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Review
. 1979 Oct-Dec;2(4):445-60.
doi: 10.1007/BF03349349.

Recent advances in studies on estrogen biosynthesis

A M Brodie
Review

Recent advances in studies on estrogen biosynthesis

A M Brodie. J Endocrinol Invest. 1979 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

PIP: Studies show that aromatization (a reaction sequence unique in steroid biosynthesis) of androgens to estrogens is not limited to the female reproductive organs but also occurs in extragonadal tissue. Aromatization involves the loss of the angular C-19 methyl group and cis elimination of the 1beta and 2beta hydrogens from the androgen precursors, androstenedione and testosterone, to yield estrone and estradiol, respectively. In men, the production of estrone is 18 ug/day and is mainly extraglandular. Aromatase activity has also been shown in a variety of tissues in mammalian and other species. The production of estrogens by the testis is not clear, but it may modify testosterone secretion. Estrogen produced locally in the brain may play an important role in male and female sex differentiation and sex behavior. Extraovarian estrogen has been known to maintain growth of estrogen-dependent tumors. Recently developed inhibitors have been used to identify aromatization reaction and to elucidate roles of estrogen in various tissues. They also have the potential of controlling estrogen production in estrogen-dependent diseases.

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References

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