PSSD Research: Let’s ask Baylor for gene expression analysis?

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Youcanwin
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PSSD Research: Let’s ask Baylor for gene expression analysis?

Unread post by Youcanwin »

What is the possibility to start research, funded by the PSSD community, to start researching the underlying mechanisms, and evaluating the gene expression of androgens in PSSD patients?

It’s been far too long with forum-science and quacks that are no where near capable of solving PSSD on their own - we need research.

I am willing to contact Baylor and other universities to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid of PSSD patients, provided we can get the funding, this would be a huge upside for us - we’d know what went wrong. For instance, the recent Baylor study showed epigenetic changes in nearly 4,000 genes, with a clear overexpression in the androgen receptors. What do you guys say?
Numbtomind 2
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Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2019 9:41 pm
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Re: PSSD Research: Let’s ask Baylor for gene expression analysis?

Unread post by Numbtomind 2 »

I'm all for it. Let's get the ball rolling, I want to see some progress in the next 6 months. Early 2022
75mg Clomipramine. june-july 2018
(Anxiety/Ocd)

Current symtoms I'm experiencing.
Emotional numbness, Pleasurless activities, Complete sexual system shutdown.
JLo22
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Re: PSSD Research: Let’s ask Baylor for gene expression analysis?

Unread post by JLo22 »

Highlights of research on post-finasteride syndrome
18 Aug 2021
The most active research program on post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) is that of Dr. Roberto Cosimo Melcangi at University of Milan. The lab group, also including Drs. Silvia Giatti and Silvia Diviccaro, have published 12 papers related to PFS since 2013. As a neuroendocrinologist, Dr. Melcangi investigates the role of neuroactive steroids in cognitive function, behavior and sexual function.
The lab has explored whether PFS symptoms may be explained by altered levels of neuroactive steroids. A 2015 paper found altered levels of neuroactive steroids in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of male post-finasteride patients compared to controls [1]. A 2019 paper found that in 56% of patients with PFS, the gene coding for 5-alpha reductase—the enzyme which finasteride inhibits—was methylated [2]. Methylation refers to additional chemical groups that interfere with gene transcription.
A 2016 study investigated levels of neuroactive steroids and expression of steroid receptors in rats treated with finasteride. While taking the drug and 30 days after discontinuing it, rats had altered levels of certain neuroactive steroids as well as altered gene expression of certain subunits of the GABA-A receptor, which is involved in inhibition of neurons.
Two papers from the lab of Mohit Khera at Baylor College of Medicine (USA) were recently published. One found penile vascular abnormalities in young men with PFS [4]. Another study analyzed gene expression in penile tissue. The investigators found altered expression of genes which corresponded to certain symptoms of the syndrome [5]. Some genes were overexpressed, including the androgen receptor, while others were underexpressed.
Both the Khera study and recent work from the Melcangi lab have focused on altered gene expression as a possible explanation of PFS. When gene expression is altered, the body cannot make certain proteins as accurately or easily. This could be a factor in certain sexual, psychological or other symptoms (depending on where the alterations are, from brain to cerebrospinal fluid to tissue). These recent studies represent progress towards understanding PFS, but more systematic research is needed to test the gene expression hypothesis.
References
1. Caruso D, Abbiati F, Giatti S, et al. Patients treated for male pattern hair with finasteride show, after discontinuation of the drug, altered levels of neuroactive steroids in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2015;146:74-79. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.03.012. PMID: 24717976.
2. Melcangi RC, Casarini L, Marino M, et al. Altered methylation pattern of the SRD5A2 gene in the cerebrospinal fluid of post-finasteride patients: a pilot study. Endocr Connect. 2019;8(8):1118-1125. doi:10.1530/EC-19-0199 | PubMed
3. Giatti S, Foglio B, Romano S, et al. Effects of Subchronic Finasteride Treatment and Withdrawal on Neuroactive Steroid Levels and Their Receptors in the Male Rat Brain. Neuroendocrinology. 2016;103(6):746-757. doi:10.1159/000442982 | PubMed
4. Khera M, Than JK, Anaissie J, et al. Penile vascular abnormalities in young men with persistent side effects after finasteride use for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Transl Androl Urol. 2020;9(3):1201-1209. doi: 10.21037/tau.2020.03.21. PMID: 32676403.
5. Howell S, Song W, Pastuszak A, Khera M. Differential Gene Expression in Post-Finasteride Syndrome Patients. J Sex Med. 2021 Jul 8:S1743-6095(21)00513-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.009. PMID: 34247957.
Youcanwin
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Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2021 2:26 pm
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Re: PSSD Research: Let’s ask Baylor for gene expression analysis?

Unread post by Youcanwin »

Let’s do it. Let this generate as much attention as possible, for us to give this the true attention it deserves.
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