US EPA

7353544 

Journal Article 

Androgens-Molecular Basis and Related Disorders 

Meaden, C; Chedrese, PJ 

2009 

205-214 

10.1007/978-0-387-88186-7_18 

WOS:000269295000018 

The term androgen refers to any natural or synthetic compounds that stimulate or control development and maintenance of masculine characteristics. Most commonly, androgens refer to endogenous steroid sex hormones responsible for virilizing the accessory male sex organs and secondary sex characteristics. Androgens are mainly synthesized by the testes, although females also produce small amounts, which are important for positive protein balance, maintaining strong muscles and bones, and contribute to libido. There are two major androgens secreted by the testes: testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α–DHT). Two weaker androgens primarily synthesized in the adrenal cortex and in smaller amounts by the testes and ovaries are dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione, which are converted metabolically to testosterone and other androgens. There is one common androgen receptor (AR) that all androgens bind to, although their target genomic responses are distinctly different. Testosterone is the most abundant androgen with 4–10 mg secreted daily in adult men. 5α-DHT binds the AR with higher affinity than all other androgens, making 5α-DHT the most potent androgen. This chapter focuses on the fundamental molecular mechanisms of the effects of androgens, androgen metabolism in males and defects in the AR that is meant to communicate the complexity of intersex disorders.