3α-Etiocholanediol

3α-Etiocholanediol is a steroid metabolite of testosterone. It is specifically a 5α-reductase metabolite and is created from androsterone, another testosterone metabolite, in the liver. 3α-Etiocholanediol is excreted in the urine and can be used as a biological marker of testosterone usage.

Structure and Nomenclature

The structure of 3α-Etiocholanediol is based on the Etiocholane skeleton, which is a hydrogenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system. The name "3α-Etiocholanediol" refers to the orientation of the hydroxyl groups at the 3 and 17 positions, and the presence of a double bond at the 5 position.

Biological Role

3α-Etiocholanediol is a major urinary metabolite of testosterone. It is produced in the liver by the action of 5α-reductase on androsterone. The conversion of androsterone to 3α-Etiocholanediol is a key step in the metabolism of testosterone.

Clinical Significance

The measurement of 3α-Etiocholanediol in urine can be used as a marker for testosterone usage, particularly in the context of doping in sports. Elevated levels of 3α-Etiocholanediol in urine can indicate the use of testosterone or other anabolic steroids.

See Also

• Testosterone
• Androsterone
• 5α-reductase
• Steroid
• Etiocholane