Involvement of Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling Pathway in Proliferation of Urethral Plate Fibroblasts in Finasteride-Induced Rat Hypospadias

The study investigated the role of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in finasteride-induced hypospadias in rats. Researchers established a hypospadias model using finasteride and confirmed it through HE staining. Urethral plate fibroblasts (UPFs) from normal and modeled rats were analyzed for proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycling. Results showed that finasteride increased UPF proliferation and cell cycling while reducing apoptosis. Inhibitors of MAPK and ERK mitigated these effects. The study concluded that the MAPK/ERK pathway played a significant role in regulating UPF proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycling in finasteride-induced hypospadias.