Androstenedione metabolism in human uterine tissues: endometrium, myometrium and leiomyoma

Androstenedione was metabolized in vitro by human endometrium, myometrium and leiomyoma, to its 5 alpha-reduced metabolites: 5 alpha-androstan-3,17-dione (5 alpha-androstanedione) and androsterone as well as to testosterone, 17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-2-one (5 alpha-DHT) and 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (3 alpha-diol). Uterine tissue showed a similar enzymatic profile to the androgen responsive tissues; these data suggest that androgens may have a functional role in the uterine pathophysiology.