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Diviccaro S, Herian M, Cioffi L, Audano M, Mitro N, Caruso D, Giatti S, Melcangi RC. Exploring rat corpus cavernosum alterations induced by finasteride treatment and withdrawal. Andrology 2024; 12:674-681. [PMID: 37621185 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite its efficacy for treating androgenetic alopecia, finasteride, an inhibitor of 5α-reductase (i.e., the enzyme converting testosterone, T, into dihydrotestosterone, DHT), is associated with several side effects including sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction). These side effects may persist after drug suspension, inducing the so-called post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). The effects of subchronic treatment with finasteride (i.e., 20 days) and its withdrawal (i.e., 1 month) in rat corpus cavernosum have been explored here. Data obtained show that the treatment was able to decrease the levels of the enzyme 5α-reductase type II in the rat corpus cavernosum with increased T and decreased DHT levels. This local change in T metabolism was linked to mechanisms associated with erectile dysfunction. Indeed, by targeted metabolomics, we reported a decrease in the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, measured by the citrulline/arginine ratio and confirmed by the decrease in NO2 levels, and a decrease in ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) activity, measured by citrulline/ornithine ratio. Interestingly, the T levels are negatively correlated with NOS activity, while those of DHT are positively correlated with OTC activity. Finasteride treatment also induced alterations in the levels of other molecules involved in the control of penile erection, such as norepinephrine and its metabolite, epinephrine. Indeed, plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, suggesting an impairment of these mediators. Interestingly, these modifications were restored by suspension of the drug. Altogether, the results reported here indicate that finasteride treatment, but not its withdrawal, affects T metabolism in the rat corpus cavernosum, and this alteration was linked to mechanisms associated with erectile dysfunction. Data here reported could also suggest that the PFS sexual side effects are more related to dysfunction in a sexual central control rather than peripheral compromised condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Monika Herian
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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Janssen JAMJL. New Insights into the Role of Insulin and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis in the Metabolic Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158178. [PMID: 35897752 PMCID: PMC9331414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data suggests that (pre)diabetes onset is preceded by a period of hyperinsulinemia. Consumption of the "modern" Western diet, over-nutrition, genetic background, decreased hepatic insulin clearance, and fetal/metabolic programming may increase insulin secretion, thereby causing chronic hyperinsulinemia. Hyperinsulinemia is an important etiological factor in the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease. Recent data suggests that the onset of prediabetes and diabetes are preceded by a variable period of hyperinsulinemia. Emerging data suggest that chromic hyperinsulinemia is also a driving force for increased activation of the hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary (HPA) axis in subjects with the metabolic syndrome, leading to a state of "functional hypercortisolism". This "functional hypercortisolism" by antagonizing insulin actions may prevent hypoglycemia. It also disturbs energy balance by shifting energy fluxes away from muscles toward abdominal fat stores. Synergistic effects of hyperinsulinemia and "functional hypercortisolism" promote abdominal visceral obesity and insulin resistance which are core pathophysiological components of the metabolic syndrome. It is hypothesized that hyperinsulinemia-induced increased activation of the HPA axis plays an important etiological role in the development of the metabolic syndrome and its consequences. Numerous studies have demonstrated reversibility of hyperinsulinemia with lifestyle, surgical, and pharmaceutical-based therapies. Longitudinal studies should be performed to investigate whether strategies that reduce hyperinsulinemia at an early stage are successfully in preventing increased activation of the HPA axis and the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A M J L Janssen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Room Rg527, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Jang WY, Kim DS, Park SH, Yoon JH, Shin CY, Huang L, Nang K, Kry M, Byun HW, Lee BH, Lee S, Lee J, Cho JY. Connarus semidecandrus Jack Exerts Anti-Alopecia Effects by Targeting 5α-Reductase Activity and an Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134086. [PMID: 35807332 PMCID: PMC9268327 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing demand for hair loss treatments with minimal side effects and recurrence potential. Connarus semidecandrus Jack has been used as a folk medicine for fever in tropical regions, but its anti-alopecia effects remain unclear. In this study, the anti-androgenic alopecia effect of an ethanol extract of Connarus semidecandrus Jack (Cs-EE) was demonstrated in a testosterone-induced androgenic alopecia (AGA) model, in terms of the hair–skin ratio, hair type frequency, and hair thickness. The area of restored hair growth and thickened hair population after Cs-EE treatment showed the hair-growth-promoting effect of Cs-EE. Histological data support the possibility that Cs-EE could reduce hair loss and upregulate hair proliferation in mouse skin by shifting hair follicles from the catagen phase to the anagen phase. Western blotting indicated that Cs-EE reduced the expression of the androgenic receptor. Cs-EE treatment also inhibited programmed cell death by upregulating Bcl-2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. The anti-alopecia effect of Cs-EE was confirmed by in vitro experiments showing that Cs-EE had suppressive effects on 5-α reductase activity and lymph node carcinoma of the prostate proliferation, and a proliferative effect on human hair-follicle dermal papilla (HDP) cells. Apoptotic pathways in HDP cells were downregulated by Cs-EE treatment. Thus, Cs-EE could be a potential treatment for AGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Young Jang
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (W.Y.J.); (D.S.K.)
