Finasteride treatment and neuroactive steroid formation

Finasteride is the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor that received clinical approval for the treatment of human benign prostate hyperplasia and androgenetic alopecia. The 5alpha-reductase is enzyme responsible for the reduction of testosterone to dihydrostestosterone, progesterone to dihydroprogesterone and deoxycorticosterone to dihydrodeoxycorticosterone, steroids modulating the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid on GABA receptors. These neuroactive steroids possess anticonvulsant, antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of finasteride therapy on a broad steroid spectrum in men with benign prostate hyperplasia. A group of 20 men with benign prostate hyperplasia was involved in the present study. Finasteride in the daily dose of 5 mg/day was administrated for 4 months. In all individuals, their hormonal profile of steroid hormones was determined before and after 4 months lasting finasteride treatment. Finasteride treatment resulted in a significant decrease all alpha-reduced and increase of most 5beta-reduced metabolites of testosterone and progesterone as well as in an increase of 7alpha-hydoxyderivatives, which are known as neuroactive steroids acting by modulation of GABAA and NMAD receptors in the brain. In the course of finasteride treatment the decrease of the concentration of circulating steroids with known inhibitory activity on GABA-ergic excitation in the brain is very probably an important factors contributing to the development of the symptoms of depression seen in some isolated cases of finasteride administration.

[Efficacy and safety of doxazosine in combination with finasteride in the treatment of prostatic adenoma]

Clinical effects and safety of doxazosine + finasteride combination were studied in patients with obstructive and irritative symptoms due to prostatic adenoma (PA). Lower urinary tract symptoms according to IPSS, size of the prostatic gland, Qmax and Qmid, bladder capacity, residual urine volume, blood pressure, PSA level, sexual function, side effects were assessed before and after combined use of the drugs in 30 patients aged 58 to 83 years (mean age 70.5 years). A significant regression of both obstructive and irritative symptoms by IPSS occurred after the treatment. Quality of life has improved. Combined treatment of PA patients has improved quality of life, urination parameters, reduced volume of residual urine. Good tolerance of the treatment was observed. Combined therapy with doxazosine and finasteride can be recommended as a basic scheme of treatment for patients with risk of PA progression.

Association between 5-alpha reductase inhibition and risk of hip fracture

CONTEXT

For more than 15 years, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, have been used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Short-term studies show no effects of these agents on bone metabolism,but long-term data are not available.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (eg, finasteride) for BPH and occurrence of hip fracture.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

Population-based case-control study using data from Kaiser Permanente Southern California, a managed care organization with more than 3 million members. Case patients included 7076 men 45 years and older with incident hip fracture from 1997-2006. Control patients were 7076 men without incident hip fracture, optimally matched at a 1:1 ratio to case patients on age and medical center. Electronic information on pharmaceutical use was used to identify use of finasteride from 1991 forward.

RESULTS

Overall, 2547 (36%) and 2488 (35%) case and control patients, respectively, had a diagnosis of BPH (P = .30), and 109 (1.5%) and 141 (2.0%) of case and control patients, respectively, had been exposed to finasteride prior to the index date (matched odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.00; P = .04). There was no suggestion of a dose-response relationship between exposure to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors when the exposure was stratified into tertiles of total exposure (P = .12). By contrast, there was a slightly higher prevalence of alpha-blocker use in case vs control patients (32% vs 30%, respectively; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors was not associated with increased risk of hip fracture. The reduction in risk observed with exposure to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and the modest increase in risk associated with exposure to alpha-blockers require replication and warrant further investigation.

Spermatozoa and chronic treatment with finasteride: a TEM and FISH study

Finasteride is a specific inhibitor of the 5alpha reductase enzyme originally approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy and also for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men at a dose of 1 mg/day. We report on three cases of young men recruited at our Centre for Male Infertility who had used finasteride for five years. Semen quality was investigated by light microscopy to evaluate sperm concentration and motility. Sperm morphology was performed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and the data were analyzed. The presence of Y microdeletions was investigated by PCR. Meiotic segregation was explored by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Patient 1 was azoospermic, patients 2 and 3 showed a normal sperm concentration and severely reduced progressive motility. TEM analysis revealed altered sperm morphology consistent with necrosis and FISH data revealed elevated diploidy and sex chromosome disomy frequencies. This examination was repeated 1 year after the men had suspended the use of finasteride, without receiving any other treatment. A recovery of spermatogenetic process was observed. Motility and morphology improved whereas the meiotic pattern did not change presenting elevated diploidy and sex chromosome disomy frequency.

