The Effects of Finasteride on Apoptosis, Antioxidants, and Cytokines in Experimental Diabetic Rats

This study investigated the effects of finasteride on apoptosis, oxidative stress, antioxidants, and cytokines in an experimental diabetes model using 32 male rats. The rats were divided into four groups: control, finasteride, diabetes, and diabetes+finasteride. The study found that diabetes increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while decreasing total antioxidant status (TAS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, the diabetes+finasteride group showed decreased levels of MDA, NO, IL-6, and TNF-α, and increased TAS and SOD levels compared to the diabetes group. Finasteride also suppressed apoptosis by downregulating Bax and inducing Bcl-2 expression in the liver and kidney. Overall, finasteride ameliorated histopathological changes, reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, and enhanced the antioxidant defense system in diabetic rats. The study concludes that finasteride may have protective effects in diabetic conditions, but human trials are necessary before clinical application.