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Interindividual variability in the expression and NNK carbonyl reductase activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 in human lung.

The balance between metabolic activation and detoxification is critical in determining the susceptibility to lung cancer upon exposure to the tobacco specific nitrosamine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). Carbonyl reduction of NNK, followed by glucuronidation, is the main detoxification pathway of this lung carcinogen in humans. Recently, we have identified 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD 1) as microsomal NNK carbonyl reductase in liver and lung. In the present study, the interindividual variability of 11beta-HSD 1 expression and NNK-carbonyl reductase activity was examined in human lung by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and enzyme activity. Levels of 11beta-HSD 1 mRNA varied over an almost 20-fold range among different subjects. Levels of NNK carbonyl reductase activity in lung microsomes closely resembled the relative amounts of immunoreactive protein as determined by Western blot analysis. In view of the large interindividual differences in the susceptibility of tobacco smoke related lung cancer, we present the first data on the variability of 11beta-HSD 1 expression and NNK carbonyl reduction in human lung.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1↗

High dietary potassium chloride intake augments rat renal mineralocorticoid receptor selectivity via 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Glucocorticoid access to renal corticosteroid receptors is regulated by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11beta-HSDs), converting 11beta-hydroxyglucocorticoids into inactive 11-ketones. This mechanism plays a key role in maintaining normal salt-water homeostasis and blood pressure. To study whether renal cortical proximal and distal tubular 11beta-HSDs are modulated, upon shifting the electrolyte status (and may thereby contribute to adjusting the salt-water homeostasis), rats were treated for 14 days with diets with low (0.058 w/w%), normal (0.58%, which is the KCl content of standard European laboratory rat food) or high (5.8%) potassium chloride content. In proximal tubules, dietary KCl had no effect regarding corticosterone 11beta-oxidation in intact cells as well as 11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2 protein (Western blotting) and mRNA levels (semi-quantitative RT-PCR). In distal tubules, the low KCl diet also had no effect. However, distal tubules of rats fed the high KCl diet showed increased corticosterone 11beta-oxidation rates (1.6-fold, P<0.01) and 11beta-HSD2 protein (4-fold, P<0.01), whereas 11beta-HSD1 protein was decreased (no longer detected, P<0.05). Distal tubular 11beta-HSD mRNA levels were not changed upon dietary treatment. Our results suggest that upon dietary KCl loading distal tubular mineralocorticoid receptor selectivity for aldosterone is increased because of enhanced corticosterone 11beta-oxidation. This may contribute to the fine-tuning of salt-water homeostasis by the kidney.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1↗

Opposite effects of sex steroids on 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the normal and adrenalectomized rat testis.

1. Sex steroids have been shown to regulate the biosynthesis of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD). 2. In vitro studies showed that oestradiol (E2) or testosterone (T) can interfere with the bioassay of enzyme activity, but not progesterone (P4). 3. For in vivo studies, the activity of 11 beta-HSD in the testis of normal and adrenalectomized (ADX) adult male Wistar rats was determined following a daily IM injection of sex steroids for 7 days. 4. The 11 beta-HSD activity was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) either by E2 or T in normal and ADX rats. The enzyme activity in normal rats given both T and E2 was even lower (P < 0.001) than when E2 was given alone. 5. P4 given to normal and ADX rats increased the enzyme activity higher than normal (P < 0.001). 6. The presence of corticosteroids influenced the effects of E2, but not of T and P4, on 11 beta-HSD activity. 7. E2 and T downregulate 11 beta-HSD activity, whereas P4 increased it. E2 did not act through lowering T level.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

The sequence of 5' flanking DNA from the mouse 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 gene and analysis of putative transcription factor binding sites.

11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (E.C. 1.1.1.146) (11 beta-HSD 1) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of glucocorticoids, catalysing their interconversion with physiologically inert 11-keto metabolites. To identify transcription factors which may be involved in the regulation of expression of mouse 11 beta-HSD 1 we have isolated and sequenced the 5' flanking DNA to 900 bp upstream from the major transcription start site.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in spontaneously hypertensive and Dahl rats.

