5alpha-Reductase: History and Clinical Importance

    January 2004 in “ PubMed ”
    Leonard S. Marks
    TLDR 5alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat BPH by reducing DHT, offering symptom relief and potential future uses.
    The document discussed the shift in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from surgery to drug therapy, highlighting the role of 5alpha-reductase (5AR) inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. These drugs worked by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which was responsible for prostatic growth and male pattern baldness, among other effects. Inhibiting DHT led to prostatic shrinkage and symptom relief without the side effects of traditional androgen-deprivation therapy. The document also suggested potential future uses for 5AR inhibitors, including prostate cancer chemoprevention and treatment of BPH-related complications.
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