| | - Dong Seon Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (W.Y.J.); (D.S.K.)
| | - Sang Hee Park
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.P.); (J.H.Y.); (C.Y.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Ji Hye Yoon
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.P.); (J.H.Y.); (C.Y.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Chae Yun Shin
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.P.); (J.H.Y.); (C.Y.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.P.); (J.H.Y.); (C.Y.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Ket Nang
- Forestry Administration, Phnom Penh 120206, Cambodia; (K.N.); (M.K.)
| | - Masphal Kry
- Forestry Administration, Phnom Penh 120206, Cambodia; (K.N.); (M.K.)
| | - Hye-Woo Byun
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon 22689, Korea; (H.-W.B.); (B.-H.L.)
| | - Byoung-Hee Lee
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon 22689, Korea; (H.-W.B.); (B.-H.L.)
| | - Sarah Lee
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon 22689, Korea; (H.-W.B.); (B.-H.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (J.L.); (J.Y.C.); Tel.: +82-31-290-7868 (J.Y.C.); +82-31-290-7861 (J.L.); +82-10-8602-7827 (S.L.)
| | - Jongsung Lee
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (W.Y.J.); (D.S.K.)
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.P.); (J.H.Y.); (C.Y.S.); (L.H.)
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (J.L.); (J.Y.C.); Tel.: +82-31-290-7868 (J.Y.C.); +82-31-290-7861 (J.L.); +82-10-8602-7827 (S.L.)
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (W.Y.J.); (D.S.K.)
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (S.H.P.); (J.H.Y.); (C.Y.S.); (L.H.)
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (J.L.); (J.Y.C.); Tel.: +82-31-290-7868 (J.Y.C.); +82-31-290-7861 (J.L.); +82-10-8602-7827 (S.L.)
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Ondřejíková L, Pařízek A, Šimják P, Vejražková D, Velíková M, Anderlová K, Vosátková M, Krejčí H, Koucký M, Kancheva R, Dušková M, Vaňková M, Bulant J, Hill M. Altered Steroidome in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Focus on Neuroactive and Immunomodulatory Steroids from the 24th Week of Pregnancy to Labor. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121746. [PMID: 34944390 PMCID: PMC8698588 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication in pregnancy, but studies focused on the steroidome in patients with GDM are not available in the public domain. This article evaluates the steroidome in GDM+ and GDM- women and its changes from 24 weeks (± of gestation) to labor. The study included GDM+ (n = 44) and GDM- women (n = 33), in weeks 24-28, 30-36 of gestation and at labor and mixed umbilical blood after delivery. Steroidomic data (101 steroids quantified by GC-MS/MS) support the concept that the increasing diabetogenic effects with the approaching term are associated with mounting progesterone levels. The GDM+ group showed lower levels of testosterone (due to reduced AKR1C3 activity), estradiol (due to a shift from the HSD17B1 towards HSD17B2 activity), 7-oxygenated androgens (competing with cortisone for HSD11B1 and shifting the balance from diabetogenic cortisol towards the inactive cortisone), reduced activities of SRD5As, and CYP17A1 in the hydroxylase but higher CYP17A1 activity in the lyase step. With the approaching term, the authors found rising activities of CYP3A7, AKR1C1, CYP17A1 in its hydroxylase step, but a decline in its lyase step, rising conjugation of neuroinhibitory and pregnancy-stabilizing steroids and weakening AKR1D1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Ondřejíková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Antonín Pařízek
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.P.); (P.Š.); (K.A.); (H.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Patrik Šimják
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.P.); (P.Š.); (K.A.); (H.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Daniela Vejražková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Marta Velíková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Kateřina Anderlová
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.P.); (P.Š.); (K.A.); (H.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Michala Vosátková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Hana Krejčí
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.P.); (P.Š.); (K.A.); (H.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Michal Koucký
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.P.); (P.Š.); (K.A.); (H.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Radmila Kancheva
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Michaela Dušková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Markéta Vaňková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Josef Bulant
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Martin Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.O.); (D.V.); (M.V.); (M.V.); (R.K.); (M.D.); (M.V.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-224-905-246
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Abstract
