5α-reductase type 2 gene variant associations with prostate cancer risk, circulating hormone levels and androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Controversy exists over the significance of associations between the SRD5A2 (5α-reductase type 2) polymorphisms, A49T and V89L, and risk of prostate cancer. These potentially functional polymorphisms may alter life-long exposure to androgens with subsequent effects on male health and aging. The aim of this study was to examine the association of these variants with prostate cancer risk, plasma hormone levels and androgenetic alopecia. Subjects include 827 cases and 736 controls from an Australian population-based case-control study of prostate cancer. Information on prostate cancer risk factors and patterns of balding were collected. Plasma levels of testosterone, 3α-diol glucuronide (3α-dio..