Predictability of irritative voiding symptoms following photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate

BACKGROUND

Photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is recognized as an alternative for the surgical management of BPH. Our experience suggests a higher incidence of persistent irritative symptoms than expected. Characteristics of our population were evaluated to determine whether postoperative symptomatology could be predicted.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed those patients who underwent PVP at our institution between June 2004 and February 2006. Lower urinary tract symptoms as measured by the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) score and quality of life (QoL) score were recorded. In addition, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) and ultrasound prostate volumes were also measured. PVP was performed using an 80 W KTP side-firing laser (LaserScope, San Jose, CA). Total energy used was recorded. AUA-SI score, QoL and Qmax were monitored at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine men were evaluated retrospectively. Their mean AUA-SI score, prostate volume and energy used were 17.8, 49.8 cm3 and 96.8 kJ respectively. At 1 month, 34 % complained of significant urgency, frequency and dysuria. Anticholinergic therapy was initiated in six patients. At 6 months, the number of patients complaining of symptoms decreased to 17% and five of the six patients were no longer requiring therapy. An association between finasteride therapy prior to PVP and post-operative symptoms was identified. In our series, 70% of those patients experiencing persistent symptoms had been managed with finasteride. No association between irritative voiding symptoms, laser energy utilized and volume of treated prostate gland was observed. However, a statistically significant association was noted between persistent irritative voiding symptoms and both lower preoperative AUA-SI scores and preoperative use of finasteride.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a therapeutic benefit is observed following PVP, persistent irritative voiding symptoms are not uncommon. Lower preoperative AUA-SI scores and treatment with finasteride appear to be associated with bothersome postoperative symptoms. This information can be used to effectively select candidates and to counsel those patients with regard to both the therapeutic objective and expectations related to this procedure.

Das „Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial“ (PCPT)

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) has been the first interventional trial directly aimed at the prevention of prostate cancer. A total of 18,882 men over 55 years with a PSA serum level less than 3.0 ng/ml were randomized to receive either the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride 5 mg/day or placebo for 7 years. Despite a 25% reduction of prostate cancers in the treatment arm the results were discussed controversially. This criticism was mainly due to the observation of significantly more high-grade cancers in the finasteride group. Meanwhile, results of extensive follow-up analyses have been published suggesting that this finding is most likely due to optimized tumor detection in smaller glands. Further work-up demonstrated that PSA diagnosis and the histopathological examination were not compromised by finasteride. Furthermore, in addition to a decrease of prostate cancer the amount of prostatic intraepithelial dysplasia (PIN) was also reduced under finasteride. Future research must now aim at defining high-risk groups specifically profiting from chemoprevention with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor.

Finasteride: new indication. Benign prostatic hypertrophy: sexual disorders

About 10 fewer cases of acute urinary retention and surgery per 1000 patient-years of treatment . . . but about 30 treatment withdrawals due to sexual disorders.

[The establishment of hypospadias rat model and embryoteratogenic test of Atrazine]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an easily reproducible animal model of hypospadias and to test whether Atrazine can induce hypospadias in animal experiment.

METHODS

From the 11th to 16th day after conception, 120 conceived SD rats were divided randomly into 6 groups: one coin oil group (1 ml/kg/d), two finasteride groups (10 mg/kg/d, 20 mg/kg/d), three Atrazine groups (25 mg/kg/d, 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d). When all pregnant rats had delivered, the new born rats were counted and the penis appearance, urethral orifice position and micturition were observed with magnifying lens and anatomy microscope.

RESULTS

Hypospadias were found in new born male rats treated prenatally with Finasteride (10 mg/kg/d, 20 mg/kg/d) and 200 mg/kg/d Atrazine groups. The incidence was 28.30%, 67.03%, 10.23% respectively. Embryotoxic effects were observed at 25 mg/kg/d Atrazine group in 2 rats and associated with no severe maternal toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) A hypospadias SD rats model can be established by Finasteride and it is easily reproducible. (2) The Atrazine was teratogenic to the SD rats, embryotoxic effects were observed at the low dose level and associated with no severe maternal toxicity.

