Is There an Association Between 5α-Reductase Inhibitors and Metabolic Syndrome? A Narrative Review of the Literature
June 2024
in “
Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials
”
Studysummary This review analyzed current research on finasteride and dutasteride and found insufficient evidence to fully elucidate their role in metabolic adverse events, such as liver disease and diabetes, due to a lack of detailed pathophysiologic understanding; further studies are needed to clarify these mechanisms.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This narrative review explores the potential association between 5a Reductase Inhibitors (5a-RIs), specifically finasteride and dutasteride, and the development of metabolic syndrome. These inhibitors, used primarily for benign prostatic hyperplasia, are expressed in various tissues and can affect glucocorticoid levels and androgen regulation, potentially leading to adverse metabolic events such as liver disease, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Despite numerous studies on both humans and animal models, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. The review emphasizes the need for further well-designed clinical trials to better understand the role of 5a-RIs in metabolic syndrome progression.
