5α-Reductase Isoenzymes: From Neurosteroid Biosynthesis to Neuropsychiatric Outcomes - PubMed
11 hours ago
- #neurosteroids
- #pharmacology
- #mental-health
- 5α-reductase (5α-R) isozymes are crucial for androgen metabolism and neurosteroid biosynthesis.
- Three isozymes (SRD5A1, SRD5A2, SRD5A3) have distinct tissue distributions and functions.
- SRD5A1 is widely expressed in the liver, skin, and CNS, aiding in allopregnanolone synthesis.
- SRD5A2 is primarily found in androgen-dependent tissues, influencing prostate development and alopecia.
- SRD5A3 is linked to glycosylation processes and oncogenesis.
- Impaired neurosteroidogenesis due to 5α-R inhibition may contribute to anxiety, depression, and suicidality.
- Recent pharmacovigilance data support associations between 5α-R inhibitors and persistent psychiatric/sexual side effects (post-finasteride syndrome).
- Patient counseling, monitoring, and further research are needed to identify at-risk individuals and improve personalized medicine.