Effects of the Anti-Androgen Finasteride on 5α-Reduction of Androgens in the Presence of Progesterone in Human Gingival Fibroblasts: Modulatory Actions of the Alkaline Phosphatase Inhibitor Levamisole
August 2000
in “
Journal of Periodontal Research
”
TLDR Finasteride reduces testosterone conversion, progesterone lessens this, and levamisole enhances finasteride's effect.
A study investigated the effects of finasteride on androgen reduction in human gingival fibroblasts with progesterone. The study found that finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT in human gingival fibroblasts, but this inhibition is reduced in the presence of progesterone. Levamisole enhances the inhibitory effect of finasteride on DHT production. The study suggests that finasteride targets 5α-reductase activity in gingival fibroblasts, and levamisole can modulate the effects of finasteride. These findings may have potential therapeutic implications for androgen-related conditions in the gingiva.
