Molecular Insights in Steroid Biosynthesis and Metabolism

Dear Colleagues,

Steroid hormones are biosynthesized from cholesterol by the adrenal, gonads, placenta, and skin. In addition, steroid hormones are produced in the metabolism of precursor steroids in non-endocrine tissue such as the intestine, brain, kidneys, and adipose tissue, which express the appropriate steroidogenic enzymes. Since steroids play a pivotal role in normal physiology, steroid hormone dysfunction will be central to pathophysiology. Steroid hormone dysfunction has been associated with a host of clinical conditions linked to disorders due to deficient steroidogenic enzymes, the onset of Alzheimer’s, cancer, and kidney disease.

Steroid hormones have a central role within the endocrine system, controlling major physiological processes that include reproduction, sexual differentiation, growth, and development. Steroid hormones regulate cellular metabolism and energy balance while also maintaining nutrients, electrolyte, and water equilibrium in the blood. Steroids are also of important in the development and sexual differentiation of the brain. Besides having neuroprotective effects, these hormones influence cognition, stress, and memory performance. Steroid hormones also support the mobilization of the body’s defenses against stressors concerning inflammation and immunity. In regulating the innate immune response, steroids additionally influence the intestinal microbiota, with the microbiota in turn increasing inflammation by modulating steroid levels. Steroid hormones impact cardiovascular disease as do endogenous cardiac steroids, with endogenous ouabain influencing not only systemic blood pressure and heart functions but also kidney and brain functions.

The practice of hormone supplementation contributes either to the maintenance or to the disruption of the natural steroid hormone equilibrium. The supplementation of sex steroids includes hormone replacement therapies such as those replacing lost estrogen in menopause and testosterone supplementation in aging men. Within this context, anabolic steroids have far-reaching effects on the endocrine system, but their use or abuse continues regardless of these steroid derivatives contributing to disordered physiological processes and neurophysiological changes. 

The aim of this SI is to cover a wide range of topics and areas of interest. These include (but are not restricted to) the abovementioned aspects of steroidogenesis. Both original research and reviews will be considered.

Dr. Amanda C. Swart
Guest Editor

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