Antioxidant Enzyme Expression of mRNA and Protein in the Epididymis of Finasteride-Treated Male Rat Offspring During Postnatal Development

The study investigated the effects of finasteride on antioxidant enzyme expression in the epididymis of male rat offspring during postnatal development. The results showed that finasteride treatment of parental rats resulted in changes in their offspring, including changes in antioxidant enzyme expression in the epididymis at mRNA and protein levels, immunolocalization of the enzymes in epididymal epithelial cells, and correlations between serum androgens and transcripts of antioxidant enzymes in finasteride-treated male offspring compared to controls. These changes could disturb the epididymal microenvironment, such as the antioxidant defense system and concentration of ROS, which are needed for correct post-testicular spermatozoa maturation.