Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have made a groundbreaking discovery about the drug finasteride, traditionally used to treat male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate. Their study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2009 and 2016, has revealed that finasteride may have the potential to improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study, led by Jaume Amengual, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, found that men using finasteride had significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to those not on the medication. Further experiments on mice supported these findings, showing reductions in plasma cholesterol, delayed progression of atherosclerosis, and decreased liver inflammation, among other positive outcomes.
Despite the promising results, the study faced limitations due to its observational nature and the small sample size of men over 50 who reported using finasteride. However, these findings have paved the way for further research into the drug’s effects on heart health, aiming to understand the underlying mechanisms behind its benefits.
Amengual’s interest in finasteride stemmed from its mechanism of action, particularly its role in blocking a protein that activates testosterone, a hormone suspected to play a part in atherosclerosis. This connection led the research team to explore the potential impact of finasteride beyond its known uses for hair loss and prostate health.
Donald Molina Chaves, a doctoral student working with Amengual, conducted experiments on mice predisposed to atherosclerosis, feeding them varying doses of finasteride alongside a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet. The results showed that mice given a high dose of finasteride exhibited lower cholesterol levels in the plasma and arteries as well as reduced lipids and inflammatory markers in the liver.
The implications of this study go beyond just men with hair loss or prostate issues. Amengual pointed out that finasteride could offer potential benefits for transgender individuals undergoing hormonal transitions, who are at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. This highlights the broad range of individuals who could potentially benefit from the cholesterol-lowering effects of finasteride.
As the medical community explores this unexpected benefit of finasteride, future studies, including potential clinical trials, could further verify its effects on heart health. This opens up new possibilities for the application of finasteride in healthcare, emphasizing its potential role in preventing heart problems and cardiovascular disease in various populations.
The full study, published in the Journal of Lipid Research, underscores the importance of re-evaluating existing medications for novel therapeutic uses, offering hope to individuals beyond those traditionally targeted by the drug. This research not only adds a new dimension to the benefits of finasteride but also sets the stage for future investigations into its role in improving heart health.