Expression of E-SOD, GPX5 mRNAs and Immunoexpression of Cu/ZnSOD in Epididymal Epithelial Cells of Finasteride-Treated Rats

The study investigated the effects of finasteride, a steroid-based inhibitor of 5α-reductase, on the expression of antioxidant enzymes in the epididymal epithelial cells of rats. The researchers found that treatment with finasteride altered the pattern of expression of antioxidant enzymes, including Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD), extracellular superoxide dismutase (E-SOD), and epididymal specific glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5), in the caput and cauda epididymis of rats. The study suggests that finasteride may alter the protective function of the epididymis in relation to spermatozoa.