TLDR New steroidal compounds moderately block an enzyme related to testosterone conversion, less effectively than finasteride.
In the 2010 study, researchers developed an in vitro method to measure the activity of the 5α-reductase type 1 isozyme using rat liver microsomes and tested the inhibitory effects of novel steroidal oxazolines on this enzyme. These compounds, with derivatized phenyl substituents, showed moderate inhibitory activity compared to finasteride, with the most potent novel inhibitor having an IC50 value of 0.72 µM versus finasteride's 0.0080 µM. The study found that a 2-chlorophenyl substituent increased inhibitory potential, while fluorine decreased it, suggesting these steroidal compounds could be further researched as potential 5α-reductase type 1 inhibitors. The research was supported by the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund and acknowledged contributions from Dr. Zoltán Tuba and Mihály Szécsi.
93 citations,
February 2009 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” 5α‐reductase isozymes are crucial for prostate development and health, and targeting them can help prevent and treat prostate issues.
49 citations,
January 2004 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology/The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology” Selective non-steroidal inhibitors of 5α-reductase type 1 can help treat DHT-related disorders.
21 citations,
January 2003 in “Skin pharmacology and physiology” Different skin cells process testosterone differently, and certain drugs can change this process, possibly helping treat acne and hair loss.
233 citations,
November 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Creating stronger blockers for skin enzymes might lead to better treatment for conditions like acne and excessive hair growth.
20 citations,
February 2002 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents” New research is needed to create better drugs that block the enzyme responsible for conditions like male baldness and prostate enlargement.
237 citations,
December 2001 in “Urology” Blocking the enzyme 5α-reductase can shrink the prostate and help treat enlarged prostate issues.
24 citations,
February 2012 in “Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases” 5α-reductase inhibitors help shrink the prostate, improve urinary symptoms, and may reduce prostate cancer risk.
187 citations,
January 1994 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.
