11β-Hydroxyandrostenedione returns to the steroid arena : biosynthesis, metabolism and function

Date
2013-10
Authors
Bloem, Liezl M.
Storbeck, Karl-Heinz
Schloms, Lindie
Swart, Amanda C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
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.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Keywords
Adrenal H295R, Androsterone, Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), Cytochrome P450, Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), Steroid 5α-reductase
Citation
Bloem, L. M., Storbeck, K. H., Schloms, L. & Swart, A. C. 2013. 11β-Hydroxyandrostenedione returns to the steroid arena: biosynthesis, metabolism and function. Molecules, 18:13228-13244, doi:10.3390/molecules181113228.