Diphenylcyclopropenone triggers an immune response that is thought to oppose the action of the autoreactive cells that otherwise cause hair loss.[4] One hypothesis is that in response to DPCP treatment, the body will attempt to downregulate inflammation through a variety of pathways, resulting in a downregulation of the autoimmune response at the hair follicle. This autoinflammatory reaction would otherwise destroy body's hair follicles.[3]
Studies
A study of 41 alopecia areata patients showed significant hair regrowth in 40% at 6 months, being sustained in two thirds of these after a 12-month-follow up-period.[5]
In a 2002 study for the treatment of warts, the responders consisted of 135 individuals (87.7%) that had complete clearance of warts. Reported adverse effects were local and included with pruritus (itching) (15.6%), with blistering (7.1%), and with eczematous reactions (eczema)(14.2%). The majority of the patients tolerated the treatment very well. One patient developed local impetigo (minor infection). Patients had an average of 5 treatments over a 6-month period.[2]
Chemical properties
The chemical properties of diphenylcyclopropenone are dominated by the strong polarization of the carbonyl group, which gives a partial positive charge with aromatic stabilization on the cyclopropene (cyclopropenium) ring and a partial negative charge on oxygen. The steric hindrance and partial charge on the cyclopropenium inhibit further electrophilic aromatic substitution there, but the phenyl rings are reactive. The cyclopropenium acts as a meta director.[6]
Electrophilic Lewis acids stabilize the charge separation, forming diphenylcyclopropenium ether or ester salts. Such compounds are extremely reactive electrophiles.[6]
^Sotiriadis D, Patsatsi A, Lazaridou E, Kastanis A, Vakirlis E, Chrysomallis F (January 2007). "Topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone in the treatment of chronic extensive alopecia areata". Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 32 (1): 48–51. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2006.02256.x. PMID17004987. S2CID43725892.