The role of the enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD) in hypertension remains unknown even if it appears that the inappropriately decreased 11betaHSD activity might be involved in a process that leads to high blood pressure. The possible changes of 11betaHSD were therefore investigated in rats with spontaneous or salt-induced hypertension. The adult male rats of the following genotypes were used: spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed either a high-salt diet containing 8% NaCl (DS-HS) or low-salt diet containing 0.2% NaCl (DS-LS), and Dahl salt-resistant rats fed the same diets (DR-HS, DR-LS). 11betaHSD was investigated in colon, aorta, renal cortex, and renal medulla and was assessed as percentage conversion of [3H]corticosterone to [3H]11-dehydrocorticosterone in the presence of NAD or NADP. The results demonstrated that genotype exerts a significant effect on 11betaHSD. 11betaHSD activity was significantly increased in colon and renal medulla of SHR compared with WKY rats. No significant differences were observed in renal cortex and aorta. In Dahl rats kept on a low-salt diet, 11betaHSD activity was significantly higher in colon, renal medulla, and cortex of DS-LS than in DR-LS rats but no difference was observed in aorta. The differences disappeared in age-matched DS and DR rats fed the high-salt diet. Increased dietary sodium intake stimulated the activity of 11betaHSD in renal cortex and medulla of DR rats and decreased the activity in colon of DS rats. We conclude that the development of spontaneous and salt-induced hypertension is not associated with decreased activity of 11betaHSD. However, the results showed that salt intake is able to modulate the activity of 11betaHSD and that 11betaHSD in DS and DR rats responds to high dietary salt intake in a different manner.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Placental 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in Dahl and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Studies in normotensive rats showed that excessive fetal exposure to maternal glucocorticoids retards growth and programs hypertension in later life. This excessive exposure is proposed to occur due to a reduction of the placental barrier to maternal glucocorticoids that is provided by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD). To assess the possible alterations of glucocorticoid placental barrier in two genetic models of hypertension - spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Dahl salt-sensitive rats (DS) and their normotensive counterparts Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Dahl salt-resistant rats (DR)-we performed real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and bioactivity measurements of placental 11betaHSD in the last third of gestation. Whereas 11betaHSD2 mRNA expression was not different among the investigated strains, 11betaHSD1 mRNA abundance was 2.4 times higher in WKY than in SHR and 9.6 times higher in DS than in DR placentae. The 11betaHSD2 activity studies performed in placental homogenates revealed activity that did not differ among the strains. Concomitant with 11betaHSD1 mRNA expression 11-oxoreductase activity was clearly evident in all strains and was higher in WKY and DS rats than in SHR and DR, respectively. Nevertheless, the net 11betaHSD activity of tissue fragments (11beta-dehydrogenase minus 11-oxoreductase) was tended toward dehydrogenase action, ie, toward corticosterone inactivation and was significantly lower in DS than in DR rats. The 11beta-dehydrogenase/11-oxoreductase ratio was less than 2:1 in SHR and WKY rats, whereas this ratio was 9:1 in DR and 4.5:1 in DS rats. These data suggest that the placental glucocorticoid barrier is not decreased in SHR rats in comparison with normotensive WKY but is lower in DS than in DR counterparts. It cannot be excluded, therefore, that the placental glucocorticoid barrier in Dahl rats influences the pathways that might lead to the sensitivity of blood pressure to high salt intake in later life.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the Dahl rat.

