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Fertility and Sterility Apr 2002To describe the sources, production rates, circulating concentrations, and regulatory mechanisms of the major androgen precursors and androgens in women. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To describe the sources, production rates, circulating concentrations, and regulatory mechanisms of the major androgen precursors and androgens in women.
DESIGN
Review of the major published literature.
RESULT(S)
Quantitatively, women secrete greater amounts of androgen than of estrogen. The major circulating steroids generally classified as androgens include dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), and dihydrotestosterone in descending order of serum concentration, though only the latter two bind the androgen receptor. The other three steroids are better considered as pro-androgens. Dehydroepiandrosterone is primarily an adrenal product, regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and acting as a precursor for the peripheral synthesis of more potent androgens. Dehydroepiandrosterone is produced by both the ovary and adrenal, as well as being derived from circulating DHEAS. Androstenedione and testosterone are products of the ovary and the adrenal. Testosterone circulates both in its free form, and bound to protein including albumin and sex steroid hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), the levels of which are an important determinant of free testosterone concentration.
CONCLUSION(S)
The postmenopausal ovary is an androgen-secreting organ and the levels of testosterone are not directly influenced by the menopausal transition or the occurrence of menopause. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is primarily a peripheral product of testosterone metabolism. Severe androgen deficiency occurs in hypopituitarism, but other causes may lead to androgen deficiency, including Addison's disease, corticosteroid therapy, chronic illness, estrogen replacement (leads to elevated SHBG and, therefore, low free testosterone), premenopausal ovarian failure, or oophorectomy.
Topics: Androgens; Androstenedione; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; Dihydrotestosterone; Female; Humans; Ovary; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; Testosterone
PubMed: 12007895
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)02985-0 -
American Journal of Men's Health Nov 2016An increasing number of men are being diagnosed with hypogonadism. While many benefit from testosterone supplementation therapy, others who do not meet the criteria for... (Review)
Review
An increasing number of men are being diagnosed with hypogonadism. While many benefit from testosterone supplementation therapy, others who do not meet the criteria for hormone supplementation have turned to dietary adjuncts as a way or gaining improvements in libido, energy, and physical performance. These oral adjunct medications include controlled substances such as androstenedione, androstenediol as well as other "over-the-counter" options like DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and herbal remedies like Tribulus terrestris This review will focus on the use of these adjunct medications in isolation, or in combination with testosterone supplementation therapy as well as the biochemical nature of the supplements, the results of scientific trials as well as the side effects that limit their use. At the end of this review, physicians will have an improved understanding of the popular testosterone adjuncts being used currently as well as the availability of these substances and how they are used.
Topics: Androstenediol; Androstenedione; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Dietary Supplements; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Hypogonadism; Male; Quality of Life; Testosterone; Time Factors
PubMed: 26272885
DOI: 10.1177/1557988315598554 -
Journal of Endocrinological... Aug 2022The aim of this study was to examine the hormonal profile in early-pubertal girls with obesity. We hypothesized that these patients might already present hormonal...
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to examine the hormonal profile in early-pubertal girls with obesity. We hypothesized that these patients might already present hormonal alterations with POCS-like features.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study in a sample of 283 peri-pubertal girls (prepubertal and early-puberty subgroups), aged 6.1-12.0 years, diagnosed with obesity (BMI-SDS > 2.0, 97th percentile), so-called obesity group. They all underwent clinical examination and blood testing for hormonal measurements (leptin, TSH, FT4, IGF-1, IGFBP3, prolactin, insulin, FSH, LH, estradiol, ACTH, cortisol, 17-OH-P, DHE-S, androstenedione, testosterone and free testosterone). A control group was recruited: 243 healthy girls, aged 6.3-12.1 years, with normal BMI status.
RESULTS
Prepubertal girls with obesity had significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for BMI-SDS, leptin, insulin and HOMA-IR levels than control group. Early-pubertal girls with obesity also had significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for BMI-SDS, leptin, IGF-1, IGFBP3, insulin and HOMA-IR, LH, ratio LH/FSH, ACTH, DHE-S, androstenedione, testosterone and free testosterone levels than control group. In early-pubertal girls with obesity (not prepubertal girls), there was a positive correlation (p < 0.01) between leptin levels with LH, androstenedione and testosterone, and HOMA-IR with LH and testosterone levels. There was also a positive correlation (p < 0.01) between IGF-1 levels with LH, androstenedione, DHE-S and testosterone; and LH levels with testosterone.
CONCLUSION
The results obtained support our hypothesis that an abnormal hormonal profile with POCS-like features can already be detected (insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, increased secretion of LH and ACTH, and overproduction of ovarian and adrenal androgens) in early-pubertal girls with obesity.
Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Androgens; Androstenedione; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Obesity; Puberty; Puberty, Precocious; Testosterone
PubMed: 35412268
DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01797-4 -
Bulletin Du Cancer Oct 1999Aromatase inhibitors used in breast cancer, are drugs that inhibit the transformation of androstenedione and testosterone, respectively in estradiol and estrone. Two... (Review)
Review
Aromatase inhibitors used in breast cancer, are drugs that inhibit the transformation of androstenedione and testosterone, respectively in estradiol and estrone. Two classes have been described: steroidal inhibitors which act competitively and irreversibly and non steroidal inhibitors which block the P 450 cytochrome. The first one is aminoglutethimide which has an adrenal effect on 11, 18 and 21 hydroxylase. Rogletimide, less powerful and less specific is a aminoglutethimide analogue. The response rates obtained with formestane is not different. The clinical development has been stopped due to a lack of specificity. Letrozole, vorozole, exemestane and anastrozole are more powerful and more specific. Letrozole and vorozole are at least as efficient and better tolerated than aminoglutéthimide. Anastrozole, letrozole and vorozole are at least as efficient as megestrol acetate and better tolerated in advanced breast cancer patients receiving a second line hormone therapy.
Topics: Aminoglutethimide; Anastrozole; Androstadienes; Androstenedione; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Aromatase Inhibitors; Breast Neoplasms; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors; Enzyme Inhibitors; Estrogen Antagonists; Estrone; Female; Humans; Letrozole; Nitriles; Triazoles
PubMed: 10572233
DOI: No ID Found -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2022Androstenedione (AD) is a key intermediate in the body's steroid metabolism, used as a precursor for several steroid substances, such as testosterone, estradiol, ethinyl... (Review)
Review
Androstenedione (AD) is a key intermediate in the body's steroid metabolism, used as a precursor for several steroid substances, such as testosterone, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, testolactone, progesterone, cortisone, cortisol, prednisone, and prednisolone. The world market for AD and ADD (androstadienedione) exceeds 1000 tons per year, which stimulates the pharmaceutical industry's search for newer and cheaper raw materials to produce steroidal compounds. In light of this interest, we aimed to investigate the progress of AD biosynthesis from phytosterols by prospecting scientific articles (Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases) and patents (USPTO database). A wide variety of articles and patents involving AD and phytosterol were found in the last few decades, resulting in 108 relevant articles (from January 2000 to December 2021) and 23 patents of interest (from January 1976 to December 2021). The separation of these documents into macro, meso, and micro categories revealed that most studies (articles) are performed in China (54.8%) and in universities (76%), while patents are mostly granted to United States companies. It also highlights the fact that AD production studies are focused on "process improvement" techniques and on possible modifications of the "microorganism" involved in biosynthesis (64 and 62 documents, respectively). The most-reported "process improvement" technique is "chemical addition" (40%), which means that the addition of solvents, surfactants, cofactors, inducers, ionic liquids, etc., can significantly increase AD production. Microbial genetic modifications stand out in the "microorganism" category because this strategy improves AD yield considerably. These documents also revealed the main aspects of AD and ADD biosynthesis: sp. (basonym: sp.) (40%) and (known previously as ) (32%) are the most recurrent species studied. Microbial incubation temperatures can vary from 29 °C to 37 °C; incubation can last from 72 h to 14 days; the mixture is agitated at 140 to 220 rpm; vegetable oils, mainly soybean, can be used as the source of a mixture of phytosterols. In general, the results obtained in the present technological prospecting study are fundamental to mapping the possibilities of AD biosynthesis process optimization, as well as to identifying emerging technologies and methodologies in this scenario.
Topics: Androgens; Androstenedione; Biotransformation; Mycobacteriaceae; Phytosterols; Steroids
PubMed: 35630641
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103164 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2021Androstenedione is a steroidal hormone produced in male and female gonads, as well as in the adrenal glands, and it is known for its key role in the production of... (Review)
Review
Androstenedione is a steroidal hormone produced in male and female gonads, as well as in the adrenal glands, and it is known for its key role in the production of estrogen and testosterone. Androstenedione is also sold as an oral supplement, that is being utilized to increase testosterone levels. Simply known as "andro" by athletes, it is commonly touted as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. By boosting testosterone levels, it is thought to be an enhancer for athletic performance, build body muscles, reduce fats, increase energy, maintain healthy RBCs, and increase sexual performance. Nevertheless, several of these effects are not yet scientifically proven. Though commonly used as a supplement for body building, it is listed among performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) which is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, as well as the International Olympic Committee. This review focuses on the action mechanism behind androstenedione's health effects, and further side effects including clinical features, populations at risk, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and toxicokinetics. A review of androstenedione regulation in drug doping is also presented.
