Inhibition of 5-Alpha Reductase Attenuates Cardiac Oxidative Damage in Obese and Aging Male Rats via the Enhancement of Antioxidants and the p53 Protein Suppression

The study investigated the effects of Finasteride (Fin), a 5-⍺ reductase inhibitor, on cardiac function in obese and aging male rats. Rats were divided into groups based on diet and aging induction, and treated with Fin or a vehicle. While Fin did not improve metabolic disturbances, it significantly reduced cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting oxidative stress, promoting antioxidants, and reducing p53 protein levels and DNA fragmentation. However, Fin induced insulin resistance in normal diet-fed rats. Overall, Fin improved cardiac function and sympathovagal balance in rats with oxidative damage induced by aging or obesity.