Dahl salt sensitive (Dahl-S) rats develop hypertension soon after birth. The cause of the increased salt-sensitivity in the Dahl-S rat is unknown. The mineralocorticoid specificity of the kidney receptor is conferred by the activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD). There are two isoforms of 11beta-HSD (11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2). Deficiency or inhibition of 11beta-HSD2 causes sodium retention and hypertension. In the present study we measured the activity of hepatic and kidney 11beta-HSD1 in Dahl-S and R rats before and after the development of hypertension. The activity of 11beta-HSD1 in the liver was lower in the Dahl-S rats at 6 weeks of age (S = 8.01 +/- 0.89 v R = 11.91 +/- 0.84 nmol/mg protein/10 min (P < .02) but there was no difference at 10 weeks. In contrast, 11beta-HSD1 in the kidney was not different at 6 weeks but it was significantly lower in the Dahl-S rats at 10 weeks (S = 0.91 +/- 0.04 v R = 1.12 +/- 0.01 nmol/mg protein/10 min (P < .001). Plasma renin concentration was lower at 6 (6w) and 10 weeks (10w) in the Dahl-S rats: S-6w = 4.2 +/- 0.4 versus R-6W = 6.3 +/- 0.8 ng angiotensin I (AI)/mL/h (P < .04) and S-10w = 6.4 +/- 0.7 versus R-10w = 10 +/- 0.9 ng AI/mL/h (P < .009). Plasma aldosterone and corticosterone were not different between the two strains. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the Dahl-S rats was 124 +/- 3 mm Hg at 6 weeks and 241 +/- 6 mm Hg at 10 weeks (P < .001). SBP in the Dahl-R rats was 113 +/- 5 mm Hg at 6 weeks and 143 +/- 4 mm Hg at 10 weeks. In conclusion, Dahl-S rats have lower hepatic 11beta-HSD1 activity at 6 weeks of age and lower kidney 11beta-HSD1 at 10 weeks of age compared with Dahl-R rats of the same age. These findings suggest that diminished activity of both liver and kidney 11beta-HSD1 may play a role in the salt sensitivity and development of hypertension in the Dahl-S rat.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Insulin attenuates the stimulatory effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha on 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 in human adipose stromal cells.

Obesity is frequently associated with insulin-resistance and abnormal glucose homeostasis. Recent evidence indicates that TNFalpha may play a role in mediating the insulin-resistance of obesity through its overexpression in adipose tissue. Previously, we have shown that human adipose stromal cells contain 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) mRNA and activity. The present study was designed to examine the effects of insulin on 11beta-HSD1 expression in human adipose stromal cells under basal and TNFalpha-stimulated conditions. The cells were obtained from breast adipose tissue by collagenase digestion, and grown to confluence under replicating conditions in 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells were transferred to serum-free medium for 24 h prior to treatment with either TNFalpha, insulin or both for a further 24 h. The level of 11beta-HSD1 reductase activity was determined by measuring the conversion of [(3)H]-cortisone to [(3)H]-cortisol at a substrate concentration of 10 nM. Treatment with TNFalpha at concentrations of 0.1-10 ng/ml resulted in a dose dependent increase in 11beta-HSD1 reductase activity from 1.5 to 10-fold. Insulin (0.1-100 nM) had no effect under basal conditions, but inhibited the stimulatory effects of TNFalpha (5 ng/ml) on 11beta-HSD1 reductase activity in a dose dependent fashion (8-66%) inhibition). Northern blot analysis revealed corresponding changes in the level of 11beta-HSD1 mRNA, suggesting that the effects of TNFalpha and insulin on 11beta-HSD1 activity are mediated at the level of gene transcription. The interaction between insulin and TNFalpha suggests that local and systemic factors may act in a concerted fashion to modulate glucocorticoid activity in adipose and other peripheral tissues.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Cloning and expression of the bovine 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-2.

The bovine 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11beta-HSD-2) cDNA was cloned from three overlapping PCR fragments using primers based on the human and ovine 11beta-HSD-2 cDNA sequences. Both cDNA ends were obtained by a modified RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) method. The bovine 11beta-HSD-2 cDNA is 1878 bp long, excluding the poly(A) tail. It consists of a 5'-untranslated region of 133 bp, an open reading frame of 1215 bp and a 3'-untranslated region of 530 bp. Bovine 11beta-HSD-2 cDNA is highly homologous to that of the sheep (92%) and less related to the human (67%), rabbit (65%), rat (52%) and mouse (45%) cDNA. The predicted bovine 11beta-HSD-2 protein contains 404 amino acid residues with a calculated mol wt of 43,985. It is homologous to the sheep (98%) and human (88%) protein, and less related to that of the rabbit (76%), rat (80%) and mouse (77%). The cloned 11beta-HSD-2 cDNA was transfected into CHOP cells and the enzymatic characteristics determined. The enzyme functions primarily as an oxidase, uses NAD(+) and is more active with corticosterone as a substrate than with cortisol or dexamethasone. It is expressed in high concentrations in kidney, adrenal and colon, and in small concentrations in liver, heart and lung. In conclusion, the 11beta-HSD-2 enzyme of cattle is very similar to that of other species in its structure and enzymatic characteristics.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2↗

