Question 1

What is the Meaning of SULT2A1?

Accepted Answer

SULT2A1, or sulfotransferase family 2A member 1, is an enzyme catalyzing the sulfonation of various endogenous and exogenous compounds, primarily steroid hormones and bile acids. This crucial phase II metabolic enzyme facilitates the deactivation and excretion of lipophilic substances from the body.

Question 2

What is the Context of SULT2A1?

Accepted Answer

This enzyme is predominantly expressed in the liver and adrenal glands, though present in other tissues like the small intestine. SULT2A1 plays a significant role in the systemic metabolism and deactivation of steroid hormones, notably dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester, DHEA-S, influencing their circulating levels.

Question 3

What is the Significance of SULT2A1?

Accepted Answer

The activity of SULT2A1 directly affects the bioavailability and clearance of circulating steroid hormones, vital for maintaining hormonal equilibrium and metabolic function. Alterations in SULT2A1 enzyme activity can change DHEA-S concentrations, a factor relevant in clinical assessments for adrenal dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, and age-related hormonal shifts.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of SULT2A1?

Accepted Answer

SULT2A1 transfers a sulfonate group from the co-substrate 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to a hydroxyl group on its target substrates. This enzymatic modification increases the water solubility of steroids, converting them into more polar compounds readily excreted via urine or bile, effectively deactivating their biological activity.

Question 5

What is the Application of SULT2A1?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, understanding SULT2A1 function is important when interpreting DHEA-S levels, particularly during diagnostic evaluations concerning adrenal health or androgen excess. This knowledge also helps inform therapeutic strategies involving steroid hormone regulation, such as optimizing individualized hormone support or managing specific steroid-related health conditions.

Question 6

What is the Metric of SULT2A1?

Accepted Answer

Direct measurement of SULT2A1 enzyme activity is not a standard clinical test. Its functional capacity is indirectly assessed through measuring its primary product, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), in serum blood samples. Monitoring DHEA-S concentrations provides valuable insight into overall steroid sulfonation and potential variations in SULT2A1 function.

Question 7

What is the Risk of SULT2A1?

Accepted Answer

Imbalances in SULT2A1 activity, whether diminished or excessive, can disrupt normal steroid hormone profiles, potentially leading to hormonal dysregulation. Insufficient sulfonation might result in the accumulation of active, unconjugated steroids, while overly robust activity could reduce active hormone availability, impacting numerous physiological systems if not appropriately managed.

SULT2A1

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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