Stephen V. Frye Pages 59 - 84 ( 26 )
The enzyme steroid Sa-reductase (SAR) catalyzes the c nversion of Ll4 steroids to the corresponding saturated steroids and plays a significant role in developmental biology. Dihydrotestosterone, a product of Sa-reduction of testosterone, has been implicated in the pathology of benign prostatic hyperplasia, acne and male pattern baldness. Two isozymes of SAR are now known and the relative roles of these enzymes in developmental physiology and in the pathophysiology of androgen related disorders is the subject of much current research. Progress in the development of potent isozyme selective and dual inhibitors of SAR is reviewed with an emphasis on structure activity relationships as well as efficacy in animal models of benign prostatic hyperplasia and human clinical studies.