New Research Unveils Surprising Heart Health Benefits of Finasteride
Urbana, IL - A commonly used drug for treating hair loss and prostate enlargement, finasteride, may also have significant benefits in reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease, according to recent studies conducted at the University of Illinois.
Since its introduction in the U.S. in 1992, finasteride has been recognized primarily for its effectiveness in managing androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, a surprising twist has emerged from research led by Dr. Jaume Amengual, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.
Dr. Amengual's curiosity was piqued after analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2016), which revealed that men on finasteride had cholesterol levels approximately 30 points lower than those not taking the drug. "I thought we’d see the opposite pattern, so it was very interesting," Dr. Amengual commented.
To further investigate, his team conducted experiments on mice genetically predisposed to atherosclerosis, feeding them high doses of finasteride alongside a diet rich in fats and cholesterol. "Mice that were given a high dose of finasteride showed lower cholesterol levels within the plasma as well as in the arteries," said Donald Molina Chaves, a doctoral student involved in the study.
The findings suggest that finasteride could potentially lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation and plaque buildup in arteries, which are key factors in preventing heart disease. This effect is believed to be linked to finasteride's action on testosterone, specifically by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which influences not only hair growth but also cholesterol metabolism.
Interestingly, this research could extend benefits to transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy, who often face an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. "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, highlighting the drug's dual potential in managing both hair loss and heart health risks during gender transition.
However, finasteride does come with potential side effects, including sexual dysfunction, mood changes, and in rare cases, liver enzyme alterations. A small subset of users might experience persistent symptoms even after discontinuing the drug, a condition known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS).
The implications of this research are significant, but further human clinical trials are necessary to confirm these cholesterol-lowering effects at typical therapeutic doses. If validated, finasteride might be considered in preventive strategies against heart disease, particularly for at-risk populations.
This study was published in the Journal of Lipid Research, opening a new chapter in the potential applications of a long-standing medication.
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