Possible Role of Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment in Alleviating Finasteride-Induced Dementia Through Modulation of HOMER-3 Gene Methylation
May 2025
in “
Physiology
”
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Studysummary In this study, researchers found that finasteride induces dysregulation of genes related to neuropsychiatric disorders, including the HOMER-3 gene associated with dementia, and propose exploring craniosacral osteopathic therapy's potential to modulate this gene's methylation profile and alleviate related symptoms. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
This study explores the potential role of craniosacral osteopathic manipulation therapy in alleviating finasteride-induced dementia by modulating the methylation of the HOMER-3 gene, which is associated with cognitive function and dementia. Finasteride, used for treating alopecia and prostatic enlargement, can cause neuropsychiatric disorders, including dementia, by inducing hippocampal atrophy. The research involved culturing human Leydig cells with 0.5 μM finasteride and analyzing DNA methylation, revealing dysregulation of genes linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, including HOMER-3. The study suggests that osteopathic manipulation therapy could potentially treat finasteride-induced dementia by epigenetically modulating the HOMER-3 gene and ameliorating hippocampal atrophy.
