Effect of ketoconazole on placental aromatase, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

Ketoconazole, an orally-active, broad spectrum mycotic agent, was shown to inhibit in vitro human placental microsomal aromatase but was without effect on 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase (3 beta-HSD-I) and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) activities. The Km of placental aromatase for testosterone was 30 +/- 1.1 nmol/l (mean +/- SEM, n = 6). Inhibition (determined by Lineweaver-Burk plot) was non-competitive with respect to substrate with a Ki value of 3.0 +/- 1.4 mumol/l (mean +/- SEM, n = 6). Ketoconazole was without effect on the 3 beta-HSD-I and 17 beta-HSD activities when using [3H] pregnenolone and [3H] oestradiol, respectively, as substrates. Since ketoconazole is known to inhibit cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme reactions, the results of the present study support the contention that cytochrome P-450 is involved in the aromatisation process.     

Inhibition of rat ovarian 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase by progestins and danazol

The site of action of synthetic progestins or danazol in the treatment of endometriosis is considered to be mainly the hypothalamo-pituitary level, but the direct action to the uterine endometrium and the ovary is also suggested. We investigated the effect of these synthetic steroids to rat ovarian steroidogenic enzymes. The effect of norethisterone, levonorgestrel, danazol, gestrinone, desogestrel and 3-keto-desogestrel was studied in vitro. The sources of the enzymes were prepared from ovaries of immature rats treated either with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 3 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), or with PMS for 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase. The substrates used were pregnenolone (P5) for 3 beta-HSD, progesterone (P4) for 17 alpha-hydroxylase, and 17 alpha-hydroxy-progesterone (17 alpha-OH-P4) for 17,20 lyase. The substrates were incubated with the enzyme sources and coenzymes, and the products formed were measured. All the steroids inhibited 3 beta-HSD, and the inhibition by gestrinone (Ki = 3.0 microM) and 3-keto-desogestrel (17.5 microM) was particularly marked. Only desogestrel (Ki = 30.3 microM) and danazol (168 microM) inhibited 17 alpha-hydroxylase. All the steroids inhibited 17,20 lyase, and the inhibition by desogestrel (Ki = 0.70 microM), danazol (0.80 microM), and gestrinone (30 microM) was particularly marked.     

Inhibition of 17,20(17-hydroxyprogesterone)-lyase by progesterone

¹⁴C-17-Hydroxyprogesterone was incubated with 7000 × g × 20 min supernatants of rat testis homogenates in the presence of various concentrations of ³H-progesterone, both under conditions where metabolism would take place and where it would be prevented. When metabolism was prevented, the ratio of progesterone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the microsomal fraction was 3 times that which was added to the incubation medium.Progesterone competitively inhibited 17,20-lyase action on added 17-hydroxyprogesterone but not on 17-hydroxyprogesterone formed from the added progesterone. The rate of formation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone from progesterone, however, was inhibited by added 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The results indicate that there is no free exchange of an intermediate between progesterone and androstenedione with the soluble fraction, either inside or outside the microsomal vesicle. The limited exchange with 17-hydroxyprogesterone in solution probably represents exchange with an enzyme-bound intermediate.     

Inhibition of rat testicular 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities by anti-androgens (flutamide, hydroxyflutamide, RU23908, cyproterone acetate) in vitro

Flutamide, hydroxyflutamide, RU23908 and cyproterone acetate (CPA) inhibited rat testicular microsomal 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities in vitro. The Km of [3H] progesterone for 17 alpha-hydroxylase was 45 +/- 0.62 nmol/l (+/- SEM, n = 12) and the Km of [3H] 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone for 17,20-lyase was 192 +/- 0.42 nmol/l (+/- SEM, n = 12). The Ki values for 17 alpha-hydroxylase, determined from Lineweaver-Burk plots were 102 +/- 3.2 mumol/l (+/- SEM, n = 6), 363 +/- 3.8 mumol/l (+/- SEM, n = 6), 118 +/- 1.4 mumol/l (+/- SEM, n = 6) and 123 +/- 2.1 mumol/l (+/- SEM, n = 6) for flutamide, hydroxyflutamide, RU23908 and CPA respectively. Flutamide and CPA were mixed-type inhibitors, whereas hydroxyflutamide and RU23908 were competitive inhibitors of 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity. Ki values for 17,20-lyase were 33 +/- 3.1 mumol/l (+/- SEM, n = 6), 112 +/- 3.1 mumol/l (+/- SEM, n = 6), 69 +/- 4.4 mumol/l (+/- SEM, n = 6) and 71 +/- 3.2 mumol/l (+/- SEM, n = 6) for flutamide, hydroxyflutamide, RU23908 and CPA, respectively. Inhibition was found to be competitive in each case. Although the characteristic action of anti-androgens is at the receptor level, these results demonstrate that anti-androgens may also have inhibitory effects on androgen biosynthesis which could prove to be of clinical significance.     

