LINCS Dataset-Based Repositioning of Dutasteride as an Anti-Neuroinflammation Agent

October 2021 in “ Brain Sciences ”

Dan Luo, Lu Han, Shengqiao Gao, Zhiyong Xiao, Qingru Zhou, Xiaorui Cheng, Yongxiang Zhang, Wenxia Zhou

dutasteride 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor Avodart

Studysummary This study reported that dutasteride, identified through a drug repurposing strategy, showed the potential to reduce neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in LPS-stimulated models.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study investigated the repositioning of dutasteride, a 5-α-reductase inhibitor, as a potential treatment for neuroinflammation using the LINCS dataset. Dutasteride was identified as a top candidate for its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and was shown to significantly reduce inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In vivo experiments in mice demonstrated that dutasteride decreased IL-6 levels in the hippocampus and plasma, reduced microglia activation, and improved cognitive impairments. These findings suggested that dutasteride could be a promising therapeutic option for neuroinflammation-related diseases, offering an alternative to traditional NSAIDs. Further research was recommended to explore the mechanisms of its effects.

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research Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Finasteride and Dutasteride Use: It's Time to Sound the Alarm

17 citations , January 2020 in “The World Journal of Men's Health”

This article discusses the potential health risks associated with long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride for prostate and hair loss treatments, suggesting risks may include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues.

research Repeated Finasteride Administration Induces Depression-Like Behavior in Adult Male Rats

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This study found that repeated finasteride administration in male Wistar rats led to increased depression-like behavior, suggesting an animal model for investigating finasteride's neuropsychiatric effects is viable.

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This study found that finasteride treatment in male rats led to enduring effects on depressive-like behavior, hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota composition after withdrawal.

research The 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride Exerts Neuroprotection Against Ischemic Brain Injury in Aged Male Rats

14 citations , March 2018 in “Translational Stroke Research”

In this animal study, researchers found that finasteride may offer neuroprotective benefits as a post-ischemic treatment for strokes in aged male rats, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in this context.

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This study found that dutasteride may offer neuroprotection in early-stage Parkinson's disease by preventing loss of striatal dopamine and altering steroid levels in MPTP-lesioned mice.

research Investigation of the Plausibility of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Syndrome

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This review examines medical literature on postfinasteride syndrome and reports no new results; the authors call for more controlled studies on permanent sexual dysfunction and mood changes linked to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

research The 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Dutasteride but Not Finasteride Protects Dopamine Neurons in the MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

27 citations , May 2015 in “Neuropharmacology”

This study found that Dutasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, demonstrated neuroprotective effects by preventing the MPTP-induced decline of dopaminergic markers in a Parkinson's disease mouse model.

research Dutasteride for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

24 citations , June 2013 in “Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy”

This review found dutasteride to be effective, safe, and well-tolerated for treating symptomatic BPH and provides expert commentary on its use, though the relationship with high-grade prostate cancer remains unclear.

The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that dutasteride increased scalp hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss, particularly at a 2.5 mg dose, and was more effective than finasteride over 24 weeks.