Environmental inhibition of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

Gossypol, a polyphenolic compound from cotton seed, caused hypokalemia in s ome men receiving it in a trial of its contraceptive activity. Searching fo r the mechanism for its hypokalemic action led to the observation that it i nhibited 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This would enhance mineraloc orticoid effect in the kidney. Many other polyphenols also inhibit this enz yme including those in grapefruit juice. Ingesting 1-2 1 of grapefruit Juic e inhibited this enzyme in two men in a clinical experiment. Tea polyphenol s inhibit this enzyme and add to the inhibition caused by gossypol. Men in China have lower serum potassium values than men elsewhere and this is due to the environment, presumably the diet, in China. The importance of dietar y and other exogenous inhibitors of this enzyme in electrolyte metabolism r emains to be determined. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.