Finasteride is a 5α-reductase enzyme inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of male androgenic alopecia since 1997. Over time, it has been considered a safe and well-tolerated drug with rare and reversible side effects. Recently there have been reports of adverse drug-related reactions that persisted for at least three months after discontinuation of this drug, and the term post-finasteride syndrome arose. It includes persistent sexual, neuropsychiatric, and physical symptoms. Studies to date cannot refute or confirm this syndrome as a nosological entity. If it actually exists, it seems to occur in susceptible people, even if exposed to small doses and for short periods, and symptoms may persist for long periods. Based on currently available data, the use of 5α-reductase inhibitors in patients with a history of depression, sexual dysfunction, or infertility should be carefully and individually assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thaissa Oliveira de Almeida Coelho
- Trichology Outpatient Clinic, Dermatology Service, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Traish AM. Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Finasteride and Dutasteride Use: It's Time to Sound the Alarm. World J Mens Health 2020; 38:323-337. [PMID: 32202088 PMCID: PMC7308241 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) is the most potent natural androgen. 5α-DHT elicits a multitude of physiological actions, in a host of tissues, including prostate, seminal vesicles, hair follicles, skin, kidney, and lacrimal and meibomian glands. However, the physiological role of 5α-DHT in human physiology, remains questionable and, at best, poorly appreciated. Recent emerging literature supports a role for 5α-DHT in the physiological function of liver, pancreatic β-cell function and survival, ocular function and prevention of dry eye disease and kidney physiological function. Thus, inhibition of 5α-reductases with finasteride or dutasteride to reduce 5α-DHT biosynthesis in the course of treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or male pattern hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) my induces a novel form of tissue specific androgen deficiency and contributes to a host of pathophysiological conditions, that are yet to be fully recognized. Here, we advance the concept that blockade of 5α-reductases by finasteride or dutasteride in a mechanism-based, irreversible, inhabitation of 5α-DHT biosynthesis results in a novel state of androgen deficiency, independent of circulating testosterone levels. Finasteride and dutasteride are frequently prescribed for long-term treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH and in men with AGA. This treatment may result in development of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), dry eye disease, potential kidney dysfunction, among other metabolic dysfunctions. We suggest that long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride may be associated with health risks including NAFLD, IR, T2DM, dry eye disease and potential kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M Traish
- Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Tan JJY, Pan J, Sun L, Zhang J, Wu C, Kang L. Bioactives in Chinese Proprietary Medicine Modulates 5α-Reductase Activity and Gene Expression Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:194. [PMID: 28450835 PMCID: PMC5390023 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by a progressive and patterned transformation of thick, pigmented terminal scalp hairs into short, hypo-pigmented vellus-like hairs. The use of Minoxidil and Finasteride to treat AGA are often associated with complications in safety and efficacy. However, herbal remedies are deemed to have lesser side effects in many societies. This study aims to identify potential hair growth properties of individual compounds from a Chinese proprietary medicine known as Yangxue Shengfa capsule (YSC), used in China for many years for improving AGA. Six marker compounds, including 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), Chlorogenic acid, Emodin, Ferulic acid, Isoimperatorin, and Paeoniflorin were used for simultaneous HPLC quantification and anti-AGA in-vitro screening. Simultaneous quantification of these components was performed on 75% (v/v) methanol extracts of YSC, using a Welch Ultimate XB-C18 column and gradient elution. Five compounds significantly promoted cell proliferation in cultured immortalized human Dermal Papilla Cells (DPC). Multiple genes associated with the progression of AGA, including IGF-1, DKK-1, and TGF-β1, were found to be regulated by some of these compounds. Interestingly, Ferulic acid and Emodin demonstrated good pharmacological properties against AGA, thereby concluding the potential of these bioactives to be used in the treatment against AGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Y Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
| | - Lihan Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Junying Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Chunyong Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Lifeng Kang
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
