The present study reports the effects exerted by 4-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione (4-OH-A) on the in vitro metabolism of labelled testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstenedione (delta-4-A) in the prostate of adult male rats and in human benign prostatic hypertrophic (BPH) tissue. It has been found that 4-OH-A decreases the formation of DHT and of the diols. When testosterone is used as the substrate, the presence in the medium of 4-OH-A enhances the formation of delta-4-A and of 5-alpha-androstane-dione (5-alpha-A); 4-OH-A does not inhibit the conversion of labelled DHT into the diols. Also, the transformation of labelled delta-4-A into 5-alpha-A is not modified by 4-OH-A. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that 4-OH-A might represent a potential new agent for the prevention and/or treatment of human BPH.

Keywords:
Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone, Benign prostatic hypertrophy, Prostatic cancer, 5-Alpha-reductase, 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors, Aromatase, Aromatase inhibitors
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1987 S. Karger AG, Basel
1987
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.