Androgen enhancement

Billig, H., I. Furuta and A.J.W. Hsueh. Estrogens inhibit and androgens enhance ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. Endocrinology 133 2204-2212, 1993. 

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is being used increasingly as neo-adjuvant and adjuvant therapy. Neo-adjuvant ADT for 4-6 months before external beam radiation can enhance survival and reduce the prostate volume to be irradiated. Similar benefits have not been seen prior to radical prostatectomy. The benefits of neo-adjuvant therapy are most evident for high risk localized prostate cancer. Adjuvant ADT for up to 2 years following external beam radiation increases disease-free survival and overall survival for locally advanced (T3) tumors. 

Congenital enzymatic defects in the adrenal biosynthetic pathways lead to diminished cortisol and aldosterone production and release. In these conditions, corticotrophin secretion is increased, and adrenal hyperplasia occurs, accompanied by enhanced secretion of steroid intermediates, especially adrenal androgens. More than 90% of cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia are due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which is cre-afed by mufafions in fhe CYP21 gene encoding fhe en-... 

D) Use the androgen receptor to enhance protein anabolic activity... 

Metformin works best in patients with significant hyperglycemia and is often considered first-line therapy in the treatment of mild to moderate type II overweight diabetics who demonstrate insulin resistance. The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study demonstrated a marked reduction in cardiovascular comorbidities and diabetic complications in metformin-treated individuals. Metformin has also been used to treat hirsutism in individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome and may enhance fertility in these women, perhaps by decreasing androgen levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. 

The capacity of androgens to enhance the epiphyseal closure in children may persist for as long as several months after discontinuation of the drug. In children androgens should be used with great caution. 

---