Effect of Finasteride Treatment in Male Rat: Depressive-Like Behavior and Related Parameters

The study on male rats examined the effects of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, on depressive-like behavior and related parameters. Finasteride treatment for 20 days increased proliferation in the dentate gyrus and reactive microglia, along with elevated TNF-α mRNA levels. After a one-month withdrawal, there was decreased proliferation, reduced granule cell density, increased astrogliosis, and a potential rise in IL-1β mRNA levels, which coincided with depressive-like behavior. Peripheral inflammation showed decreased IL-1β levels post-treatment but increased levels during withdrawal. Alterations in gut microbiota were also observed. These findings suggested that finasteride's long-term effects on depression, neurogenesis, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota might be interconnected, indicating the drug's impact beyond its primary use.