4-Dehydroepiandrosterone

4-Dehydroepiandrosterone (also known as 4-DHEA) is a steroid that is an isomer of 5-dehydroepiandrosterone.

4-DHEA is a naturally occurring non-methylated (non-17α-alkylated) prohormone involved in the biosynthesis of the androgenic and estrogenic hormones. It can be metabolized into testosterone as well as other hormones.

Biosynthesis

4-DHEA is synthesized from cholesterol through a series of enzymatic reactions. The first step is the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone by the enzyme cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme. Pregnenolone is then converted to progesterone. The next step involves the conversion of progesterone to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone by the enzyme 17α-hydroxylase. Finally, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone is converted to 4-DHEA by the enzyme 17,20-lyase.

Pharmacology

4-DHEA has been used in hormone replacement therapy for men with androgen deficiency. However, it is currently not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for any medical use.

See also

• Dehydroepiandrosterone
• Steroid hormone
• Prohormone
• Androgen
• Estrogen

References

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