ESPE Abstracts

Steroidogenic enzyme expression in the fetal adrenal and the placenta hints at the production and metabolism of adrenal-derived 11-oxy androgens (11OxyAs) in the fetal-placental unit. Thus, 11OxyAs are present in placental tissue, fetal cord blood and neonatal serum, and could have a particular role during fetal development. The metabolism of the 11OxyAs in the fetal unit, therefore, presents as a focal point of investigation. Adrenal androgens are primarily metabolized by the...

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is defined by androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction in the absence of a specific physiological diagnosis. The best clinical marker of androgen excess is hirsutism, while the best biochemical parameter is still a matter of debate. Current consensus guidelines recommend serum free testosterone as the most sensitive serum parameter to measure androgen excess. Recently, however, novel active androgens and androgen metabo...