Open AccessDown‐regulation of murine testicular 17β‐HSD3 and hepatic CYP1A2 enzymes by a bovine testes extract
Author(s) -
Chatuphonprasert Waranya,
Thadsri Tawiphark,
Jarukamjorn Kanokwan
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
reproductive medicine and biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1447-0578
pISSN - 1445-5781
DOI - 10.1007/s12522-009-0040-y
Subject(s) - cyp1a2 , messenger rna , enzyme , chemistry , cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme , gene expression , testosterone (patch) , cytochrome p450 , hormone , gene , medicine , endocrinology , andrology , biochemistry , biology
Purpose We investigated the effects of a bovine testes extract (BTE), which was developed as an alternative product for andropausal men, on expression of testicular enzymes responsible for sex hormone synthesis genes and a carcinogen activation related gene. Methods Expression of testicular CYP1A2, CYP11A1, CYP17, 3β‐HSD, and 17β‐HSD3 mRNAs as well as hepatic CYP1A2 mRNA were semi‐quantitatively determined by RT‐PCR. In addition, expression of hepatic CYP1A2 protein and methoxyresorufin O ‐demethylase activity were carried out. Results Bovine testes extract did not alter the testicular expression of CYP11A1, CYP17, and 3β‐HSD mRNAs, while that of CYP11A1 was significantly down‐regulated by testosterone. Interestingly, administration of BTE for 3 weeks significantly suppressed testicular 17β‐HSD3 and hepatic CYP1A2 mRNA. Correspondingly, methoxyresorufin O ‐demethylase (MROD) activity and expression of hepatic CYP1A2 protein were significantly decreased. Conclusions These findings strongly suggested considering risks versus benefits and raised concerns regarding the use of BTE as an alternative medication or health supplement in andropausal men due to its potential for suppressing expression of both 17β‐HSD3 and CYP1A2 mRNAs, testicular enzymes responsible for sex hormone gene synthesis.