Protective effects of finasteride on the pulmonary immune response in a combined model of trauma-hemorrhage and polymicrobial sepsis in mice

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Literature supports findings about a gender specific outcome following multiple trauma. Male sex hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exert deleterious effects on the posttraumatic immune response whereas increased estradiol concentrations are correlated with improved outcome. Pretreatment with the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride resulted in an improved outcome following trauma-hemorrhage (TH) in mice. The present study tested the hypothesis that finasteride exerts beneficial effects on the posttraumatic immune response also in a combined setting of TH and sepsis when administered during the resuscitation process. Material and MethodsMale C57BL/6N-mice were subjected to TH (blood pressure, 35mm Hg, 60min) followed by finasteride application and fluid resuscitation. Thereafter, finasteride was administered every 12h. 24h after TH, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation was performed. Plasma cytokines (MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6), productive capacity by alveolar macrophages (AM) and systemic estradiol levels were determined 4h thereafter. The expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in lung tissue was evaluated by PCR. Pulmonary infiltration of PMN was determined by immunohistochemical staining. ResultsFinasteride treatment resulted in a reduced posttraumatic cytokine secretion of AM as well as in a decreased concentration of MCP-1 and MIP-1β in lung tissue. Systemic estradiol levels were increased following finasteride treatment. ConclusionFinasteride mediates salutary effects on the pulmonary immune response using a therapeutical approach following TH–CLP in mice. Thus, finasteride might represent a relevant therapeutic substance following major trauma also in the clinical setting.