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Physiopathology of plasma androstanediol-glucuronide
1Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital, Gent, Belgium.
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Plasma androstanediol-glucuronide (ADG) levels in women primarily reflect adrenal steroid precursors and 5-alpha-reductase activity, not just peripheral androgenicity. Age and certain conditions significantly impact ADG levels, questioning its sole reliability as an androgen marker.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Plasma androstanediol-glucuronide (ADG) is widely used to assess peripheral androgenicity.
- Recent studies challenge the reliability of ADG as a sole indicator of androgen status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the primary precursors and determinants of plasma ADG levels in women.
- To evaluate the influence of age, adrenal function, and 5-alpha-reductase activity on ADG levels.
Main Methods:
- Continuous infusion experiments in women.
- Analysis of ADG levels in relation to adrenal steroid precursors (DHEA-S, androstenedione, DHEA).
- Assessment of ADG levels in various physiological and pathological conditions (aging, Addison's disease, hirsutism, virilizing syndromes, thyroid disorders).
Main Results:
- Adrenal steroids are the major precursors of plasma ADG in women.
- ADG levels decrease with age and are significantly reduced in Addison's disease.
- In virilizing syndromes and hyperthyroidism, ADG levels may be elevated, suggesting increased 5-alpha-reductase activity.
- Skin conjugation of androstanediol is inefficient.
Conclusions:
- Plasma ADG in women reflects adrenal precursor supply and peripheral 5-alpha-reductase activity.
- ADG is not a universally reliable marker for peripheral androgenicity due to its complex regulation.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of altered ADG levels in various endocrine conditions.