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11β-Hydroxyandrostenedione Returns to the Steroid Arena: Biosynthesis, Metabolism and Function

Authors :
Liezl M. Bloem
Karl-Heinz Storbeck
Lindie Schloms
Amanda C. Swart
Source :
Molecules, Vol 18, Iss 11, Pp 13228-13244 (2013)
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2013.

Abstract

The biological significance of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4) has eluded researchers for the past six decades. It is now known that 11OHA4 is biosynthesized in the androgen arm of the adrenal steroidogenesis pathway and subsequently metabolized by steroidogenic enzymes in vitro, serving as precursor to recognized and novel androgenic steroids. These in vitro findings extend beyond the adrenal, suggesting that 11OHA4 could be metabolized in steroid-responsive peripheral tissues, as is the case for androgen precursor metabolites of adrenal origin. The significance thereof becomes apparent when considering that the metabolism of 11OHA4 in LNCaP androgen dependent prostate cancer cells yields androgenic steroid metabolites. It is thus possible that 11OHA4 may be metabolized to yield ligands for steroid receptors in not only the prostate but also in other steroid-responsive tissues. Future investigations of 11OHA4 may therefore characterize it as a vital steroid with far-reaching physiological consequences. An overview of the research on 11OHA4 since its identification in 1953 will be presented, with specific focus on the most recent works that have advanced our understanding of its biological role, thereby underscoring its relevance in health and disease.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14203049
Volume :
18
Issue :
11
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Molecules
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.52beece96129446292afdb8163f93ad4
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules181113228