Three-Dimensional Proteome-Wide Scale Screening for the 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride: Identification of a Novel Off-Target

April 2021 in “ Journal of Medicinal Chemistry ”

Silvia Giatti, Alessandro Di Domizio, Silvia Diviccaro, Eva Falvo, Donatella Caruso, Alessandro Contini, Roberto Cosimo Melcangi

finasteride 5-alpha reductase inhibitor PNMT Propecia

Studysummary This study suggests that finasteride may inhibit the enzyme PNMT, potentially contributing to its sexual and psychological side effects.

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The study aimed to identify new off-target effects of the hair loss drug finasteride through proteome-wide scale screening. The study found a new potential off-target called PNMT, which could contribute to the drug's side effects. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding drug side effects and the need for further research to improve drug safety.

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Research cited in this study

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research Structure of Human Steroid 5α-Reductase 2 with the Anti-Androgen Drug Finasteride

30 citations , October 2020 in “Nature Communications”

This study provides the first crystal structure of the human SRD5A2 enzyme, revealing key insights into its function and inhibition which may aid future drug development.

Evaluation of Long-Term Efficacy of Finasteride in Korean Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Using the Basic and Specific Classification System

research Evaluation of Long-Term Efficacy of Finasteride in Korean Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Using the Basic and Specific Classification System

11 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that finasteride 1 mg improved hair growth in 85.7% of Korean men with androgenetic alopecia over five years, with varying effectiveness depending on the type of hair loss.

research Safety Concerns When Using Novel Medications to Treat Alopecia

23 citations , October 2018 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety”

This review discusses the safety concerns associated with new treatments for non-scarring alopecias, highlighting that while these therapies such as JAK inhibitors and oral minoxidil show efficacy in hair regrowth, their safety profiles vary significantly, requiring careful consideration of benefits and risks.

research Androgens in Women: Hormone-Modulating Therapies for Androgen-Mediated Cutaneous Disorders

34 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses hormone-modulating therapies for androgen-mediated cutaneous disorders in women but reports no new clinical results and highlights the need for more rigorous studies.

Treatment of Male Rats with Finasteride, an Inhibitor of 5alpha-Reductase Enzyme, Induces Long-Lasting Effects on Depressive-Like Behavior, Hippocampal Neurogenesis, Neuroinflammation, and Gut Microbiota Composition

research Treatment of Male Rats with Finasteride, an Inhibitor of 5alpha-Reductase Enzyme, Induces Long-Lasting Effects on Depressive-Like Behavior, Hippocampal Neurogenesis, Neuroinflammation, and Gut Microbiota Composition

37 citations , September 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology”

This study found that finasteride treatment in male rats led to enduring effects on depressive-like behavior, hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota composition after withdrawal.

research A Review of the FAERS Data on 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: Implications for Postfinasteride Syndrome

35 citations , June 2018 in “Urology”

This study of FAERS data suggests that finasteride, particularly at the 1 mg dosage, is associated with a wide range of adverse effects not previously established in long-term studies, especially among younger men.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Drug Safety and Therapeutic Strategies

20 citations , January 2018 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety”

This review discusses androgenetic alopecia management with 5α-reductase inhibitors, emphasizing that while dutasteride shows superior efficacy, finasteride is suggested as preferable due to predictable adverse effects and preservation of physiological roles.

research Assessing Finasteride-Associated Sexual Dysfunction Using the FAERS Database

24 citations , March 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study reported a significant increase in the reporting of sexual dysfunction associated with finasteride use, especially in individuals aged 31-45.

research Cinnamomi Cortex (Cinnamomum Verum) Suppresses Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Regulating 5α-Reductase

43 citations , August 2016 in “Scientific Reports”

This animal study found that Cinnamomi cortex water extract reduced prostate weight and improved histological changes in a benign prostatic hyperplasia model, suggesting potential as a treatment.

research Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Dutasteride in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

32 citations , February 2016 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that in Japanese male patients with androgenetic alopecia, dutasteride 0.5 mg daily over 52 weeks was associated with improvements in hair growth and appearance, with reported adverse events mostly mild.

research Effects of Subchronic Finasteride Treatment and Withdrawal on Neuroactive Steroid Levels and Their Receptors in the Male Rat Brain

33 citations , December 2015 in “Neuroendocrinology”

This study found that subchronic finasteride treatment in male rats altered neuroactive steroid levels and steroid receptor expression in the brain, with some changes persisting after drug withdrawal.

Adverse Event Reporting in Clinical Trials of Finasteride for Androgenic Alopecia: A Meta-Analysis

research Effects of the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride on Serum Levels of Gonadal, Adrenal, and Hypophyseal Hormones and Its Clinical Significance: A Prospective Clinical Study

56 citations , April 1998 in “Steroids”

Finasteride reduces hair loss and treats BPH without major hormone changes, but may cause sexual dysfunction.