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Updated: Apr 6, 2026

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published on: June 8, 2014
Type 2 17-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase as a novel target for the treatment of osteoporosis
Jalal Soubhye1, Ibaa Chikh Alard2, Pierre van Antwerpen1,3
1Laboratoire de Chimie Pharmaceutique Organique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campusplaine, CP 205/5, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
Low estradiol level in postmenopausal women is implicated in osteoporosis, which occurs because of the high bone resorption rate. Estrogen formation is controlled by 17-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 17-β HSD enzymes, where 17-β HSD type 1 contributes in the formation of estradiol, while type 2 catalyzes its catabolism. Inhibiting 17-β HSD2 can help in increasing estradiol concentration. Several promising 17-β HSD2 inhibitors that can act at low nanomolar range have been identified. However, there are some specific challenges associated with the application of these compounds. Our review provides an up-to-date summary of the current status and recent progress in the production of 17-β HSD2 inhibitors as well as the future challenges in their clinical application.
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