Finasteride: A New Hope for Heart Health?
Alayaran.com - A common hair loss and prostate treatment might soon find a new role in managing cholesterol levels and reducing heart disease risk, according to recent research. Finasteride, a drug known to the market since 1992, has been traditionally prescribed for conditions like male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, intriguing findings from the University of Illinois suggest it could offer cardiovascular benefits as well.
Dr. Jaume Amengual, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University, was sparked into action by anomalies observed in a national health survey. "When we looked at the men taking finasteride in the survey, their cholesterol levels averaged 30 points lower than men not taking the drug. I thought we’d see the opposite pattern, so it was very interesting," Dr. Amengual noted.
The initial observations were made during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2009 to 2016, which revealed that men on finasteride had significantly lower cholesterol levels. This led to further experimental studies on mice to confirm the drug's impact on cholesterol metabolism.
Donald Molina Chaves, a doctoral student involved in the study, shared that mice given high doses of finasteride showed reduced cholesterol levels in their plasma and arteries, along with decreased lipids and inflammatory markers in the liver. Although the doses used in mice are not directly translatable to human use, these findings have opened up avenues for clinical trials.
Finasteride operates by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked not only to hair loss and prostate growth but also potentially to heart disease through its effects on atherosclerosis.
Interestingly, this research could extend benefits to transgender individuals, who are often prescribed finasteride to manage hair loss during hormone therapy and face a higher risk of heart disease. "This drug could have a potential beneficial effect to prevent cardiovascular disease not only in cis men but also in transgender individuals," Dr. Amengual explained.
However, finasteride isn't without its drawbacks. Users might experience side effects ranging from sexual dysfunction, mood changes, to more severe conditions like Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). Hence, the balance between potential benefits and risks must be carefully considered.
The study, published in the Journal of Lipid Research, marks a significant step towards understanding finasteride's broader health implications. If future clinical trials corroborate these findings, finasteride could become a key player in strategies to prevent heart disease, particularly among at-risk populations.
As research progresses, healthcare providers and patients alike are encouraged to keep an open dialogue regarding finasteride's use, considering both its established benefits and newly discovered potential.
Subscribe to Alayaran.com for more health news and updates.