5alpha-reductase


After Aromatase, most people will probably be familiar with this particular enzyme - 5alpha-reductase. It is probably the second most commonly discussed enzyme amongst bodybuilders and athletes. Now, this enzyme can do only one thing. It has one metabolic reaction and nothing other. Essentially 5alpha-reductase will convert a steroid with a double bond between carbon 4 and carbon 5 to one with a single bond between them, whilst adding a hydrogen to each carbon, so as to keep the total number of bonds correct.


What does this actually mean to me? Well, this essentially means that 5alpha-reductase will convert something like nandrolone into DHN or testosterone into DHT. It is however, chemically impossible to convert Winstrol or Anadrol, as it is physically and chemically impossible, despite what some uninformed will try to tell you. The only chemical exception to the rule here is that of the very popular drug Dianabol. Now, Dianabol does have a double bond at the carbon 4 and 5 position, although it is nonetheless not converted by the 5alpha-reductase enzyme.


There are two forms of 5AR that exist, Type 1 and Type 2 Isozymes. Type 2 is present in the prostate. Type 1 is present in the scalp and skin. Proscar is a very good inhinbitor of the Type 2 Isozyme for the prostate. Whereas it is very poor for the Type 1 isozyme. There are a number of experimental compounds being developed to inhibit the Type 2 5AR Isozyme, such as MK-386, which will in turn be likely used in the treatment of acne or male pattern baldness, however their availability on the market is limited. You will probably be aware already to some degree that Proscar is recommended and highly used amongst bodybuilders to prevent the negative effects of increased DHT from those steroids that readily convert to DHT by this enzyme. These side effects include the thinning and receeding of the hair line and the aforementioned male-pattern baldness.