Adrenal androgens metabolism

C26. Culig, Z., Stober, J., Gast, A., Peterziel, H., Hobisch, A., et al., Activation of two mutant androgen receptors from human prostatic carcinoma by adrenal androgens and metabolic derivatives of testosterone. Cancer Detect. Prevent. 20,68—75 (1996). 

Adrenal androgens also have a complex metabolic fate DHEA-S is formed in the adrenal cortex or by sulfokinases in the liver and kidney from DHEA and excreted by the kidney. DHEA and DHEA-S can be metabolized by 7a-and 16a-hydroxylases. 17p-Reduction of both compounds forms A -5-androstenediol and its sulfate. Androstenedione can be metabolized to androsterone after 3a- and 5a-reduction. 5P-Reduction results in the formation of etiocholanolone (see Eigure 51-7). These metabolites are conjugated to glucuronides and sulfates, which are then excreted in the urine. 

Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison s disease) most often involves the destruction of all regions of the adrenal cortex. There are deficiencies of cortisol, aldosterone, and the various androgens. Medications that inhibit cortisol synthesis (e.g., ketoconazole) or accelerate cortisol metabolism (e.g., phenytoin, rifampin, phenobarbital) can also cause primary adrenal insufficiency. 

Male Hormones. The androgenic hormones produced in Ihe testes land adrenal gland t have a w idespread effect upon the development of secondary sexual characteristics (musculature, facial hair, larynx, etc. I. as well as upon the sexual organs and responses themselves. They also promote anabolism tu a marked degree by their effect upon nitrogen and calcium metabolism. The structure of testosterone is shown in the Tahle I. 

CAS 53-43-0. CI9I I2/)2. An androgenic steroid, a metabolic product of the adrenal steroid hormones with about one-third of the androgenic activity of androsterone. 

---