Inhibition of 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase (CYP17) from rat testis by green tea catechins and black tea theaflavins

In the course of screening for 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase inhibitors from food ingredients, the methanol soluble fraction of green tea and black tea, which were expected to be rich in catechin and theaflavin content, showed potent inhibitory activity. (-)-Epigallocathechin gallate and theaflavin 3-O-gallate with a pirogallol moiety significantly inhibited C17,20-lyase activity on IC50 values of 24.5 microM and 11.5 microM respectively. They had potent cytotoxicity against human prostate cancer LNCaP cells (IC50=28.1 microM and 37.4 microM).     

Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of P-45017 alpha (17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase).

Cytochrome P-45017 alpha catalyzes both 17 alpha-hydroxylation and 17,20-side-chain cleavage in steroidogenesis and lies at a key branch point in the pathways of steroid hormone biosynthesis. To obtain information on the precise localization of P-45017 alpha in swine testis, ovary, and adrenal, we undertook the simultaneous detection of P-45017 alpha mRNA and protein by combining immunohistochemistry with in situ hybridization. In situ hybridization was performed on 4% paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections by employing either a 39-base oligomer or a cDNA insert (1.7 KB) of porcine testis P-45017 alpha as DNA probe. Immunohistochemical study was performed by employing anti-P-45017 alpha. Hybridization signals were obtained in Leydig cells of the testis, theca interna of the ovarian follicle, and zona fasciculata reticularis cells of the adrenal cortex. Oligonucleotide probing yielded lower background signal than the cDNA probe. No specific signals were obtained in seminiferous tubules of the testis, medulla, and zona glomerulosa of the adrenal, and in membrana granulosa and interstitial cells of the ovary. Hybridization signals were obtained in the cells where immunoreactivity of the enzyme was observed by immunohistochemistry, except for some Leydig cells of the testis and theca interna cells of the ovary in which only immunoreactivity but not hybridization signal was observed. The present study provided detailed information about the precise cellular localization of P-45017 alpha expression at both the protein and mRNA levels in swine adrenal glands and gonads. This approach of simultaneous immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization analysis of steroidogenic enzymes can be applied in the future to tissues exhibiting abnormal steroid metabolism and should contribute to a better understanding of steroidogenesis.     

Expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome p450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase and cytochrome p450 aromatase enzymes in corpora lutea of diestrous and early pregnant mares

In the pregnant mare, luteal estrogen production increases at the onset of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) secretion by endometrial cups. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that eCG stimulates luteal androgen and estrogen production in pregnant mares. To further elucidate the regulation of steroidogenesis within the equine corpus luteum (CL) of pregnancy, we examined the expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (P450(17alpha)) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450(arom)) in luteal tissue samples collected during diestrus (Days 7 to 10) and pregnancy before (Days 29 to 35) and after (Days 42 to 45) the onset of eCG secretion. Immunoblot analyses revealed a single protein per enzyme with molecular weights of 48 kDa (3beta-HSD), 58 kDa (P450(17alpha)) and 56 kDa (P450(arom)). Steady-state levels of 3beta-HSD were lower in luteal tissue of diestrus than pregnancy, but expression did not change during pregnancy. Steady-state expression of P450(17alpha) in CL of diestrus was not significantly different from that of pregnancy. During pregnancy, P450(17alpha) expression was significantly higher after the onset of eCG secretion. Steady-state expression of P450(arom) in CL of diestrus was not significantly different from that of pregnancy. During pregnancy, luteal expression of P450(arom) was significantly lower after the onset of eCG secretion. These data support the hypotheses that eCG has a differential effect on the expression of luteal steroidogenic enzymes, that the eCG-induced increase in luteal estrogen production is the result of an increase in available aromatizable androgen due to an increase in P450(17alpha) expression and activity, and that increased luteal estrogen production is not due to an increase in aromatase expression.     

