Description
Finasteride is an inhibitor of steroid 5-α-reductase that decreases metabolism of testosterone, decreasing cell proliferation and fluid production in the prostate; it is clinically used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness. Finasteride also exhibits antifungal and anticancer chemotherapeutic activities. Finasteride inhibits growth of Candida. Additionally, finasteride suppresses regrowth of regressed prostate tumors and inhibits cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro in short term application models.
References
Chavez-Dozal AA, Lown L, Jahng M, et al. An in vitro analysis of finasteride activity against Candida albicans urinary biofilm formation and filamentation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2014 Jul 21. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 25049253.
Masoodi KZ, Ramos Garcia R, Pascal LE, et al. 5α-reductase inhibition suppresses testosterone-induced initial regrowth of regressed xenograft prostate tumors in animal models. Endocrinology. 2013 Jul;154(7):2296-307. PMID: 23671262.
Zager MG, Barton HA. A multiscale, mechanism-driven, dynamic model for the effects of 5α-reductase inhibition on prostate maintenance. PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e44359. PMID: 22970204.
