TLDR Finasteride temporarily suppresses brain activity, but some effects last even after stopping.
This study on male Wistar rats examined the effects of finasteride on brain tissue, focusing on 5-alpha reductase (5AR) and c-Fos protein expression. Twenty-four rats were divided into control, finasteride-treated, and finasteride-withdrawn groups. Finasteride administration significantly reduced 5AR type 2 and c-Fos protein levels, indicating suppressed neural activity. After discontinuation, 5AR type 1 and c-Fos levels rebounded, suggesting temporary suppression of neural activity that could be relieved by restoring 5AR type 1 expression. However, 5AR type 2 levels remained low even after withdrawal, indicating a prolonged effect of finasteride on this enzyme. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the detailed mechanisms of 5AR in brain tissue.
The conversation discusses how different factors can stimulate type 1 and type 2 isoforms of 5-alphareductase, which are enzymes linked to hair loss. Specific treatments mentioned include oral Dutasteride and topical Finasteride.
The conversation discusses that dutasteride may be more effective than finasteride for frontal hair loss due to higher 5arType 1 enzyme activity in that area. Some users question the validity of this information, while others confirm it with additional sources.
Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.
Finasteride not only inactivates the 5a reductase enzyme but also affects the 5b reductase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, which can impact sexual behavior and brain activity. The user experienced significant hair regrowth and side effects on 1mg of finasteride, which diminished after reducing the dose to 0.5mg, leading to no side effects and further hair improvement.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for hair loss, especially at the crown and midscalp, but both have similar side-effect profiles with low incidence of sexual adverse events. Improvement is measured visually, and significant results may take over 12 months to appear.