Acute effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on 17 alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase activity in neonatal or prepubertal rat testis

In contrast to the situation in adults, desensitization of androgen production, secondary to loss of enzyme activity, was not found in testes of neonatal rats exposed to human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). In the present study attention was given to the acute effects of a single injection of hCG upon the activity of testicular 17 alpha-hydroxylase, C17,20-lyase and the concentration of testosterone in the serum of 5, 10 or 28-30 day old rats was investigated. Tritiated H2O from 17 alpha-[3H]progesterone and 14CH3COOH from 21-[14C]progesterone were the products measured to evaluate hydroxylase and lyase activities respectively. Large increases in hCG in the serum were detected within 2 h of a subcutaneous injection. Testosterone, which was highest in 5 day animals, increased quickly in all animals given hCG. In 28-30-day old animals, the concentration of this steroid began to fall 24 h after injection of hCG. 17 alpha-Hydroxylase activity decreased in the testes of all animals given hCG, but only after a brief increase. Activity returned to the starting level, or above, within 24 h in 5 or 10-day old animals. In 28-30-day old rats the activity of both enzymes decreased dramatically to a nadir at 24 h, but increased thereafter. The results indicate that desensitization of testicular androgen synthesizing enzymes occurs in neonatal as well as older testes stimulated with hCG, but the desensitization was very brief in neonatal animals and no desensitization of lyase was found in 5-day old rat testes.     

4-pregnene-3-one-20 beta-carboxaldehyde: a potent inhibitor of 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase and of 5 alpha-reductase.

The pregnene derivative, 4-pregnene-3-one-20 beta-carboxaldehyde (22-A) was evaluated as an inhibitor of 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase in rat testicular microsomes and of 5 alpha-reductase in human prostatic homogenates. The effect of the compound in vivo was studied in adult male rats. The 22-A demonstrated potent and competitive inhibition of 17 alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase with Ki values 8.48 and 0.41 microM, respectively, significantly below the Km values for these two enzymes (33.75 and 4.55 microM). This compound also showed potent inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase with a Ki value of 15.6 nM (Km for this enzyme is 50 nM). By comparison, ketoconazole, a currently studied 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase inhibitor for the treatment of prostatic cancer, showed less potent inhibition of 17 alpha-hydroxylase (Ki 39.5 microM) and C17,20-lyase (Ki 3.6 microM) and did not inhibit 5 alpha-reductase. Progesterone which has been reported to inhibit the 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase, did not significantly reduce the production of testosterone by rat testes in vitro in comparison to controls, while the same concentration of 22-A demonstrated a 42% reduction of testosterone biosynthesis. When the adult male rats were injected s.c. with 22-A at 50 mg/day/kg for a 2 week period, the testosterone concentrations in the rat sera were significantly lower than control values (P less than 0.05), whereas serum corticosterone levels did not change. These results suggest that 22-A is a selective potent inhibitor for 17 alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase, but is more potent for the C17,20-lyase. The compound also inhibits 5 alpha-reductase, and therefore may reduce biosynthesis of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone effectively. Thus, 22-A may be useful in the treatment of problems associated with the androgen excess and prostatic cancer.     

The C17,20-lyase, 17 alpha-hydroxylase and aromatase activity in rat ovarian granulosa cells stimulated in vivo by gonadotropins

Immature hypophysectomized rats were injected with PMS; some groups received hCG 48h later. The C17,20-lyase activity in the granulosa cells removed from the large preovulatory follicles was estimated by the amount of labelled acetic acid produced from 21 (14C) progesterone or 17-hydroxyprogesterone. 17 alpha-hydroxylase and aromatase activity were measured by the tritium exchange method. Although the granulosa cells contained lyase, it was considerably less than their hydroxylase activity. The remaining tissue, consisting of small follicles and hypertrophied thecal and interstitial tissue, had a great deal more lyase and hydroxylase activity than did the granulosa cells. The results are consistent with the view that granulosa cells can produce estrogen from progesterone and do not require androgen precursors from the theca and/or interstitium.     

