Mechanism-Based Inhibition of Human Steroid 5α-Reductase by Finasteride: Enzyme-Catalyzed Formation of NADP-Dihydrofinasteride, a Potent Bisubstrate Analog Inhibitor

March 1996 in “ Journal of the American Chemical Society ”

Herbert G. Bull, Margarita Garcia-Calvo, Stefan Andersson, Walter F. Baginsky, H. Karen Chan, Dina E. Ellsworth, Randall F. Miller, Ralph A. Stearns, Raman K. Bakshi, Gary H. Rasmusson, Richard M. Tolman, Robert C. Myers, and John W. Kozarich, Georgianna Harris

finasteride steroid 5α-reductase dihydrotestosterone DHT male pattern baldness androgenic alopecia benign prostatic hyperplasia Propecia Proscar

TLDR Finasteride effectively blocks enzyme causing male pattern baldness.

This scientific paper from 1996 explores the mechanism by which finasteride inhibits human steroid 5α-reductase, an enzyme involved in the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to male pattern baldness. The study found that finasteride acts as a potent bisubstrate analog inhibitor, forming a noncovalent complex with the enzyme that is irreversible and has a dissociation constant of K₁* ≤ 3 × 10-13 M. The study provides important insights into the mechanism of action of finasteride, which is commonly used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

View this study on pubs.acs.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research The Clinical Development of a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, Finasteride

211 citations , November 1990 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”

Finasteride effectively treats BPH, but needs more trials to understand potential.

research Effects of Finasteride (MK-906), a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Androgens in Male Volunteers

147 citations , April 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride safely lowers DHT levels without affecting testosterone.

research Species Differences in Prostatic Steroid 5α-Reductases of Rat, Dog, and Human

193 citations , August 1985 in “Endocrinology”

Different animals have unique versions of the enzyme that changes testosterone into another hormone, which is important for creating effective treatments for prostate and hair loss conditions.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Can I still save my hairline at age of 15?

in General 471 upvotes 1 week ago

A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

community 28M experiencing thinning - first timer here, please help

in Treatments 368 upvotes 2 days ago

A 28-year-old male experiencing hair thinning is considering minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil helps regrow hair, while finasteride prevents further loss; both are usually lifelong treatments.

community risks with finasteride and dutasteride

in Research/Science 137 upvotes 4 months ago

Finasteride and dutasteride have potential risks, including post-finasteride syndrome, but are commonly used for hair loss. RU58841, minoxidil, and needling are suggested as alternatives, though all treatments carry risks.

community Dutasteride SAVES your hair follicles: MAJOR BS on people who say it destroyed their hair permanently.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 156 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses the effectiveness of hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride and dutasteride. The conclusion is that dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels and may be more effective than finasteride for long-term hair retention, with some users reporting personal experiences and side effects.

community Having androgen receptor density and sensitivity at wrong f*ing place

in Satire 7 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

community Creatine Doesn’t Cause Hair Loss: Stop the BS

in Research/Science 137 upvotes 1 month ago

Creatine does not cause hair loss, despite many users reporting personal experiences of hair shedding. Scientific evidence shows no link between creatine and increased hair loss or hormone changes.

Related Research

6 / 6 results

Discovery of a Novel Hybrid from Finasteride and Epristeride as 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

research Mechanism-Based Inhibition of Human Steroid 5α-Reductase by Finasteride: Enzyme-Catalyzed Formation of NADP-Dihydrofinasteride, a Potent Bisubstrate Analog Inhibitor

136 citations , March 1996 in “Journal of the American Chemical Society”

Finasteride effectively blocks enzyme causing male pattern baldness.