Adrenal Steroids in Serum during Danazol Therapy, Taking into Account Cross-Reactions between Danazol Metabolites and Serum Androgens.

Abstract

Abstract. To investigate the changes in the serum androgen concentrations and the Free Androgen Index (FAT) in women during danazol therapy, we measured the serum concentrations of adrenal steroids and danazol metabolites, and then examined the effects of danazol metabolites on assays for serum androgens. Thirteen women who had endometriosis were treated with danazol (300 or 400 mg/day) for 8 to 16 weeks. Blood samples were taken before, during, and after the medication. During the danazol therapy, serum testosterone (T), cortisol (F), and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) significantly decreased (P<0.05); but serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) and FAT increased (P<0.05). The serum concentrations of danazol metabolites were: danazol, 209.0±28.3 (ng/mL, mean ± SEM); A'-2-hydroxymethyl ethisterone, 114.4±8.4; and 2-hydroxymethyl ethisterone, 660.0±54.2. There was considerable cross-reaction between danazol metabolites and androgens [T, androstenedione (A), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] in the direct assays. As for the ratios of adrenal steroids in serum, the DHEAS/F, DHEAS/DHEA, and 11-deoxycortisol (S)/F ratios increased (P<0.05). We conclude that the increase in FAT and DHEAS represents increased native androgenic activity with danazol, and the changes in adrenal steroid ratios in serum indicate the inhibition of 11 f3-hydroxylase and sulfatase activities during danazol therapy.

The Influence of Hormones and Pharmaceutical Agents on DHEA and DHEA‐S Concentrations: A Review of Clinical Studies

“…Danazol 300 to 400 mg/day was administered to 13 women (ages with endometriosis for 8 to 16 weeks, and blood samples were assessed before, during, and 1 month after the end of therapy. 68 During the danazol treatment, serum DHEA-S concentrations increased, whereas serum DHEA decreased slightly. Thus, the ratios of DHEA-S/ DHEA and DHEA-S/cortisol increased.…”

Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate in Atopic Allergy and Chronic Urticaria

“…Because androgens, such as danazol and stanazolol, effectively control the symptoms in some cases of chronic urticaria and considering that DHEA was successfully and safely used in the therapy of immunemediated diseases, it would be interesting to assess the effectiveness of DHEA in the therapy of chronic urticaria. It is noteworthy that danazol proves capable of increasing serum concentration of DHEA-S [38].…”

DHEAS as a new diagnostic tool

“…However, danazol does not suppress the normal pituitary release of ACTH or cortisol. During danazol therapy, serum DHEAS levels increased, whereas serum DHEA decreased slightly due to a decrease in conversion from DHEAS to DHEA by sulfatase inhibition and minor alterations in renal and hepatic turnover [93].…”