#13 Research Paper on Finasteride and Kidney Health: Animal Study Highlights Potential Risks for Individuals with Compromised Kidney Function
Mirza Saim Baig, Agnieszka Kolasa-Wolosiuk, Anna Pilutin, Krzysztof Safranow, Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka, Joanna Kabat-Koperska and Barbara Wiszniewska (2019) Finasteride-Induced Inhibition of 5α-Reductase Type 2 Could Lead to Kidney Damage-Animal, Experimental Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 16, 1726.
This summary examines a study investigating the potential link between finasteride and kidney damage. Finasteride is a medication commonly used to treat enlarged prostate (BPH) and hair loss by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. While generally considered safe, concerns exist regarding its impact on kidney health.
Key Highlights:
Hormone Levels: Finasteride administration (5 mg/kg body weight) for 4-5 months significantly reduced blood levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and 17β-estradiol in rats.
Androgen Receptor Expression: Finasteride treatment also led to a marked decrease in androgen receptor expression in rat kidneys.
Kidney Damage Indicators: Several indicators of kidney damage were observed in finasteride-treated rats, including altered intercellular junction proteins, increased apoptosis, elevated IL-6 expression and fibrosis progression
