Factors Controlling the Expression of 5α-Reductase in Human Prostate: A Possible New Approach for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

The Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Examining the Evidence and Determining the Risk

“…Immunohistochemical studies have shown a differential distribution of the two isoforms of this enzyme: 5α–reductase type 1 has been shown to be located predominantly in the liver, nongenital skin and scalp and 5α–reductase type 2 has been shown to be located in the genital tissues (prostate, epididymis, seminal vesicles and genital skin), liver and scalp [12, 17]. It has been demonstrated conclusively that both type 1 and type 2 5α–reductase are present and active in the prostate, in both normal and hyperplastic tissue [18, 19, 20], suggesting that both isoforms have a role in regulating prostate function in healthy subjects and patients with BPH. Unfortunately, there is yet no unequivocal data on the relative distribution of both isozymes in the prostate.…”

Effects of 5 alpha reductase inhibitors on androgen-dependent human prostatic carcinoma cells

“…A more effective 5aR inhibitor therapy for BPH and PCa prevention may require blockade of both intraprostatic 5aR2 and peripheral 5aR1 (Lam et al 2003). Since the loss of 5aR activity appears to be correlated with malignancy of PCa, it has been proposed that reduced DHT formation might be one of the pathogenetic factors involved in the development of androgen-resistance (Akalu et al 1999;Habib et al 1999). In addition, T can also be aromatized to estradiol (E2) by aromatase (Aro).…”