Chemoprävention des Prostatakarzinoms

Fueled by the results from recently published large interventional trials the topic of chemoprevention of prostate cancer has increasingly attracted the interest of practicing urologists. In this analysis the term"chemoprevention" comprises all agents not included in regular food intake. If possible, the results from interventional studies were considered. Today, it must be accepted as evidence-based that chemoprevention of prostate cancer by 5alpha-reductase inhibition using finasteride is possible. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) may also have preventive potential. Prospective interventional trials investigating these substances are currently underway. Considering the high incidence and the fact that the diagnosis of prostate cancer has serious impact on the future life of the respective individuals further scientific evaluation of chemoprevention of prostate cancer is mandatory.

Erythema annulare centrifugum secondary to treatment with finasteride

Cutaneous eruptions are among the most common adverse reactions to drugs. We report a novel case of erythema annulare centrifugum occurring after the administration of finasteride for androgenetic alopecia. The eruption resolved once the drug was discontinued and reappeared with reintroduction of finasteride. This case may encourage reporting of similar cases and further study of finasteride hypersensitivity.

Prostate cancer risk among users of finasteride and alpha-blockers - a population based case-control study

Finasteride has been reported to reduce prostate cancer risk in asymptomatic men. However, in clinical practice finasteride and alpha-blockers are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We evaluated prostate cancer risk among users of BPH pharmacotherapy at the population level. Comprehensive Finnish national registries provided information on 24723 prostate cancer cases and controls. Overall, prostate cancer risk was elevated among users of both drug categories compared to non-users (odds ratio, OR=1.41; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.31-1.51 for finasteride and OR=1.79; 95% CI 1.67-1.91 for alpha-blockers). However, the risk was lower among finasteride users when compared with alpha-blocker users (OR=0.80; 95% CI 0.64-1.00). Regular finasteride users had the lowest risk. The increased risk is probably due to enhanced diagnostics of prostate cancer in men with BPH. Finasteride use does not decrease prostate cancer incidence compared with non-users. Nevertheless, the risk is lower when compared with alpha-blocker users.

A review of the clinical efficacy and safety of 5α-reductase inhibitors for the enlarged prostate

BACKGROUND

Enlargement of the prostate is common among aging men, with an incidence of 90% by the age of 85 years. It is a progressive condition, with growth in prostate size accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms that can result in long-term complications (eg, acute urinary retention [AUR], need for enlarged prostate-related surgery). Current pharmacologic treatment options include alpha-blockers (alfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin) and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) (finasteride and dutasteride).

OBJECTIVES

This article reviews the natural history of enlarged prostate and the data supporting management of this condition with alpha-blocker and 5ARI therapy, either as monotherapy or combination therapy, for symptomatic relief and a reduction in long-term disease progression.

METHODS

Pertinent English-language articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966-week 2, May 2006) using such search terms as 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, alpha-blocker, benign prostatic hyperplasia, dutasteride, efficacy, enlarged prostate, finasteride, and safety.

RESULTS

Clinical trials of alpha-blockers in men with enlarged prostate have reported improvements in total symptom scores of 10% to 20% compared with placebo; however, these agents were not shown to reduce the risk of long-term complications or disease progression. Studies of the 5ARIs have reported significant reductions compared with placebo in the relative risk for AUR and enlarged prostate-related surgery, slowing of disease progression, and relief of symptoms. In studies of dutasteride, improvements in symptom scores were greater after 4 years of therapy compared with 2 years (-6.4 vs -4.3 points, respectively) and flow rates were better (2.6 vs 2.3 mL/sec). Six-year data for finasteride showed maintenance of the decreased risk for AUR and enlarged prostate-related surgery. Use of combination therapy with an alpha-blocker and a 5ARI may be of benefit in patients who require immediate relief of symptoms, with discontinuation of the alpha-blocker after several months of therapy. 5ARIs were generally well tolerated, with sexual dysfunction the most frequently reported adverse effect, although in only a small proportion of men (1%-8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 5ARI therapy is a rational approach to symptom management and prevention of long-term negative outcomes in men with enlarged prostates.V 3.

