Inhibition of Rat Alpha-Reductases by Finasteride: Evidence for Isozyme Differences in the Mechanism of Inhibition

    April 1997 in “ The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ”
    B. Azzolina, Kenneth P. Ellsworth, Sture Andersson, Geissler W, Herbert G. Bull, Gerald F. Harris
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    TLDR Finasteride effectively blocks rat enzymes, but with varying methods and strength.
    The study investigated the mechanism of inhibition of rat α-reductases by finasteride, a drug commonly used to treat hair loss. The researchers found that finasteride is a potent inhibitor of both types 1 and 2 5xR in rats, but there are species differences in the inhibition by finasteride in both potency and mechanism. The study provides evidence for isozyme differences in the mechanism of inhibition of rat α-reductases by finasteride, which may have implications for the clinical use of finasteride in the treatment of hair loss and other conditions.
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      The DHT itch is linked to hair loss and persists despite finasteride use; switching to dutasteride helped alleviate the itch and promoted regrowth. Some users suggest seborrheic dermatitis as a cause and recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, vitamin D, and minoxidil.
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      in Research  330 upvotes 1 year ago
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