biochem Some actions of androgens are mediated by dihydrotestosterone, which is

Question

biochem

Some actions of androgens are mediated by dihydrotestosterone, which is formed by the reduction of testosterone. This finishing touch is catalyzed by an NADPH-dependent 5?-reductase.

Chromosomal XY males with a genetic deficiency of this reductase are born with a male internal urogenital tract but predominantly female external genitalia. These people are usually reared as girls. At puberty, they masculinize because the testosterone level rises. The testes of these reductase-deficient men are normal, whereas their prostate gland remains small. How might this information be used to design a drug to treat benign prostate hypertrophy, a common consequence of the normal aging process in men? A majority of men over age 55 have some degree of prostatic enlargement which often leads to urinary obstruction

Explanation / Answer

Dehydrotesteosterone ( DHT) is an androgenic hormone which is required for the growth of male characteristics. DHT is prepared in prostate from testeosterone with the help of enzyme 5?-reductase. In principle, DHT binds with the androgen receptor and regulates the transcription factors required for growth and development of testes.

So a drug which can be used to treat benign prostate hypertrophy, can be build up by inhibiting the enzyme 5?-reductase as this is the key step for converting testosterone to DHT. The drug coulb be used to bind selectively with 5?-reductase so that formation of DHT gets reduced.

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