The effects of androstenedione on renal tubule epithelial cells

Androstendione (AED) occurs naturally in the body and is a direct precursor to the hormone testosterone. Androstenedione can be purchased over the counter without a prescription and has the potential to be converted to testosterone endogenously increasing strength and muscle mass. The conversion of androstendione to testosterone occurs via the 17B hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 B HSD), which is found to be most active in the liver. Kidney epithelial cells possess 17B HSD and the metabolism of AED to testosterone has not been fully evaluated. In this study, renal epithelial cells were treated with 10, 100 or 300 mg/mL AED for periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours and the cells were evaluated for viability, damage, cellular morphology, and testosterone production. The results show increases in cell number at 48 and 72 hours in the 300 mg/mL treatment group as well as increased cellular protein levels. Over time, all treatment groups showed a dose dependent increase in testosterone production by the kidney epithelial cells. Overall, AED did not result in alterations in cell morphology or induce cellular damage for the duration of the study. The results of this study suggest more research is needed to determine the effects of increased testosterone production by the kidney and overall health implications that may rise as a result.