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Traish AM. Negative Impact of Testosterone Deficiency and 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy on Metabolic and Sexual Function in Men. Sex and Gender Factors Affecting Metabolic Homeostasis, Diabetes and Obesity 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70178-3_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Abstract
Steroids are important physiological orchestrators of endocrine as well as peripheral and central nervous system functions. One of the key processes for regulation of these molecules lies in their enzymatic processing by a family of 5α-reductase (5α-Rs) isozymes. By catalyzing a key rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis, this family of enzymes exerts a crucial role not only in the physiological control but also in pathological events. Indeed, both 5α-R inhibition and supplementation of 5α-reduced metabolites are currently used or have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for a wide array of pathological conditions. In particular, the potent 5α-R inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride are used in the treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as in male pattern hair loss (MPHL) known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recent preclinical and clinical findings indicate that 5α-R inhibitors evoke not only beneficial, but also adverse effects. Future studies should investigate the biochemical and physiological mechanisms that underlie the persistence of the adverse sexual side effects to determine why a subset of patients is afflicted with such persistence or irreversible adverse effects. Also a better focus of clinical research is urgently needed to better define those subjects who are likely to be adversely affected by such agents. Furthermore, research on the non-sexual adverse effects such as diabetes, psychosis, depression, and cognitive function are needed to better understand the broad spectrum of the effects these drugs may elicit during their use in treatment of AGA or BPH. In this review, we will summarize the state of art on this topic, overview the key unresolved questions that have emerged on the pharmacological targeting of these enzymes and their products, and highlight the need for further studies to ascertain the severity and duration of the adverse effects of 5α-R inhibitors, as well as their biological underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M Traish
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, A502, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Iniversità degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | | | - Michael Zitzmann
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Clinics Muenster, Domagkstrasse 11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany
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Mladenović D, Petronijević N, Stojković T, Velimirović M, Jevtić G, Hrnčić D, Radosavljević T, Rašić-Marković A, Maksić N, Djuric D, Stanojlović O. Finasteride Has Regionally Different Effects on Brain Oxidative Stress and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Acute Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy in Rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134434. [PMID: 26241899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Finasteride (FIN) inhibits neurosteroid synthesis and potentially improves the course of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This study aimed to investigate the effects of FIN on brain oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in acute thioacetamide-induced HE in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into groups: 1. control; 2. thioacetamide-treated group (TAA; 900 mg/kg); 3. finasteride-treated group (FIN; 150 mg/kg); 4. group treated with FIN and TAA (FIN+TAA). Daily doses of FIN (50 mg/kg) and TAA (300 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally during three days and in FIN+TAA group FIN was administered 2h before every dose of TAA. FIN pretreatment prevented TAA-induced rise in malondialdehyde level in the cortex due to restoration of catalase activity and increased expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and induced an increase in malondialdehyde level in the thalamus due to reduction of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity. Although FIN pretreatment did not affect malondialdehyde level in hippocampus and caudate nucleus, hippocampal SOD1 expression was higher (p<0.05) and GR activity lower in FIN+TAA vs. TAA group (p<0.05). GPx activity was lower in caudate nucleus in FIN+TAA vs. TAA group (p<0.01). FIN pretreatment prevented TAA-induced rise in AchE activity in the thalamus and caudate nucleus and AchE activity correlates inversely in the thalamus (p<0.05) and positively in caudate nucleus (p<0.01) with malondialdehyde level. FIN has regionally selective effects on oxidative stress and AchE activity in the brain in acute TAA-induced HE in rats. The prooxidant role of FIN in the thalamus may be causally linked with inhibition of AchE.
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