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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
Published on: October 2, 2018
Adrenal androgens and intracrinology
1Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center, Laval University Hospital Research Center, Quebec City, Canada. fernand.labrie@crchul.ulaval.ca
Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
|January 7, 2005
Summary
Local steroid hormone production, termed intracrinology, is key in women and men. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation benefits postmenopausal women by improving bone density, muscle mass, and combating various health issues.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Steroid Biochemistry
Background:
- Estrogens and androgens are primarily synthesized locally in peripheral tissues from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in postmenopausal women.
- Approximately 50% of androgens are produced locally in adult men.
- This local steroidogenesis is controlled by cell-specific enzyme expression, defining the field of intracrinology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and define intracrinology as the study of local sex steroid formation.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating local steroidogenesis.
- To discuss the benefits of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation in postmenopausal women.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on steroidogenesis and intracrinology.
- Analysis of the role of DHEA in peripheral tissue steroid synthesis.
- Examination of clinical outcomes related to local steroid inhibition and DHEA supplementation.
Main Results:
- Local inhibition of sex steroid formation demonstrates significant benefits in treating hormone-sensitive cancers, including improved survival and potential cures.
- Exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effectively compensates for age-related decline in adrenal DHEA secretion in postmenopausal women.
- DHEA supplementation is associated with increased bone mineral density, muscle mass, well-being, libido, and positive effects on skin atrophy, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Conclusions:
- Intracrinology provides a framework for understanding localized steroid hormone regulation.
- Targeting local steroid pathways offers promising therapeutic strategies for cancer and other conditions.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation presents a viable approach to mitigate age-related hormonal decline and associated health issues in postmenopausal women.
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