[17-KS sulfate as a biomarker in health and disease]

We attempted to determine compounds in human urine which, differing from 17-OHCS, show high values in healthy individuals, decrease with failing health, clearly decline with advancing disease and finally reach very low values in severe disease. We have initially established that 17-ketosteroid sulfates (17-KS-S) are the compound we were searching for. Hans Selye regarded stress as the rate of wear and tear and 17-OHCS as its indicator, but we considered that, differing from inanimate objects, living organisms consume energy to cope with stress and "repair" "wear and tear" of the tissue "and recover" its function. This concept led us to determine the organism's requirements for two mechanisms: "Wear and tear" which could be represented by the secretion of 17-OHCS (Selye), and "repair and recovery", which could be determined by the amounts of 17-KS-S (Nishikaze) derived from dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), a product of the adrenal cortex, which enhances neuronal survival, long-term memory, maintains the function of peripheral tissues (skin, bone-muscle, gastro-intestinal and vascular system etc.), increases lipid metabolism, protein anabolism (antiobesity, antiatherosclerosis etc.) and stimulates the immune system. We hold that the stress response is a series of biological processes, beginning with CRH.ACTH and Catecholamines, Cortisol (17-OHCS), followed by Insulin, acting as an anabolic agent and finally DHEA-S (17-KS-S) induces tissue repair utilizing the energy produced. Low levels of urinary 17-KS-S are observed not only in cases of low cortisol or catecholamines secretion, but also when these are elevated. Normalization of these levels is followed by an increase in 17-KS-S excretion. Balanced changes of hormones, such as 17-KS-S, 17-OHCS, Cortisol, Catecholamines and Insulin are seen in a normal organism under healthy lifestyles and disruption of the balance induces an apparent reduction in 17-KS-S. From this perspective, we hope to research the interrelations between biologically antagonistic 17-KS-S and 17-OHCS as well as other agents, focusing particularly on 17-KS-S, which represents a contact point for mind and body, which is kept in healthy balance by appropriate sleeping and exercise programs along with adequate food intake.