Finasteride targets prostate vascularity by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell adhesion of benign and malignant

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Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration
08:49

Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration

Published on: May 11, 2016

M Tandy Sutton1, Melissa Yingling, Ash Vyas

  • 1Division of Urology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.

The Prostate
|May 3, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Finasteride, used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), significantly increases prostate apoptosis and reduces vascularity by inhibiting cell adhesion. This suggests finasteride offers both apoptotic and anti-angiogenic benefits for prostate conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Finasteride is a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  • Investigated finasteride's effects on prostate tumor vascularity, apoptosis, and cell adhesion.
  • Evaluated effects both in vivo (patients) and in vitro (cell lines).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the impact of finasteride on prostate apoptosis.
  • To assess finasteride's effect on prostate tumor vascularity.
  • To investigate finasteride's influence on prostate epithelial cell adhesion.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed prostate specimens from BPH patients with and without finasteride treatment.
  • Assessed apoptosis using TUNEL assay and microvessel density via Factor VIII staining.
  • Utilized Hoechst staining and cell adhesion assays in vitro with BPH and prostate cancer cell lines.

Main Results:

  • Finasteride treatment significantly increased the apoptotic index in patient prostates.
  • Reduced microvessel density and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression were observed in treated patients.
  • In vitro, finasteride significantly decreased prostate epithelial cell adhesion.

Conclusions:

  • Finasteride demonstrates apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effects in prostate tissues.
  • Inhibition of epithelial cell adhesion is a key mechanism for finasteride's effects.
  • Findings support finasteride's potential therapeutic role in benign and malignant prostate conditions.

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