Methylation And Decreased Expression Of 5-Alpha Reductase 2 In Human Prostate Samples: Implications For Resistance To Therapy For BPH

The study investigated the role of 5-alpha reductase type 2 (5-AR2) in resistance to Finasteride therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In a sample of 21 human prostate tissues, 29% did not express the 5-AR2 protein, and 38% showed methylation in the 5-AR2 promoter region, which correlated with low protein expression. This methylation was linked to resistance to Finasteride, as it inhibits 5-AR2. The study concluded that methylation of the 5-AR2 gene may lead to reduced expression of the protein, explaining why some patients with BPH are resistant to 5-AR2 inhibitors like Finasteride.