Aromatase-Independent Testosterone Conversion Into Estrogenic Steroids Is Inhibited by a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

The study demonstrated that testosterone could be converted into estrogenic steroids independently of aromatase in both HeLa and MCF-7 cells. This conversion was inhibited by the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride, suggesting that these estrogenic steroids are generated downstream of dihydrotestosterone. The findings indicated that combining a 5α-reductase inhibitor with an aromatase inhibitor might more effectively reduce estrogenic steroids in vivo than using an aromatase inhibitor alone. This research provided insights into potential treatments for estrogen-dependent tumors by targeting both aromatase-dependent and independent pathways.