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Review
. 2018;89(5):284-291.
doi: 10.1159/000486036. Epub 2018 May 9.

The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of 11-Oxygenated Androgens in Human Physiology and Disease

Adina F Turcu  1 , Aya T Nanba  1 , Richard J Auchus  1   2
Affiliations
Review

The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of 11-Oxygenated Androgens in Human Physiology and Disease

Adina F Turcu et al. Horm Res Paediatr. 2018.

Abstract

The 11-oxyandrogens, particularly 11-ketotestosterone, have been recognized as a biologically important gonadal androgen in teleost (bony) fishes for decades, and their presence in human beings has been known but poorly understood. Today, we recognize that 11-oxyandrogens derive from the human adrenal glands and are major bioactive androgens, particularly in women and children. This article will review their biosynthesis and metabolism, abundance in normal and pathologic states, and potential as biomarkers of adrenal developmental changes and disease. Specifically, 11-oxyandrogens are the dominant active androgens in many patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Keywords: 11-Hydroxylase; 21-Hydroxylase deficiency; Adrenal glands; Adrenarche; Androgen.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Synthesis of 11-oxyandrogens
Preg, pregnenolone; 17OHPreg, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone; DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone; DHEAS, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; Adiol, 5-androstenediol; AdiolS, 5-androstenediol-3-sulfate; A4, androstenedione; T, testosterone; DHT, 5α-dihydrotestosterone; 11OHA4, 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione; 11KA4, 11-ketoandrostenedione; 11OHT, 11β-hydroxytestosterone; 11KT, 11-ketotestosterone; 11OHDHA4, 11β-hydroxy-5α-androstanedione; 11KDHA4, 11-keto-5α-androstanedione; 11OHDHT, 11β-hydroxydihydrotestosterone; 11KDHT, 11-ketodihydrotestosterone; StAR, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; CYP11A1, cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage; CYP17A1, cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase; CYB5A, cytochrome b5; SULT2A1, sulfotransferase family 2A member 1; 3βHSD2, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2; CYP11B1, cytochrome P450 11β-hydroxylase; 11βHSD2, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2; 11βHSD1, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; SRD5A, steroid 5α-reductase; AKR1C3, aldo-keto reductase 1C3.
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References

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Supplementary concepts