TLDR New targets for making and using brain-synthesized steroids could lead to better treatments for brain disorders and alcoholism.
The 2016 document reviews the significance of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized in the brain and can influence neuronal excitability and gene expression, and their therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. It notes that neurosteroidogenesis is dysregulated in various disorders, including depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and alcoholism, as well as in patients with male pattern hair loss treated with finasteride. The review suggests that modulating neurosteroidogenesis could be a more effective treatment than direct administration of neuroactive steroids due to challenges like low bioavailability and potential side effects. It highlights the translocator protein (TSPO) and the pregnane xenobiotic receptor (PXR) as novel targets for promoting neurosteroidogenesis, which could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. The document also includes a study on transgenic mice that showed changes in behavior and steroid concentrations after progesterone administration, suggesting the importance of neuroactive steroid homeostasis for brain health. Additionally, it discusses the role of neuroactive steroids in alcohol-related behaviors in rats and mice, and the potential for targeting neurosteroidogenesis as a therapeutic approach for alcoholism.
31 citations,
March 2015 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Neuroactive steroids could become safe, effective treatments with more understanding of their complex brain actions and metabolism.
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34 citations,
April 2014 in “Psychopharmacology” Stress and alcohol affect brain chemicals differently in rats, mice, and humans, influenced by genetic differences.
61 citations,
April 2014 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Finasteride affects brain and blood steroids, causing lasting sexual and emotional side effects.
32 citations,
February 2014 in “Psychopharmacology” Dutasteride makes alcohol less sedating and may lead to less drinking in men.
17 citations,
February 2014 in “The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology” 
27 citations,
June 2013 in “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research” Finasteride use may lead to less alcohol consumption in men with lasting sexual side effects.
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134 citations,
June 2005 in “Neuropsychopharmacology” GABRA2 gene variations impact alcohol response, and hair loss medication finasteride reduces some effects.
Early NAS level changes affect alcohol consumption vulnerability.
27 citations,
January 2017 in “Neuropsychopharmacology” The enzyme 5α-reductase is key in causing psychotic-like effects from sleep deprivation.
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December 2020 in “Current Sexual Health Reports” Finasteride can have lasting negative effects on brain function and behavior by disrupting neurosteroid production.
59 citations,
November 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Lower levels of certain brain chemicals are linked to worse PTSD symptoms in men.
April 2021 in “IntechOpen eBooks” Androgens, male hormones, affect physical and mental functions, with a decrease leading to health issues like muscle loss, bone disease, and depression, and more research is needed on long-term effects and treatments.
