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Typically 5 alpha-redcutase  turns testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone(DHT), but the enzyme will accept  Finasteride as an alternate substrate; turning it into dihydrofinasteride through an enzyme bound, NADP-dihydrofinasteride adduct. Finasteride is similar in structure to testosterone and 5alpha-reductase has almost the same affinity for both molecules. However, Finasteride , having a high affinity for 5 alpha-reductase, covalently  binds to the enzyme as a Michael acceptor, through a functionally irreversible reaction. However, the NADP-dihydrofinasteride complex breaks down with a half life of about 1 month at 37˚C., which is why patients must continue taking the drug.(.....)
Typically 5 alpha-redcutase  turns testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone(DHT), but the enzyme will accept  Finasteride as an alternate substrate; turning it into dihydrofinasteride through an enzyme bound, NADP-dihydrofinasteride adduct. Finasteride is similar in structure to testosterone and 5alpha-reductase has almost the same affinity for both molecules. However, Finasteride , having a high affinity for 5 alpha-reductase, covalently  binds to the enzyme as a Michael acceptor, through a functionally irreversible reaction. However, the NADP-dihydrofinasteride complex breaks down with a half life of about 1 month at 37˚C., which is why patients must continue taking the drug.(.....)


[[Image:Finasteride mechanism.png|left|430px]]
[[Image:Beta secretase2.png|left|430px]]
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