As a result of the metabolic activities of numerous anaerobic microorganisms with sterols, bile acids and steroid hormones as substrates in connection with the enterohepatic circulation of these compounds, the intestine may be considered as an "endocrine" active site or organ. The review summarizes transformations of steroids by anaerobic intestinal bacteria, the physiological and supposed pathophysiological meaning thereof. The aim is to recommend further investigation in this field with respect to both the elucidation of the reactions and biological responses.
The aerobic side chain degradation of sterols often leads to mixtures of 1,4‐diene and 4‐ene compounds. By an additional anaerobic step a practically complete reverse reaction of the steroid‐1‐dehydrogenation occurs yielding only the corresponding 4‐ene compound.
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