High levels of serium allopregnanolone in women with premature ovarian failure

The endocrine characteristics of patients with premature ovarian failure (P OF) have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to eva luate whether steroidogenic activity in women with POF is different with re spect to fertile and postmenopausal subjects. In particular, circulating levels of allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroi d involved in modulation of reproductive function in rats, have been evalua ted and correlated with serum levels of Delta 4 precursor (dehydroepiandros terone sulfate (DHEAS)), Delta 5 intermediates (androstenedione, 17-hydroxy progesterone (17-OHP), progesterone) and final products (estradiol and test osterone) of androgens. Levels of luteinizing hormone (LH),follicle stimula ting hormone (FSH) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were also determ ined. In all carer specific radioimmunological assays were used. Women with POF showed statistically significantly lower concentrations of 17-OHP, and rostenedione and testosterone when compared to fertile controls, while no d ifferences were found between women with POF and postmenopausal women. Seru m DHEAS levels were similar in POF patients and in fertile controls and hig her with respect to postmenopausal women. Serum allopregnanolone levels wer e significantly higher in women with POF than in postmenopausal and inferti le women. A significant inverse correlation between allopregnanolone levels and menopausal age in patients with POF war observed while no significant correlation was found between allopregnanolone and progesterone, androstene dione, 17-OHP and testosterone levels. In conclusion, allopregnanolone is s carcely influenced by the reduction of ovarian and adrenal activity observe d in POF.