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Significance of androgens of adrenal origin in polycystic ovary syndrome and hirsutism
Varausová, Anežka ; Vítků, Jana (advisor) ; Jansová, Denisa (referee)
The adrenal cortex is the source of a wide range of steroid hormones. Mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and, last but not least, androgens are synthesized here. The most abundant adrenal androgen is dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, whose androgenic potency is not high, but it forms a reservoir in the circulation and can subsequently be metabolized to more potent androgens. Another androgen formed in the adrenal cortex is 11β-hydroxy-androstenedione. This steroid also has low androgenic potency, but its importance lies in the fact that it serves as a precursor of the active androgens - 11-oxygenated derivatives of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Besides their high androgenic potency, their relatively high levels in circulation prompt attention to be paid to these steroid hormones in all endocrine disorders where classical androgens are monitored. The determination of these androgens is suggested in polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic hirsutism, among others, where it could explain the discrepancy between the intensity of clinical symptoms and testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels. The aim of this thesis is to review the scientific knowledge on the relationship between 11-oxygenated androgens and the mentioned endocrine disorders. Keywords: steroid, adrenal cortex, androgen,...
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