Distribution of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in human osteoblast-like cells

In bone androgens and estrogens exert profound osteoprotective effects. Cul tured human osteoblast (hOB)-like cells are able to metabolize circulating androgens or androgen precursors, such as testosterone and androstenedione, respectively, by aromatization (aromatase). 5 alpha -reduction (5 alpha -r eductase) and reduction/oxidation at the 17 beta -position (17-beta -hydrox ysteroid dehydrogenases, 17 beta -HSDs). In this study it was demonstrated that cultured normal human osteoblast-like cells as well as the osteosarcom a cell lines HOS and MG 63 express 17 beta -HSDs types 1. 2, 3 and 4. (C) 2 001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.