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Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
Finasteride delays atherosclerosis progression in mice and is associated with a reduction in plasma cholesterol in
Patrick McQueen1, Donald Molina2, Ivan Pinos1
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Finasteride is commonly prescribed to treat benign prostate hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness in cis men and, more recently, trans individuals. However, the effect of finasteride on cardiovascular disease remains elusive. We evaluated the role of finasteride on atherosclerosis using low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice. Next, we examined the relevance to humans by analyzing the data deposited between 2009 and 2016 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We show that finasteride reduces total plasma cholesterol and delays the development of atherosclerosis in Ldlr-/- mice. Finasteride reduced monocytosis, monocyte recruitment to the lesion, macrophage lesion content, and necrotic core area, the latter of which is an indicator of plaque vulnerability in humans. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a downregulation of inflammatory pathways and an upregulation of bile acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and cholesterol pathways in the liver of mice taking finasteride. Men reporting the use of finasteride showed lower plasma levels of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol than those not taking the drug. Our data unveil finasteride as a potential treatment to delay cardiovascular disease in people by improving the plasma lipid profile.
Insights
Finasteride may help prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol and reducing atherosclerosis development. This study investigated its effects in mice and human health data, revealing potential benefits for heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Finasteride is widely used for benign prostate hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness.
- Its impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, particularly atherosclerosis, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of finasteride on atherosclerosis.
- To determine finasteride's potential role in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Main Methods:
- Utilized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice to model atherosclerosis.
- Analyzed human data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2016).
- Performed RNA sequencing on mouse liver tissue.
Main Results:
- Finasteride reduced total plasma cholesterol and delayed atherosclerosis progression in Ldlr-/- mice.
- Observed decreased monocytosis, macrophage infiltration, and necrotic core area in mouse lesions.
- Identified finasteride-induced changes in liver gene expression, including altered inflammatory and cholesterol pathways.
- Human data showed lower cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in men using finasteride.
Conclusions:
- Finasteride demonstrates potential in mitigating atherosclerosis development and progression.
- The drug improves lipid profiles, suggesting a role in cardiovascular disease risk reduction.
- Finasteride may offer a therapeutic strategy for delaying cardiovascular disease in humans.
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