AKR1C2 ∞ Area

AKR1C2

Meaning

AKR1C2, or Aldo-keto Reductase family 1 member C2, is an enzyme catalyzing specific steroid hormone reduction. It converts progesterone to 20α-hydroxyprogesterone and inactivates dihydrotestosterone (DHT) into 3α-androstanediol. This enzymatic action precisely modulates these hormones’ biological activity, maintaining critical endocrine balance.

Context

This enzyme is widely expressed in human tissues: notably prostate, liver, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. AKR1C2 functions as a key component of steroid hormone metabolic pathways, placing it centrally within the endocrine system. Its widespread presence highlights influence on various physiological processes.

Significance

AKR1C2 holds substantial clinical importance due to its direct influence on circulating active steroid hormone levels. Dysregulation can contribute to reproductive health issues, including altered progesterone signaling, and prostate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer, where androgen metabolism is key. Understanding its impact is vital for patient care.

Mechanism

Functioning as an NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase, AKR1C2 specifically reduces the C3 keto group of 5α-reduced steroids, like dihydrotestosterone, and the C20 keto group of progesterone. This enzymatic modification alters hormone potency, often leading to deactivation or conversion into less active forms. Its stereospecificity ensures targeted steroid modulation.

Application

AKR1C2 activity provides insights for managing hormone-sensitive conditions in clinical practice. This enzyme is a potential therapeutic target, especially in hormone-dependent cancers like prostate cancer, where its inhibition could prevent active androgen formation, potentially slowing disease progression. Its role in progesterone metabolism warrants investigation for gynecological applications.

Metric

Assessing AKR1C2 effects or levels involves various methods. Direct measurement of its expression or enzymatic activity is feasible in tissue biopsies or cell lines using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, or specific enzymatic assays. Indirectly, alterations in concentrations of its substrates or products, including DHT, 3α-androstanediol, or progesterone metabolites, are monitored in serum or urine for in vivo activity.

Risk

Any significant deviation from normal AKR1C2 function, whether overexpression or deficiency, can disrupt the delicate balance of steroid hormones. Overactivity might contribute to androgen resistance in certain tissues or negatively affect progesterone signaling. Conversely, reduced AKR1C2 activity could result in undesirable accumulation of potent steroid hormones, necessitating careful clinical oversight.

Clinician offers patient education during consultation, gesturing personalized wellness protocols. Focuses on hormone optimization, fostering endocrine balance, metabolic health, and cellular function.

How Does Body Composition Influence Female Testosterone Metabolism?

Body composition actively governs female testosterone by converting it to estrogen in fat tissue and regulating its availability via liver function.

∞ Hepatic Steatosis
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HRTioAugust 1, 2025

AKR1C2

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

How Does Body Composition Influence Female Testosterone Metabolism?

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