The importance of dual 5alpha-reductase inhibition in the treatment of male pattern hair loss: results of a randomized placebo-controlled study of dutasteride versus finasteride

BACKGROUND

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a potentially reversible condition in which dihydrotestosterone is an important etiologic factor.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of the type 1 and 2 5alpha-reductase inhibitor dutasteride in men with MPHL.

METHODS

Four hundred sixteen men, 21 to 45 years old, were randomized to receive dutasteride 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 or 2.5 mg, finasteride 5 mg, or placebo daily for 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Dutasteride increased target area hair count versus placebo in a dose-dependent fashion and dutasteride 2.5 mg was superior to finasteride at 12 and 24 weeks. Expert panel photographic review and investigator assessment of hair growth confirmed these results. Scalp and serum dihydrotestosterone levels decreased, and testosterone levels increased, in a dose-dependent fashion with dutasteride.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited to 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Dutasteride increases scalp hair growth in men with MPHL. Type 1 and type 2 5alpha-reductase may be important in the pathogenesis and treatment of MPHL.

Finasteride induced depression: a prospective study

Background

Finasteride is a competitive inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase enzyme, and is used for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenetic alopecia. Animal studies have shown that finasteride might induce behavioral changes. Additionally, some cases of finasteride-induced depression have been reported in humans. The purpose of this study was to examine whether depressive symptoms or anxiety might be induced by finasteride administration.

Methods

One hundred and twenty eight men with androgenetic alopecia, who were prescribed finasteride (1 mg/day) were enrolled in this study. Information on depressed mood and anxiety was obtained by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants completed BDI and HADS questionnaires before beginning the treatment and also two months after it.

Results

Mean age of the subjects was 25.8(± 4.4) years. At baseline, mean BDI and HADS depression scores were 12.11(± 7.50) and 4.04(± 2.51), respectively. Finasteride treatment increased both BDI (p < 0.001) and HADS depression scores significantly (p = 0.005). HADS anxiety scores were increased, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.061).

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that finasteride might induce depressive symptoms; therefore this medication should be prescribed cautiously for patients with high risk of depression. It seems that further studies would be necessary to determine behavioral effects of this medication in higher doses and in more susceptible patients.

[Using doxasosine and finasteride combination in the treatment of prostate adenoma]

The study was made in 2005-2006 of efficacy and safety of combined use of doxasosine and finasteride in patients (n = 50, age 53-83) with symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) caused by prostatic adenoma. LUTD severity by IPSS, size of the prostate, maximal and mean urinary flow velocity, functional capacity of the urinary bladder, residual urine, blood pressure, a PSA level, sexual function, were assessed at baseline and after the treatment. Side effects were also registered. Combined treatment with doxasosine plus finasteride significantly lowered both obstructive and irritative LUTD symptoms by IPSS, quality of life improved from 3.4 to 2.3 scores (p < 0.01), maximal urinary flow and mean urinary flow velocity increased from 10.2 to 11.6 ml/s and from 5.4 to 6.1 ml/s, respectively, residual urine reduced from 35.2 to 7.7 ml (p < 0.01). The size of the prostate diminished from 55.8 to 46 cm(3) (p < 0.01). PSA decreased from 2.8 to 1.4 ng/ml. Erectile function did not worsen. Thus, the proposed scheme of combined treatment improves quality of life, voiding; lowers residual urine; is well tolerated; can be recommended as a basic scheme of treatment in patients with a risk of prostatic adenoma progression.

Role of ciclosporin in steroid-responsive sudden sensorineural hearing loss

CONCLUSIONS

A subgroup of patients with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) will have steroid-dependent symptoms which can be confirmed using pure-tone audiometry. Long-term treatment with high-dose corticosteroids exposes patients to potentially serious adverse effects. Immunosuppression with ciclosporin can be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for steroid-responsive sudden SNHL.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight ciclosporin as a therapeutic option in the treatment of steroid-responsive sudden SNHL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 39-year-old male with idiopathic sudden SNHL that was responsive to corticosteroids was treated with ciclosporin for 18 months.

RESULTS

Steroid-dependent SNHL was confirmed on audiological evaluation. Ciclosporin was administered, allowing corticosteroid therapy to be discontinued. Ciclosporin was effective at controlling all symptoms of SNHL. Remission was confirmed objectively with pure-tone audiometry.