Inhibition of human adrenal steroidogenic enzymes in vitro by imidazole drugs including ketoconazole

The effect of several imidazole containing drugs including keto on human adrenal 17 alpha-hydroxylase, 17,20-lyase, 21-hydroxylase, 11 beta-hydroxylase and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase (3 beta-HSD-I) activities was studied in vitro. The order of decreasing inhibitory potency as determined from ID50 values for both 17 alpha-hydroxylase (ID50 values ranged from 1.13-4.17 mumol/l) and 17,20-lyase (0.57-1.95 mumol/l) activities was: bifon greater than clot greater than keto greater than micon greater than econ greater than isocon greater than tiocon. Using [3H]progesterone (5.50-12.25 mumol/l) as the substrate for the 21-hydroxylase activity the order of decreasing inhibitory potency was: clot greater than bifon greater than isocon greater than micon greater than tiocon greater than econ greater than tiocon greater than keto. For the 11 beta-hydroxylation of [3H]deoxycortisol (1.48-2.34 mumol/l) the order of decreasing inhibitory potency was keto greater than bifon greater than clot greater than micon greater than econ greater than isocon greater than tiocon. The cytochrome P-450 dependent enzyme most sensitive to inhibition was 17,20-lyase and the least sensitive was 21-hydroxylase whereas the imidazole drugs were without effect on the cytochrome P-450 independent 3 beta-HSD-I activity. In agreement with previous results a common structural feature of the imidazole drugs having an inhibitory effect was the presence of aromatic rings on the N-1 substituent of the imidazole ring.     

Comparison of the hamster and human adrenal P450c17 (17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase) using site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling

In order to understand the activity specificity of the hamster cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17), we have studied its structure/activity using three hamster P450c17 recombinant mutants (T202N/D240N/D407H). In transiently transfected COS-1 cells, the mutation T202N reduced 17 alpha-hydroxylation of pregnenolone and progesterone to 24 and 44% of wild type (WT), respectively, followed by reduced 17,20-cleavage to 71 and 67%, respectively. On the other hand, the mutation D240N decreased specifically 17,20-lyase activity to 61% of WT when incubated with pregnenolone while the mutation D407H only decreased 17 alpha-hydroxylation to 46% when incubated with progesterone.To comprehend the altered activity profiles of these hamster P450c17 mutants, we have elaborated a 3D model of the hamster P450c17 and compared it to our preceding model of the human P450c17. Analysis of the mutants with this model showed that, without direct contact to the substrates, these mutations transmit structural changes to the active site. By analogy, these results support the concept that any cellular changes modifying the external structure of P450c17, such as phosphorylation, could have influence on its active site and enzymatic activities.     

Quantitative changes in ovarian 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase and aromatase activities during the estrous cycle of the hamster

Aromatase activity of the microsomal fraction of ovarian homogenates, measured by a tritium exchange assay using androstenedione (A-dione) as substrate, did not change during the 4-day estrous cycle of the hamster. In contrast, 17 alpha-hydroxylase, measured by a tritium exchange assay with progesterone as substrate, and particularly C17,20-lyase activity, evaluated by acetic acid production from progesterone, drastically decreased on the afternoon of proestrus (Day 4). The latter two activities remained low on Days 1 and 2 but increased dramatically on Day 3 and the morning of Day 4. The serum concentration of A-dione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone reached a peak at 1600 hr of proestrus and then decreased rapidly as the enzyme activities decreased. A-dione levels were undetectable on Day 1 but 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels remained elevated through Day 2. The results are consistent with the view that 17 alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase are activities of a single cytochrome P-450, as has been shown for testis and adrenal. Increases in hydroxylase and lyase activities occur concomitantly with decreases in the serum concentrations of progesterone, suggesting that the latter steroid may play a role in controlling these enzymes.     

Inhibition of the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase of Pseudomonas testosteroni by steroids.

55 Steroids of the estratriene and androstane type with substituents in pos. 16 alpha, 17 alpha or 17 beta were tested for inhibition of the 3beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase of Pseudomonas testosteroni. Estratrien-3-ols were strong and competitive inhibitors (Ki less than 1 micron). Substituents in pos. 16 alpha of estradiol influenced the inhibitory activity distinctly. Substituents in 17 alpha- or 17 beta-position were of slight influence. 3-Methoxy estratrienes gave no inhibition of the enzymic 3 beta-OH-dehydrogenation. The 4-unsaturated 3-oxo-steroids tested were moderate inhibitors (Ki 2.4-70 micron). The activity was slightly influenced by 17 alpha-substituents. It was increased by 10 beta-substituents in the order H less than CH3 less than N3. The inhibition test can be used to select and eliminate very strong synthetic inhibitors, which are known to disturb the metabolism of steroid hormones.     

Loss of ovarian 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase activity induced by human chorionic gonadotropin is correlated with in vivo substrate availability

Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to hypophysectomized immature rats caused a rapid reduction in ovarian microsomal 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase activity (cytochrome P450(17 alpha] with a concomitant large increase in serum progesterone (P4) level. Pretreatment with cycloheximide (Cyclo) or aminoglutethimide (Ag) prevented these effects of hCG, while Actinomycin D (Act-D) or Azastene, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, were ineffective. In ovaries with enzyme activity increased by 48 h exposure to pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin, hCG also caused a large decrease in enzyme activity but only after a lag period of about 2 h: P4 levels were increased simultaneously. Administration of Cyclo. or puromycin (Puro) caused a loss of enzyme activity without changing P4 levels, but both inhibitors prevented some of the loss of activity and rise in P4 induced by hCG. AG and Act D completely inhibited the enzyme reducing action of hCG, as well as the increase in P4 synthesis, in these animals. P4 applied directly onto one ovary of an animal given hCG plus AG reduced enzyme activity by 69%. The results are consistent with the interpretation that increased substrate concentration is one of but not the only important factor in loss of hydroxylase/lyase activity induced by a sudden large increase in luteinizing hormone activity.     

In vitro and in vivo models for the evaluation of potent inhibitors of male rat 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase

The C(17,20)-lyase is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of androgens by both the testes and adrenals. A complete inhibition of this enzyme would provide an alternative means of androgen suppression for the treatment of prostatic cancers. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of new non-steroidal compounds were tested in vitro on rat C(17,20)-lyase versus abiraterone, a reference steroidal inhibitor. Their activities were also evaluated in vivo on plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and on testes, adrenals, seminal vesicles (SV) and ventral prostate (VP) weights after 3 days of oral treatment to adult male rats (50mg/kg per day p.o.).Inhibition in the nanomolar range was obtained with TX 977, the lead racemate product in this series, and optimization is ongoing based on a slight dissociation observed between its two diastereoisomers, TX 1196-11 (S) and TX 1197-11 (R). These non-steroidal compounds (including YM 55208, a reference competitor) proved to be more active in vivo than abiraterone acetate in this model, but the observed impact on adrenal weight suggests that the specificity of lyase inhibition versus corticosteroid biosynthesis deserves further investigations with this new class of potentially useful agents for the treatment of androgen-dependent prostate cancer.     

Identification and mechanism of action of phospholipids capable of modulating rat testicular microsomal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity in vitro

Rat testicular 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase (3 beta-HSD-Isomerase) converts pregnenolone to progesterone. The enzyme is localized to the microsomal membranes of testicular homogenates, and treatment of the microsomes with phospholipases causes a reduction in 3 beta-HSD-Isomerase activity. The relationship between the membrane microenvironment and 3 beta-HSD-Isomerase activity was investigated by adding phospholipids of known structure to microsomal incubations and determining the effects on the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone. Phosphatidylcholines with saturated acyl chains of 8, 10, 12, and 14 carbon atoms, or unsaturated chains, were extremely inhibitory to 3 beta-HSD-Isomerase, causing reductions in specific activity to 10-40% of the control value. Furthermore, the inhibition appeared to be caused primarily by a reduction in the active enzyme concentration (Vmaxapp). Phosphatidylcholines with longer saturated acyl chains were without effect. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid were activators of 3 beta-HSD-Isomerase. These phospholipids decreased the Kmapp value (to 21% and 43% of control values, respectively), suggesting that the enhancement of 3 beta-HSD-Isomerase activity was through an active-site-oriented effect. Furthermore, for phosphatidic acid to activate 3 beta-HSD-Isomerase, saturated acyl chains of 16 carbon atoms were necessary, other configurations being slightly inhibitory. The remarkable specificity for certain phospholipid configurations and the different effects of these membrane components suggest that androgen biosynthesis may be regulated by changes in the phospholipid microenvironment of 3 beta-HSD-Isomerase.     

