatment of androgen-dependent prostate cancer.

Abstract: Novel methods of medical treatment and/or inhibition of development of diseases are disclosed for diseases that are sensitive to androgenic or estrogenic activity. The treatments utilize inhibitors of type 5 and/or type 3 17&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Novel inhibitors of type 5 17&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are also disclosed, as are novel inhibitors of type 3 17&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Abstract: Biphenyl derivatives are disclosed for use in the treatment of androgen-dependent diseases such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, precicious puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome, acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and premature male baldness.

Abstract: Novel methods of medical treatment and/or inhibition of development of diseases are disclosed for diseases that are sensitive to androgenic or estrogenic activity. The treatments utilize inhibitors of type 5 and/or type 3 17&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Novel inhibitors of type 5 17&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are also disclosed, as are novel inhibitors of type 3 17&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Abstract: A novel type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is provided. Methods of producing the enzyme and using the enzyme to identify potential compounds which inhibit or alter the activity of the enzyme are described. In addition, methods of using the gene sequence or portions thereof for probes or to produce expression-disrupting sense or antisense DNA fragments thereof, or antisense RNA, are provided.