Progestin regulation of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in T-47D human breast cancer cells.

This study examined the enzymatic characteristics and steroid regulation of the glucocorticoid-metabolizing enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) in the human breast cancer cell line T-47D. In cell homogenates, exogenous NAD significantly increased the conversion of corticosterone to 11-dehydrocorticosterone, while NADP was ineffective. There was no conversion of 11-dehydrocorticosterone to corticosterone either with NADH or NADPH demonstrating the lack of reductase activity. In keeping with these results, RT-PCR analysis indicated a mRNA for 11beta-HSD2 in T-47D cells, while 11beta-HSD1 mRNA levels were undetectable. In T-47D cells treated for 24 h with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 11beta-HSD catalytic activity was elevated 11-fold, while estrone (E(1)), estradiol (E(2)) and the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) were ineffective. The antiprogestin mifepristone (RU486) acted as a pure antagonist of the progestin-enhanced 11beta-HSD activity, but did not exert any agonistic effects of its own. In addition, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that MPA was a potent inducer of 11beta-HSD2 gene expression, increasing the steady-state levels of 11beta-HSD2 mRNA. Taken together, these results demonstrate that 11beta-HSD2 is the 11beta-HSD isoform expressed by T-47D cells under steady-state conditions and suggest the existence of a previously undocumented mechanism of action of progestins in breast cancer cells.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1↗

Expression of the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II enzyme in breast tumors and modulation of activity and cell growth in PMC42 cells.

Manipulating the metabolism of glucocorticoids may serve as a useful adjunct in the treatment of breast cancer. The 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11betaHSD2) potently inactivates glucocorticoids thereby protecting the non-selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in fluid transporting tissues. In the present study, Western blot analysis showed the presence of 11betaHSD2 in 66% of the breast tumor samples. The 11betaHSD2 and MR are also present in the breast tumor cell line PMC42. Glycyrrhetinic acid abolished glucocorticoid metabolism and inhibited cell growth by 40%, the latter at concentrations consistent with glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and MR binding studies. Metabolism was increased by glucocorticoids, the anti-glucocorticoid RU 38486 and anti-mineralocorticoid spironolactone, while aldosterone had no effect. Neither cortisol nor aldosterone affected cell proliferation, but both RU 38486 and spironolactone caused a significant decrease in cell number. The effects of RU 38486 were only observed at micromolar concentrations and are inconsistent with an action via GR or progesterone receptor (PR). This study shows that 11betaHSD2 activity and cell proliferation of PMC42 cells can be modulated via steroid receptors.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2↗

Induction of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 but not -2 in human aortic smooth muscle cells by inflammatory stimuli.

The 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) enzymes catalyze the interconversion of active glucocorticoids (GC) with their inert metabolites, thereby regulating the functional activity of GC. While 11beta-HSD type 1 (11beta-HSD1) activates GC from their 11-keto metabolites, 11beta-HSD type 2 (11beta-HSD2) inactivates GC. Here we report that both of these enzymes are expressed in human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC), and that 11beta-HSD1 is more abundant and is differentially regulated relative to 11beta-HSD2. Stimulation of SMC with IL-1beta or TNFalpha led to a time- and dose-dependent increase of mRNA levels for 11beta-HSD1, while 11beta-HSD2 mRNA levels decreased. Parallel enzyme activity studies showed increased conversion of 3H-cortisone to 3H-cortisol but not 3H-cortisol to 3H-cortisone, demonstrating 11beta-HSD1 in SMC acts primarily as a reductase. A similar increase of 11beta-HSD1 mRNA expression was also found in human bronchial SMC upon stimulation, indicating the regulatory effect is not limited to vascular smooth muscle. Additional parallel studies revealed a similar pattern of induction for 11beta-HSD1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, a well-defined proinflammatory molecule. These data suggest 11beta-HSD1 may play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses in the artery wall and lung.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2↗

Glycyrrhizic acid suppresses type 2 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in vivo.

