Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2002):

[Dihydrotestosterone and the role of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors in benign prostatic hyperplasia]

(Dihydrotestosteron und die Rolle der 5 alpha-Reduktasehemmer bei der benignen Prostatahyperplasie.)

Full Abstract

The genesis of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) depends on two factors: testicular androgen and the aging process. The most important androgen in the prostate is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In the aging male the level of DHT in the prostate remains largely constant although the plasma level of testosterone decreases. DHT is formed by the reduction of testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which has two isoenzymes. The 5-alpha-reductase type 2 is the predominant isoenzyme in genital tissue and thus also in the prostate. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which is applied in the treatment of BHP and male baldness. In the doses used finasteride acts mainly by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase type 2, thereby reducing the serum level of DHT by approximately 70% and by about 85-90% in the prostate. Indeed the effect of finasteride in BPH was proven in clinical studies. However, the circulating and intraprostatic DHT could be further reduced by a more effective dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which would be efficacious in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and other DHT-related disorders.

Author information

Author/s: Bartsch, G (G); Rittmaster, R S (RS); Klocker, H (H);

Affiliation: Urol. Universitätsklinik, Frauen- und Kopfklinik, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck/Osterreich. georg.bartsch(-atsign-)uibk.ac.at

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Der Urologe. Ausg. A (Urologe A), published in Germany. (Language: ger)

Reference: 2002-Sep; vol 41 (issue 5) : pp 412-24

Dates: Created 2002/11/12; Completed 2003/01/23; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 12426858, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adult Aged Azasteroids - adverse effects; therapeutic use Clinical Trials as Topic Dihydrotestosterone - blood Enzyme Inhibitors - adverse effects; therapeutic use Finasteride - adverse effects; therapeutic use

Humans Isoenzymes - antagonists & inhibitors; physiology Male Middle Aged Prostate - drug effects; enzymology Prostatic Hyperplasia - drug therapy; enzymology Testosterone 5-alpha-Reductase - antagonists & inhibitors; physiology

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Azasteroids (0) ; Enzyme Inhibitors (0) ; Isoenzymes (0) ; dutasteride (0) ; Dihydrotestosterone (521-18-6) ; Finasteride (98319-26-7) ; Testosterone 5-alpha-Reductase (EC 1.3.99.5)

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