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Horm Metab Res 2003; 35(2): 104-108
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39052
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Dehydroepiandrosterone Metabolism in Human Plasma

F.  Albo 1, 2 , M.  L.  Barbaccia 1 , A.  Cavazza 1 , M.  Marini 1 , L.  G.  Roda 1
  • 1 Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
  • 2 Istituto di Chimica e Chimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Received 26 March 2002

Accepted after revision 26 September 2002

Publication Date:
07 May 2003 (online)

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Abstract

The possibility that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is metabolized in human plasma was studied by column and thin-layer chromatography. The results obtained indicate that a time-dependent disappearance of DHEA is matched by the appearance of newly-formed species that may represent DHEA conversion by-products. Neither disappearance of DHEA, nor formation of the alleged conversion by-products was observed when reactions were performed under conditions in which plasma enzymes were removed or inactivated. These results suggest that, in plasma, DHEA is partially transformed into different substances, and that the conversion reactions are catalyzed by enzymes present in this tissue. The observed kinetics of appearance and partial disappearance of the radiolabeled species can be interpreted as indicating that some of the by-products formed are further converted into other substances. The data shown appear to indicate that plasma can be added to the list of the already known compartments that are involved in steroid metabolism.

Key words

Steroids - Metabolic Conversion - Enzymes - Human Blood

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L. G. Roda

Dipartimento di Neuroscienze

Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata · Via Montpellier 1 · 00133 Roma · Italia

Email: lgroda@libero.it