SYNTHESIS AND CATABOLYSIS OF STEROID HORMONES

Abstract

Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol and regulate important physiological functions in the body - fluid and electrolyte balance, immune response, stress adaptation, reproductive processes and metabolism. Their synthesis begins with the cholesterol → pregnenolone cycle in mitochondria by the enzyme P450scc (CYP11A1), which leads to the synthesis of cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone and estradiol by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP17A1, CYP21A2, CYP11B1, CYP11B2,
CYP19A1) and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3β-HSD, 17β-HSD).