Licorice-derivatives such as glycyrrhizic acid (GA) competitively inhibit 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(11 beta-HSD) type 2 (11-HSD2) enzymatic activity, and chronic clinical use often results in pseudoaldosteronism. Since the effect of GA on 11-HSD2 expression remains unknown, we undertook in vivo and in vitro studies. Male Wistar rats were given 30, 60 or 120 mg/kg of GA twice a day for 2 weeks. Plasma corticosterone was decreased in those given the 120 mg dose, while urinary corticosterone excretion was increased in those given the 30 and 60 mg doses but decreased in those given 120 mg GA. NAD(+)-dependent dehydrogenase activity in kidney microsomal fraction was decreased in animals receiving doses of 60 and 120 mg GA. The 11-HSD2 protein and mRNA levels were decreased in those given 120 mg GA. In contrast, in vitro studies using mouse kidney M1 cells revealed that 24h treatment with glycyrrhetinic acid did not affect the 11-HSD2 mRNA expression levels. Thus, in addition to its role as a competitive inhibitor of 11-HSD2, the chronic high dose of GA suppresses mRNA and protein expression of 11-HSD2 possibly via indirect mechanisms. These effects may explain the prolonged symptoms after cessation of GA administration in some pseudoaldosteronism patients.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Intestinal and hepatic microsomal metabolism of testosterone and progesterone by a 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase to the 3 alpha-hydroxy derivatives in the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Intestinal or hepatic microsomes from channel catfish converted [4-14C]-testosterone to three major metabolites: 6 beta-hydroxytestosterone, androstenedione and a third metabolite. Formation of the unknown metabolite required NADPH as cofactor. When incubated with 200 microM testosterone, the rate of formation of the unknown metabolite was 265+/-158 pmol/(min mg) protein (mean+/-S.D.) in microsomes from the proximal intestine, 515+/-93 pmol/(min mg) protein in distal intestine and 226+/-42 pmol/(min mg) protein in hepatic microsomes. Comparison of the chromatographic and spectral properties of the unknown metabolite with those of authentic testosterone derivatives showed that this metabolite corresponded to 4-androstene-3 alpha,17 beta-diol. No 3 alpha-reduced metabolite was formed in incubations of testosterone with catfish intestinal cytosol. Testosterone was reduced to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone primarily in the cytosolic fraction and not in microsomes. Incubation of progesterone with intestinal microsomes resulted in the formation of a metabolite with properties similar to that of the 3 alpha-reduced testosterone, and this metabolite was identified by co-chromatography with authentic standard as 3 alpha-reduced progesterone. Thus, 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is an important pathway in intestinal microsomes of the channel catfish.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Glucocorticoid metabolism by 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 modulates human mineralocorticoid receptor transactivation activity.

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) binds aldosterone, but also glucocorticoid hormones (corticosterone in rodents, cortisol in humans), which largely prevail in the plasma. To prevent permanent and maximal occupancy of MR by glucocorticoid hormones in aldosterone-target cells, specific effects of aldosterone require metabolism of glucocorticoid hormones into 11-dehydroderivatives by 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD2). We analyzed the effect of corticosterone or 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC) on the transactivation activity of the MR, transiently expressed in a new renal cell line expressing 11-HSD2. We show that, because of its metabolism by 11-HSD2, corticosterone is a poor activator of MR transactivation, except at micromolar concentrations, where the enzyme is saturated. We also show that high micromolar concentrations of 11 DHC are required to activate the MR. The weak antagonist property of 11-DHC on aldosterone-induced hMR transactivations is also documented. Such partial agonist activity of 11-DHC is discussed in the light of its positioning in a three-dimensional model of the MR ligand-binding domain.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2↗

