5α-Dihydrocorticosterone

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

5α-Dihydrocorticosterone (5α-DHC) is a steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal gland. It is a metabolite of corticosterone and is involved in the stress response and inflammation.

Structure and Synthesis[edit | edit source]

5α-DHC is a corticosteroid, a type of steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal gland. It is synthesized from corticosterone through the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of corticosterone to 5α-DHC by reducing the double bond in the A ring of the steroid structure.

Function[edit | edit source]

5α-DHC is involved in the body's response to stress and inflammation. It acts as a glucocorticoid, a type of hormone that regulates a wide range of processes in the body, including the immune response, metabolism, and behavior.

5α-DHC binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, a protein that is found in almost all cells in the body. When 5α-DHC binds to this receptor, it triggers a series of events that lead to the activation of genes that regulate the immune response and metabolism.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormal levels of 5α-DHC have been associated with a number of health conditions, including Cushing's syndrome, a disorder characterized by high levels of cortisol in the blood, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a group of inherited disorders that affect the adrenal glands.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research into 5α-DHC is ongoing, with studies investigating its role in health and disease. This includes research into its potential use as a biomarker for certain health conditions, and its role in the body's response to stress and inflammation.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

‎ ‎


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD