Characterization of the oestrogenic activity of non-aromatic steroids: are there male-specific endogenous oestrogen receptor modulators?

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The endogenous oestrogens have important biological functions in men as well as in women. Because 17beta-oestradiol and oestrone are also formed in the male body, these aromatic oestrogens are generally thought to be responsible for exerting the required oestrogenic functions in the male. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that some of the non-aromatic steroids that are androgen precursors or metabolites with hydroxyl groups at C-3 and/or C-17 positions may also be able to serve as ligands for the oestrogen receptors (ER) in the male.

Experimental approach

A total of sixty non-aromatic steroids (selected from families of androstens, androstans, androstadiens, oestrens and oestrans) were analysed for their ability to bind and activate the hu

SUBMITTER: Wang P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2801221 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature