Characterization of 17alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (17alpha-HSD) and its involvement in the biosynthesis of epitestosterone.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epi-testosterone (epiT) is the 17alpha-epimer of testosterone. It has been found at similar level as testosterone in human biological fluids. This steroid has thus been used as a natural internal standard for assessing testosterone abuse in sports. EpiT has been also shown to accumulate in mammary cyst fluid and in human prostate. It was found to possess antiandrogenic activity as well as neuroprotective effects. So far, the exact pathway leading to the formation of epiT has not been elucidated.

Results

In this report, we describe the isolation and characterization of the enzyme 17alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The name is given according to its most potent activity. Using cells stably expressing the enzyme, we show that 17alpha-HSD catalyzes efficienty the t

SUBMITTER: Bellemare V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1185520 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature