15α-Hydroxyestradiol

15α-Hydroxyestradiol is a steroid and an estrogen metabolite. It is formed from estradiol in the liver by CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent CYP2C9. 15α-Hydroxyestradiol is further metabolized into estriol by 16α-hydroxylase.

Metabolism

15α-Hydroxyestradiol is a metabolite of estradiol, one of the three main estrogens in the human body. It is formed in the liver by the action of the enzymes CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2C9. These enzymes are part of the cytochrome P450 system, which is involved in the metabolism of a wide range of substances, including drugs and hormones.

Once formed, 15α-Hydroxyestradiol can be further metabolized into estriol by the action of another enzyme, 16α-hydroxylase. Estriol is a weaker estrogen than estradiol, but it is still biologically active and plays a role in the body's estrogenic activity.

Biological activity

As a metabolite of estradiol, 15α-Hydroxyestradiol shares some of the biological activity of its parent compound. However, it is less potent than estradiol itself. The exact role of 15α-Hydroxyestradiol in the body is not fully understood, but it is thought to contribute to the overall estrogenic activity in the body.

Clinical significance

The levels of 15α-Hydroxyestradiol in the body can be affected by various factors, including age, sex, and health status. For example, levels of this metabolite may be increased in women during pregnancy. In addition, certain diseases, such as liver disease, can affect the body's ability to metabolize estradiol into 15α-Hydroxyestradiol.

Measurement of 15α-Hydroxyestradiol levels can be used in clinical settings to assess estrogen metabolism and to monitor the effectiveness of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women.

See also

• Estradiol
• Estriol
• Estrogen
• Cytochrome P450
• CYP3A4
• CYP2C9

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