20α-Dihydroprogesterone
20α-Dihydroprogesterone is a steroid and a metabolite of progesterone. It is also known as 20α-OHP and is a naturally occurring progestogen related to progesterone.
Chemistry[edit | edit source]
20α-Dihydroprogesterone, also known as pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, is a pregnane (C21) steroid. It is structurally related to progesterone and is a metabolite of this hormone. The chemical formula of 20α-dihydroprogesterone is C21H30O2.
Biosynthesis and metabolism[edit | edit source]
20α-Dihydroprogesterone is formed from progesterone by the action of the enzyme 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD). This enzyme is expressed in the corpus luteum and the placenta, among other tissues. The conversion of progesterone to 20α-dihydroprogesterone is a step in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins.
Biological activity[edit | edit source]
20α-Dihydroprogesterone has been found to possess progestogenic activity, similarly to progesterone. It has been suggested that it may play a role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Medical use[edit | edit source]
20α-Dihydroprogesterone is not currently used in medicine. However, it has been studied for potential use in the treatment of gynecological disorders.
See also[edit | edit source]
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