Novel mutation of the CYP17 gene in two unrelated patients with combined 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency: demonstration of absent enzyme activity by expressing the mutant CYP17 gene and by three-dimensional modeling

The CYP17 gene, located on chromosome 10q24-q25, encodes the cytochrome P450c17 enzyme. Mutations of this gene cause the 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency, which is a rare, autosomal recessive form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Approximately 50 different mutations of the CYP17 gene have been described, of which some mutations have been identified in certain ethnic groups. In this study, we present the clinical history, hormonal findings and mutational analysis of two patients from unrelated families, who were evaluated for hypertension, hypokalemia and sexual infantilism. In the first patient, who was a 37-year-old female, additional studies showed a large myelolipoma in the left adrenal gland, and a smaller tumor in the right adrenal gland. In the second patient, who was a 31-year-old phenotypic female, clinical work-up revealed a 46,XY kariotype, absence of ovaries and presence of testes located in the inner opening of both inguinal canals. Analysis of the CYP17 gene by polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct sequencing demonstrated a novel homozygous mutation of codon 440 from CGC (Arg) to TGC (Cys) in both patients. The effect of this novel mutation on 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase activity was assessed by in vitro studies on the mutant and wild-type P450c17 generated by site-directed mutagenesis and transfected in nonsteroidogenic COS-1 cells. These studies showed that the mutant P450c17 protein was produced in transfected COS-1 cells, but it had negligible 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities. In addition, three-dimensional computerized modeling of the heme-binding site of the P450c17 enzyme indicated that replacement of Arg by Cys at amino acid position 440 predicts a loss of the catalytic activity of the enzyme, as the mutant enzyme containing Cys440 fails to form a hydrogen bond with the propionate group of heme, which renders the mutant enzyme unable to stabilize the proper position of heme. Based on these findings we conclude that expressing the CYP17 gene with functional analysis, combined with three-dimensional computerized modeling of the heme-binding site of the protein provide feasible tools for molecular characterizing of functional consequences of the novel CYP17 mutation on enzyme function.     

17-Hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase (CYP17) is not the enzyme responsible for side-chain cleavage of cortisol and its metabolites

The question addressed in this study was the nature of the enzyme required to remove the side-chain of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, leading in the case of cortisol to the excretion of 11β-hydroxyandrosterone, 11-oxo-androsterone and the corresponding etiocholanolones. We questioned whether it could be CYP17, the 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase utilized in androgen synthesis. The conversion of exogenous cortisol to C₁₉ steroids in patients with complete 17-hydroxylase deficiency (17HD) was studied rationalizing that if CYP17 was involved no C₁₉ steroids would be formed. The urinary excretion of the four 11-oxy-C₁₉ steroids as well as many of the major C₂₁ cortisol metabolites were measured by GC/MS. Our results showed that the conversion of cortisol to C₁₉ steroids was normal in 17HD indicating that a currently unidentified enzyme must be responsible for this transformation.

A secondary goal was to determine to what extent 11-oxy-C₁₉ steroids were metabolites of cortisol or adrenal synthesized 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione. Since cortisol-treated 17HD patients cannot produce androstenedione, all C₁₉ 11-oxy-metabolites excreted must be derived from exogenous cortisol. The extent to which 17HD patients have lower relative excretion of C₁₉ steroids should reflect the absence of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione metabolites. Our results showed almost all of 11-oxo-etiocholanolone and 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone were cortisol metabolites, but in contrast the excretion of 11β-hydroxyandrosterone was less than 10% that of normal individuals, indicating that in excess of 90% must be a metabolite of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione.     

Relationship between in vivo and in vitro 17 alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase activity in ovaries of immature hypophysectomized rats treated chronically with human chorionic gonadotropin

The production of 3H2O from 17 alpha-3H-progesterone and 14CH3COOH from [21-14C]progesterone were used to measure the 17 alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase activities respectively in the microsomal + mitochondrial fraction of homogenates of ovaries from immature hypophysectomized rats chronically treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The highly stimulated thecal and interstitial tissues were considered the only source of enzyme. hCG produced an increase in 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione, but a drastic decrease in enzyme activity within 6 h; this could be largely prevented by pretreatment of the rats with cycloheximide or aminoglutethimide but actinomycin D was ineffective. After a nadir at 24 h, enzyme activities increased to more than double those of the starting level; this could be prevented by cycloheximide. Maximal activity levels were greatly decreased by cycloheximide and modestly increased by aminoglutethimide. Cessation of treatment at 60 h followed by a single injection of hCG 24 h later did not cause a loss, but delays of 36 or more hours produced a dramatic decrease in enzyme activity, which could be prevented by aminoglutethimide. The results indicate that the level of activity of these enzymes attained in the ovary following exposure to hCG is determined by a balance between the amount of substrate provided and production of enzyme and/or stimulating factors. Therefore, maintenance of increased enzyme activity induced by gonadotropin appears to be under genomic control.