The possible roles of mineralocorticoid receptor and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in cardiac fibrosis in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

In hypertension, aldosterone has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in cardiac fibrosis, which generally increases cardiac morbidity and death. However, few studies have reported the expression of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) in the heart under hypertensive conditions. Therefore, in this study, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were examined to elucidate the possible actions of mineralocorticoids via binding to MR. Wister Kyoto Rat (WKY), SHR, stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP), and malignant SHRSP (M-SHRSP) were used. Total RNA was extracted from the left ventricle of these rats, and examined for the expression levels of MR, 11beta-HSD2 and Collagen types 1 and 3 using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction employing the Light Cycler Instrument. Blood pressure was significantly different among each group. The mean mRNA levels for MR, 11beta-HSD2 and Collagen types 1 and 3 in M-SHRSP were found to be significantly increased compared to those of WKY, whereas no significant differences in mRNA levels were detected among SHR and SHRSP. Findings from the present study appear to demonstrate that MR and 11beta-HSD2 mRNA significantly rise in the left ventricle of M-SHRSP and increase of these mRNA is one of the cause of cardiac fibrosis.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Pathophysiological roles of vascular 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and aldosterone.

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) binding is tightly regulated by the enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSDII) which selectively metabolizes glucocorticoids to inactive metabolites, thus allowing for MR activation by aldosterone. To examine whether this enzyme is involved in the pathophysiology of salt-sensitive hypertension, 11beta-HSDII activity and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined in blood vessels of Dahl Iwai salt-sensitive (DS) and salt-resistant (DR) rats. Decreased 11beta-HSDII activity and mRNA levels in mesenteric arteries were observed in 8-week-old DS rats on a high-salt diet, indicating that 11beta-HSDII may play a significant role in salt sensitivity and hypertension. It has been suggested that mineralocorticoids act on blood vessels, leading to increased vasoreactivity and peripheral resistance. We present direct evidence that blood vessels are aldosteronogenic. The production of aldosterone in blood vessels was compared between stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Vascular aldosterone and CYP11B2 mRNA levels were significantly increased in 2-week-old SHRSP versus WKY rats. However, the vascular aldosterone levels in 4- and 9-week-old SHRSP and WKY rats were similar. High sodium intake further increased both blood pressure and vascular aldosterone synthesis in the SHRSPs. Both the local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the vascular 11beta-HSDII level are critically important in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, cell proliferation and malignancy.

The enzymes 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 (11beta-HSD1 and 2) have well-defined roles in the tissue-specific metabolism of glucocorticoids which underpin key endocrine mechanisms such as adipocyte differentiation (11beta-HSD1) and mineralocorticoid action (11beta-HSD2). However, in recent studies we have shown that the effects of 11beta-HSD1 and 2 are not restricted to distinct tissue-specific hormonal functions. Studies of normal fetal and adult tissues, as well as their tumor equivalents, have shown a further dichotomy in 11beta-HSD expression and activity. Specifically, most normal glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-rich tissues such as adipose tissue, bone, and pituitary cells express 11beta-HSD1, whereas their fetal equivalents and tumors express 11beta-HSD2. We have therefore postulated that the ability of 11beta-HSD1 to generate cortisol acts as an autocrine anti-proliferative, pro-differentiation stimulus in normal adult tissues. In contrast, the cortisol-inactivating properties of 11beta-HSD2 lead to pro-proliferative effects, particularly in tumors. This proposal is supported by experiments in vitro which have demonstrated divergent effects of 11beta-HSD1 and 2 on cell proliferation. Current studies are aimed at (1) characterizing the underlying mechanisms for a "switch" in 11beta-HSD isozyme expression in tumors; (2) defining the molecular targets for glucocorticoids as regulators of cell proliferation; (3) evaluating the potential for targeting glucocorticoid metabolism as therapy for some cancers. These and other issues are discussed in the present review.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