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Androstenedione
A steroid hormone synthesized by the adrenal glands and the gonads from either 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone or dehydroepiandrosterone and is a precursor of testosterone.
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Indicators
A steroid hormone synthesized by the adrenal glands and the gonads from either 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone or dehydroepiandrosterone and is a precursor of testosterone.
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The most potent androgen, required for sex development. Dihydrotestosterone is synthesized from testosterone in the prostate gland, testes, hair follicles and adrenal glands by 5-alpha reductase. Dihydrotestosterone exerts its action similar to testosterone, which binds to and activates specific nuclear androgen receptors. After translocation into the nucleus, the activated hormone-receptor complex binds to the androgen response elements on the DNA and activates gene expressions that are required for sex development. Dihydrotestosterone is responsible for the formation of male primary sex characteristics and most male secondary sex characteristics during puberty, such as muscular growth, facial and body hair growth, and deepening of the voice.
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The most potent form of the naturally occurring steroid sex hormone in humans, produced by ovary, placenta, testis, and in small amount by adrenal cortex. Estradiol binds to a specific intracellular estrogen receptor located in female organs, breasts, hypothalamus and pituitary. The receptor-ligand complex promotes gene expression necessary for the maintenance of fertility and secondary sexual characteristics in females. In addition, estradiol exhibits mild anabolic and metabolic properties, and increases blood coagulability. Estradiol, the principal intracellular human estrogen, is substantially more active at the cellular level than its metabolites, estrone and estriol.
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A physiological progestin that is produced during glucocorticoid and steroid hormone synthesis and is increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. Hydroxyprogesterone binds to the cytoplasmic progesterone receptors in the reproductive system and subsequently activates progesterone receptor mediated gene expression.
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A synthetic form of dehydroepiandrosterone with potential chemopreventive activity. Produced endogenously, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an intermediate in the conversion of cholesterol to androgens and estrogens. Although the mechanisms of action of exogenously administered DHEA have not been fully illuminated, they may result in both direct and indirect physiologic effects. Direct effects include GABA-a receptor complex and NMDA receptor modulation, and enhanced pancreatic beta cell insulin secretion and antiglucocorticoid activities. (NCI04)