Chronic Exposure With 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Ameliorates Anxiety and Depression-Like Behaviors by Reducing Systemic Oxidative Stress in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Male Rats

    December 2023 in “ Alzheimer's & dementia ”
    Hiranya Pintana, Thiraphat Saengmearnuparp, Nattayaporn Apaijai, Titikorn Chunchai, Bannakij Lojanapiwat, Nipon Chattipakorn, Nipon Chattipakorn
    TLDR Finasteride may help reduce anxiety and depression in elderly but might cause depression in young men.
    The study investigated the effects of finasteride (Fin), a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, on anxiety and depression-like behaviors in D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging male rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, with one group receiving D-gal to induce aging. At week 13, each group was further divided to receive either Fin or a vehicle. The results showed that D-gal increased systemic oxidative stress and induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Fin treatment in D-gal rats reduced these behaviors, likely due to decreased oxidative stress. However, Fin also caused metabolic disturbances and depression-like behaviors in control rats. The findings suggest potential therapeutic use of Fin for anxiety and depression in the elderly, but caution is advised for its use in young men due to possible depressive effects.
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