Topics: Anabolic Agents; Androstenedione; Animals; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Dietary Supplements; Doping in Sports; Female; Humans; Male; Sex Factors; Testosterone
PubMed: 34684800
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206210 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Although the role of steroid hormones in lipid levels has been partly discussed in the context of separate sexes, the causal relationship between steroid hormones and...
BACKGROUND
Although the role of steroid hormones in lipid levels has been partly discussed in the context of separate sexes, the causal relationship between steroid hormones and lipid metabolism according to sex has not been elucidated because of the limitations of observational studies. We assessed the relationship between steroid hormones and lipid metabolism in separate sexes using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.
METHODS
Instrumental variables for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), progesterone, estradiol, and androstenedione were selected. MR analysis was performed using inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier tests. Cochran's Q test, the MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis were used for sensitivity analyses.
RESULTS
The results showed that the three steroid hormones affected lipid metabolism and exhibited sex differences. In males, DHEAS was negatively correlated with total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein B ( = 0.007; = 0.006; = 0.041, respectively), and progesterone was negatively correlated with TC and LDL-C ( = 0.019; = 0.038, respectively). In females, DHEAS was negatively correlated with TC ( = 0.026) and androstenedione was negatively correlated with triglycerides and apolipoprotein A ( = 0.022; = 0.009, respectively). No statistically significant association was observed between the estradiol levels and lipid metabolism in male or female participants.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings identified sex-specific causal networks between steroid hormones and lipid metabolism. Steroid hormones, including DHEAS, progesterone, and androstenedione, exhibited beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in both sexes; however, the specific lipid profiles affected by steroid hormones differed between the sexes.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Lipid Metabolism; Sex Characteristics; Cholesterol, LDL; Progesterone; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Androstenedione; Cholesterol, HDL; Steroids; Estradiol; Apolipoproteins
PubMed: 36726474
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1119154 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Jan 2022
Topics: 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital; Androstenedione; Humans
PubMed: 34331764
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab555 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2019As a result of the findings of scientists working on the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroids in the plant and animal kingdoms over the past five decades, it has... (Review)
Review
As a result of the findings of scientists working on the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroids in the plant and animal kingdoms over the past five decades, it has become apparent that those compounds that naturally occur in animals can also be found as natural constituents of plants and vice versa, i.e., they have essentially the same fate in the majority of living organisms. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the occurrence of animal steroid hormones in the plant kingdom, particularly focusing on progesterone, testosterone, androstadienedione (boldione), androstenedione, and estrogens.
Topics: Androstadienes; Androstenedione; Animals; Biosynthetic Pathways; Estrogens; Phytosterols; Plants; Progesterone; Steroids; Testosterone
PubMed: 31315257
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24142585 -
Clinical Endocrinology Sep 2022We examined if measurement of adrenal androgens adds to subtype diagnostics of primary aldosteronism (PA) under cosyntropin-stimulated adrenal venous sampling (AVS).
OBJECTIVE
We examined if measurement of adrenal androgens adds to subtype diagnostics of primary aldosteronism (PA) under cosyntropin-stimulated adrenal venous sampling (AVS).
DESIGN
A prospective pre-specified secondary endpoint analysis of 49 patients with confirmed PA, of whom 29 underwent unilateral adrenalectomy with long-term follow-up.
METHODS
Concentrations of androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) were measured during AVS in addition to aldosterone and cortisol. Subjects with lateralisation index (LI) of ≥4 were treated with unilateral adrenalectomy, and the immunohistochemical subtype was determined with CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 stains. The performance of adrenal androgens was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses in adrenalectomy and medical therapy groups.
RESULTS
During AVS, the correlations between cortisol and androstenedione, DHEA and DHEAS for LI and selectivity index (SI) were highly significant. The right and left side SIs for androstenedione and DHEA were higher (p < .001) than for cortisol. In ROC analysis, the optimal LI cut-off values for androstenedione, DHEA and DHEAS were 4.2, 4.5 and 4.6, respectively. The performance of these LIs for adrenal androgens did not differ from that of cortisol.
CONCLUSIONS
Under cosyntropin-stimulated AVS, the measurement of androstenedione and DHEA did not improve the cannulation selectivity. The performance of cortisol and adrenal androgens are confirmatory but not superior to cortisol-based results in lateralisation diagnostics of PA.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Aldosterone; Androgens; Androstenedione; Cosyntropin; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hyperaldosteronism; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35167715
DOI: 10.1111/cen.14691