TLDR Finasteride blocks progesterone production in specific tumor cells, potentially causing side effects.
The study found that finasteride inhibits progesterone synthesis in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells, but not in human granulosa cells or rat Leydig tumor cells. The inhibition is dose-dependent and occurs at a concentration significantly less than serum concentrations detected in finasteride-treated patients. Finasteride blocks cholesterol side-chain cleavage, which can inhibit steroidogenesis. The effect of finasteride to block cholesterol side-chain cleavage may be species-specific. The study suggests that finasteride may have unique research applications as a probe for the mouse side-chain cleavage enzyme, but also highlights the potential problem of designing 5a-reductase inhibitors that may inhibit more than the expected target enzyme and cause undesired side-effects.
48 citations,
February 2013 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” The protein StAR is found in 17 different organs and can affect hair loss and brain functions, but its full role is not yet fully understood.
18 citations,
January 2001 in “Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry” Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are drugs that can control the effects of androgens in different tissues, potentially having fewer side effects and promising for treating various conditions.
18 citations,
March 2020 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” The enzymes 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase help create brain-active substances from progesterone and testosterone, which could be used for treatment, but more research is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
131 citations,
September 2017 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” The document concludes that blocking the internal pathways that create androgens might help treat cancers that depend on sex hormones.
157 citations,
May 2021 in “Endocrine Reviews” Early diagnosis and individualized treatment improve outcomes for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
