Long-Term Treatment with a 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Alleviates Depression-Like Behavior in Obese Male Rats

August 2024 in “ Behavioural Brain Research ”

Thiraphat Saengmearnuparp, Hiranya Pintana, Nattayaporn Apaijai, Titikorn Chunchai, Chanisa Thonusin, Aphisek Kongkaew, Bannakij Lojanapiwat, Nipon Chattipakorn, Siriporn C. Chattipakorn

5-alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride brain inflammation oxidative stress depressive-like behavior anxiety obesity metabolic disturbances Propecia

TLDR Long-term finasteride treatment reduces depression and brain issues in obese male rats.

The study investigated the effects of long-term finasteride (FIN) treatment and its withdrawal on anxiety/depression and brain pathologies in lean and obese male rats. Forty-eight rats were divided into groups based on diet and treatment. Lean rats treated with FIN showed metabolic disturbances and depressive-like behavior, while obesity alone caused brain inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased anxiety/depression. Notably, long-term FIN treatment in obese rats alleviated depressive-like behaviors and reduced brain inflammation and oxidative stress, indicating potential benefits of FIN in obese conditions.

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