Androgens and Antiandrogens Flashcards
Describe the events that occur in the HPG axis to regulate gametogenesis.
- hypothalamus –> GnRH (pulsatile)
- GnRH (+) ant pit –> LH and FSH
- LH (+) Leydig cells –> testosterone
- FSH (+) Sertoli cells –> steroid hormone-binding protein and inhibin
- testosterone, FSH, androgen-binding protein (+) spermatogenesis
negative feedback:
6. inhibin (-) pituitary –> FSH
7. testosterone (-) hypothalamus –> GnRH
Which cells synthesize testosterone? What is the precursor of testosterone?
leydig cells; cholesterol
Via which pathways can testosterone act? (consider enzymes and different hormones, and where it acts)
- amplification path: 5-alpha-reductase converts T to DHT; gonads, prostate, skin, hair
- direct path: T acts on liver, muscle, adipose tissue
- diversification path: aromatase converts T to E2; brain and bone
- inactivation path: deactivate T; hepatic oxidation and conjugation –> renal excretion
What are the mechanisms of action of androgen?
- androgen-dependent pathway (slow classic genomic mechanism)
- androgen-independent pathway (slow classic genomic mechanism)
- rapid non-genomic mechanisms
When is the androgen-dependent mechanism of action activated?
when androgen levels are high
When is the androgen-independent mechanism of action activated?
activation of Arby phosphorylation mediated by receptors downstream growth factor receptors
When are the rapid non-genomic mechanisms of action activated?
when androgen levels are low
Before puberty, does an increase of androgens prevent or stimulate reaching full height?
prevent
metabolic effects of androgens?
- increase protein synthesis
- decrease protein breakdown
- decrease HDL levels
- stimulate erythrocyte production
- more prone to acne
- salt and water retention
(i.e. anabolic and block catabolism)
Rank the following characteristics of T and DHT:
- affinity for androgen receptor
- dissociation rate
- affinity for androgen receptor: T < DHT (twofold)
- dissociation rate: T > DHT (fivefold)
pharmacological uses of androgens?
- androgen replacement therapy: hypogonadism, pituitary deficiency, aging
- anabolic agents
- osteoporosis
pharmacological uses of antiandrogens?
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP)
- prostate cancer
- precocious puberty
- hair loss
- hirsutism
pharmacological uses of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs)?
no FDA-approved indications; promise for safe use in treatment of prostate cancer, male hormonal contraception, breast cancer, etc.
primary vs secondary hypogonadism? what can be used to treat hypogonadism?
- primary = defect of testes
- secondary = defect of HPG axis
- treatment: androgen replacement therapy
Which hormone does androgen replacement therapy use?
only testosterone