Panthenol and glucocorticoids

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolism

Background:

• Glucocorticoids are vital hormones regulating numerous physiological processes.
• Panthenol (provitamin B5) is widely used in supplements and cosmetics.
• The effect of high-dose panthenol on human glucocorticoid metabolism is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of high-dose panthenol administration on urinary glucocorticoid metabolite excretion in humans.
• To quantify changes in 17-alpha-21-dihydroxy-20-keto steroids following panthenol intake.

Main Methods:

• Urinary samples were collected from human subjects before and after high-dose panthenol administration.
• Quantitative analysis of urinary glucocorticoids was performed using the Porter-Silber assay.
• The assay specifically measures cortisol and its related metabolites.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in urinary 17-alpha-21-dihydroxy-20-keto steroid excretion was observed in all panthenol-treated subjects.
• The increase in glucocorticoid metabolites was notably higher in males aged 18-25.
• These findings indicate a dose-dependent effect of panthenol on the human endocrine system.

Conclusions:

• High-dose panthenol administration leads to a significant increase in glucocorticoid production in humans.
• The observed effect is more pronounced in young adult males.
• Panthenol's influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis warrants further investigation.