Finasteride Linked to Lower Cholesterol and Reduced Heart Disease Risk: Study Finds
URBANA, Ill. — A common medication for hair loss and prostate issues may have an unexpected benefit in reducing cholesterol levels and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease, according to recent research from the University of Illinois.
Since its approval in the U.S. in 1992, finasteride has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, a surprising finding by Dr. Jaume Amengual, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, suggests the drug might also play a role in cardiovascular health.
The initial hint of this connection emerged from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2009 to 2016, where Dr. Amengual noted that men taking finasteride had cholesterol levels approximately 30 points lower than their counterparts not on the medication. "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 explained.
To delve deeper into this phenomenon, doctoral student Donald Molina Chaves conducted experiments on mice genetically prone to atherosclerosis, feeding them varying doses of finasteride alongside a diet high in fats and cholesterol. The results were compelling; mice receiving higher doses of finasteride exhibited significantly reduced cholesterol levels in both their plasma and arteries, alongside decreased lipid accumulation and inflammation in the liver.
This research suggests that finasteride's influence on hormone levels, particularly by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), might indirectly affect cholesterol metabolism and inflammation, potentially offering a protective effect against heart disease.
However, while these findings are promising, they come with caveats. The high doses used in the mouse studies are far beyond what would be safely administered to humans. Moreover, finasteride is not without risks, including sexual side effects like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, as well as psychological effects such as depression and anxiety. A rare but noted condition known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) involves persistent symptoms even after discontinuation of the drug.
The implications of this study extend beyond cisgender men, potentially benefiting transgender individuals who are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular issues due to hormone therapy. "This drug could have a potential beneficial effect to prevent cardiovascular disease not only in cis men, but also in transgender individuals," Dr. Amengual noted.
As the research community looks forward to further studies, particularly human clinical trials to confirm these benefits at safe dosages, the potential for finasteride to serve as a dual-purpose medication in heart health prevention is an exciting prospect. However, Dr. Amengual emphasizes the need for cautious optimism and thorough medical consultation due to the drug's side effects.
The study, which could reshape the understanding of finasteride's applications, was published in the Journal of Lipid Research, opening new avenues for research into its cardiovascular benefits.
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