The Synthesis and Metabolism of Steroid Hormones

Has ART Finally Got a Patient-Friendly Progesterone?

“…In these preliminary studies, it was demonstrated that the serum levels of P achieved with 25 mg were above the threshold necessary for pre-decidualization to occur [25,26]. In addition, an earlier phase II study [27] performed in 24 healthy subjects provided evidence that this aqueous progesterone administered SC at a daily dose of 25 or 50 mg was effective at priming the endometrial changes seen in the menstrual cycle in the absence of endogenous P. Because of no difference in the endometrial biopsies having been shown between the two doses tested, the lowest dose (25 mg/days, which corresponds to the physiologic amount produced by the ovary in the midluteal phase [28] was selected for the phase III trials of LPS in assisted reproduction technologies (ART).…”

Cardiovascular disease among diabetic women with bilateral oophorectomy.

“…Estrogens are metabolized primarily in the liver in two phases (220,221). Phase I is hydroxylation of molecule at the 2nd , 4th and 16th alpha carbon position by the addition of a hydroxyl ion yielding 2-hydroxyestrone, 4-hydroxyestrone and 16-alphahydroxyestrone respectively (220, 221).…”

“…Phase I is hydroxylation of molecule at the 2nd , 4th and 16th alpha carbon position by the addition of a hydroxyl ion yielding 2-hydroxyestrone, 4-hydroxyestrone and 16-alphahydroxyestrone respectively (220, 221). It's now known that 2-hydroxyestrone has beneficial effect while 4-hydroxyestrone and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone lead to tissue proliferation which promotes carcinogenesis (220,221). These hydroxyestrones (catechol estrogens) are then oxidized to quinones (phase II).…”

“…These hydroxyestrones (catechol estrogens) are then oxidized to quinones (phase II). Quinones from 2-hydroxyestrone and 4-hydroxyestrone are also known to have a deleterious effect on DNA either directly or indirectly through the generation of reactive oxygen species (220,221). They are methlylated by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) to detoxify them for excretion (220,221).…”

“…Quinones from 2-hydroxyestrone and 4-hydroxyestrone are also known to have a deleterious effect on DNA either directly or indirectly through the generation of reactive oxygen species (220,221). They are methlylated by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) to detoxify them for excretion (220,221). Methylated catechol estrogens are conjugated with glucuronic acid to facilitate their excretion in the feces and urine (220,221).…”