Endocrine Abstracts

5beta-Reductase is a key glucocorticoid metabolising enzyme. In humans, urinary steroid metabolite profiles suggest an inverse relationship between 5beta-reductase and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11HSD1) in obesity and congenital deficiency of 11HSDs. Indeed in the obese Zucker rat hepatic 11HSD1 is decreased and 5beta-reductase increased. Here we use animal models with well characterised alterations in 11HSD1 to explore the link between these enzymes.11HSD1 was m...

Obese humans and rats exhibit altered glucocorticoid metabolism; increased regeneration of glucocorticoid by adipose 11HSD1 and inactivation by hepatic A-ring reductases. The mechanisms remain unclear; candidates include resistance to insulin-mediated regulation, and secondary effects of adipose products eg TNFalpha. To explore temporal associations between changes in glucocorticoid metabolism, insulin resistance and obesity, we examined effects of high-fat feeding in rats.<br...