Effect of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease

    September 2024 in “ Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology
    Mélanie Bourque, Marc Morissette, Amandine Isenbrandt, Silvia Giatti, Roberto Cosimo Melcangi, Manolo Carta, Roberto Frau, Marco Bortolato, Denis Soulet, Thérèse Di Paolo
    TLDR 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may help protect the brain and gut in Parkinson's disease.
    The study reviews the effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), specifically finasteride and dutasteride, on neuroprotection in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Finasteride was found ineffective in protecting dopaminergic neurons from MPTP toxicity in male mice, while dutasteride showed some protective effects when administered before and after MPTP exposure. However, dutasteride did not rescue neurons when started post-MPTP exposure. The study also highlights sex differences in PD models, noting that female mice with intact gonads exhibit endogenous neuroprotection, which is lost after ovariectomy. Dutasteride did not provide additional protection in these female mice. The findings suggest that while dutasteride may offer some neuroprotective benefits, its effectiveness is influenced by timing and hormonal status.
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