Question 1

What is the Meaning of 17β-HSD?

Accepted Answer

17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) denotes a family of enzymes crucial for interconverting active and inactive steroid hormones, particularly sex steroids. These enzymes catalyze oxidation or reduction of the hydroxyl group at the C17 position. Their actions determine local availability of potent hormones like estradiol and testosterone.

Question 2

What is the Context of 17β-HSD?

Accepted Answer

These enzymes are integral to steroidogenesis, the metabolic pathway synthesizing and metabolizing steroid hormones. 17β-HSD isoforms distribute widely across tissues, including gonads, adrenals, liver, adipose, and prostate. Their presence highlights broad influence on systemic and local hormonal regulation.

Question 3

What is the Significance of 17β-HSD?

Accepted Answer

17β-HSD enzyme activity is paramount in regulating potent sex steroid bioavailability, directly impacting conditions from hormonal dysregulation. Their roles influence progression of hormone-dependent cancers (breast, prostate) and contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathophysiology. Understanding their function informs diagnostic interpretation and targeted therapeutic strategies.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of 17β-HSD?

Accepted Answer

17β-HSD enzymes facilitate reversible transformation between 17-keto steroids (e.g., estrone, androstenedione) and their more active 17β-hydroxy counterparts (e.g., estradiol, testosterone). Distinct isoforms exhibit unique substrate specificities and co-factor requirements, determining activation or inactivation. For instance, 17β-HSD type 1 converts estrone to estradiol; type 2 mediates estradiol's conversion back to estrone.

Question 5

What is the Application of 17β-HSD?

Accepted Answer

Clinical approaches often target specific 17β-HSD isoforms for therapeutic intervention in hormone-sensitive disorders. Inhibitors of certain 17β-HSD types are investigated as potential treatments for estrogen-dependent breast cancer or androgen-dependent prostate cancer, aiming to reduce local active hormone synthesis. Modulating these enzymes can also be relevant in managing conditions with androgen excess or deficiency, offering precise hormonal control.

Question 6

What is the Metric of 17β-HSD?

Accepted Answer

17β-HSD activity assessment is typically indirect, measuring ratios of specific steroid metabolites in biological samples like serum, urine, or tissue. An elevated estradiol to estrone ratio might suggest increased 17β-HSD type 1 activity. Genetic analysis can identify polymorphisms within 17β-HSD genes, influencing enzyme function and predisposing individuals to hormonal imbalances.

Question 7

What is the Risk of 17β-HSD?

Accepted Answer

Imbalances in 17β-HSD activity can contribute to various clinical risks. Excessive activity of activating isoforms may lead to overproduction of potent hormones, potentially increasing susceptibility to hormone-dependent cancers or precocious puberty. Conversely, insufficient activating isoform activity or heightened inactivating isoform activity could result in hormone deficiencies. Therapeutic modulation necessitates careful clinical oversight due to potential systemic hormonal effects and unforeseen interactions.

17β-HSD

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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