Examples of steroids in biology. Pavlichuk A.V. sterols steroids. What are anabolic steroids

Steroid hormones are a group of biologically active substances produced by the human body and influencing many life processes.

In a normal state, a healthy body independently synthesizes steroids, thereby meeting its needs completely. But in some cases, the amount of hormones produced may be insufficient or excessive. Then medication correction is required to ensure the person’s life activity within normal limits.

In the body, steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol, namely:

• in the adrenal cortex;
• in the testes (in Leydig cells);
• in the follicular cells of the ovaries;
• in the placenta.

These substances are highly lyophilic, due to which they easily penetrate through cell membranes into the blood and go in search of target cells.

Steroids produced in different glands have their own purpose and are responsible for different functions in the human body.

• Corticosteroids are produced by the adrenal cortex. These are glucocorticoid hormones - cortisone, corticosterone. And also mineralocorticoids - deoxycorticosterone, .
• , that is, female sex hormones, are mainly produced in the ovaries. This is estriol, estrol (folliculin), .
• Androgens, male sex hormones, are synthesized in the testes in men and in much smaller quantities by the adrenal cortex in women. This is (androgen), androsterone, methyltestosterone.

Our body can produce different amounts of hormones. If their level is sufficient, then there will be no failures in the processes for which they are responsible.

With excessive or insufficient production, pathologies arise that need to be corrected with the help of medications.

• Hyperaldosteronism. The adrenal cortex produces excessive amounts of aldosterone, which affects sodium-potassium metabolism. Pathology can be primary and secondary. The primary reason is a change in the adrenal cortex itself, the secondary reason is disturbances in other organs and tissues.
• Chronic adrenal insufficiency () is a severe chronic disease caused by insufficient synthesis of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal cortex. Almost all organs and systems of the body are affected. Men and women aged 20 to 40 years suffer from this pathology.

• – pathological conditions arising as a result of hypercotrizism. The adrenal cortex secretes high amounts of cortisol and causes a number of associated diseases with different clinical manifestations. It should be differentiated from Itsenko-Cushing's disease (). It may also develop as a result of long-term treatment with glucocorticoids.
• Impaired androgen synthesis: 5-a-reductase deficiency is a congenital pathology that affects only men. It is also called pseudohermaphroditism. A child is born with male gonads, but the genitals are female.

This method, such as the use of synthetic hormones in medical practice, is used to correct insufficient synthesis of steroids. In case of hyperfunction, specific drugs of another group are prescribed.

Hormonal drugs - indications and contraindications

Synthetic steroid hormones, like no other, have their own characteristics and should be used only after a full examination. The attending physician prescribes therapy and regularly monitors the patient's condition. In addition, the specialist will take into account all possible risks of side effects and contraindications in each specific case.

Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The following drugs containing steroid hormones are prescribed:

• anastrazole (arimidex);
• letrozole (Femara);
• exemestane (aromasin).

They are used in complex therapy and give good results, but they have side effects, expressed in attacks of nausea, redness of the skin, joint pain, vaginal dryness. Long-term use may cause bone fragility. To prevent this phenomenon, calcium and vitamin D supplements are prescribed. If there is a history of osteoporosis, then this treatment is not suitable.

Among the well-known and most used are the following:

• Hydrocortisone;
• Dexamethasone;
• Prednisole;
• Prednisolone;
• Estriol.

They are also used to recover from severe and long-term illnesses and in sports as doping. Have the following effect:

• accelerate the regeneration of all body tissues;
• increase appetite;
• promote recruitment muscle mass by reducing the amount of fatty tissue;
• improve the accumulation of phosphorus and calcium in bones and teeth;
• increase the performance and endurance of the body, reduce or completely disappear the feeling of fear, increase cognitive functions and brain activity.

Possible side effects

But uncontrolled or unjustified reception hormonal drugs can lead to unwanted side reactions of the body:

• acne, acne;
• hypertension;
• increased irritability, unmotivated mood swings, tendency to depression;
• increased cholesterol levels and associated atherosclerosis;
• in men - impotence, testicular atrophy, decreased secretion and quality of sperm, infertility, enlarged mammary glands;
• swelling due to fluid accumulation.

Contraindications include:

• young age, if the use of the drug is not the only way out of the situation;
• for diseases of the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system;
• the presence of tumors of various origins.

Taking corticosteroid drugs should be justified and in no case independent. They are used only as prescribed by a doctor and with constant monitoring of the patient's condition. Only then will hormone therapy bring the desired result.

Bibliography

1. Wunder P.A. The principle of plus-minus interaction and regulation of prolactin function of the pituitary gland
2. Al-Shoumer K.A.S., Page B., Thomas E., Murphy M., Beshyah S.A., Johnston D.G. Effects of four years" treatment with biosynthetic human growth hormone (GH) on body composition in GH-deficient hypopituitary adults // Eur J Endocrinol 1996; 135:559-567.

1.3.2 Steroids

The steroids are derivatives of, containing three nonlinearly fused saturated cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring (Fig. 6).

Figure 6 – Cyclopentaneperhydrophenanthrene

Steroids include a large number of biologically important compounds: sterols (or sterols), vitamins of group D, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, zoo- and phytoecdysteroid hormones, cardiac glycosides, plant saponins and alkaloids, and some poisons.

There are zoosterols (from animals: zoosterol), phytosterols (from plants: stigmasterol), mycosterols (from fungi: ergosterol) and sterols of microorganisms.

The most famous among sterols is cholesterol, which is found in almost all tissues of the body. It is especially abundant in the central and peripheral nervous system, subcutaneous fat, kidneys, etc. cholesterol is one of the main components of the cytoplasmic membrane, as well as blood plasma lipoproteins.

Phytosterols (plant sterols) are a wide class of plant substances (about 100 compounds), structurally extremely similar to the animal product - cholesterol. Phytosterols are natural components of plant cell membranes. They were discovered in 1922. The most important phytosterols are betasitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol.

Most phytosterols are found in vegetable oils, seeds, and nuts. Main sources: nuts and nut oils, sunflower and corn oils, wheat germ oil, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, olives, apples, soy.

Phytosterols in plants perform the same functions in cell membranes as cholesterol in animal cells. Due to the similarity of their structure to cholesterol, phytosterols easily attach to and block receptors, thereby reducing the absorption of cholesterol and improving its excretion from the body. Once in the human intestine, phytosterols interfere with the absorption of exogenous cholesterol from food and endogenous cholesterol from the intestines through bile. Consequently, when consuming phytosterols, the concentration of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) in the blood decreases, and regular consumption of foods rich in phytosterols can stop the atherosclerotic process.

2. Functions of the main classes of lipids in the human body

The main biological functions of lipids include the following:

Energy – during the oxidation of lipids in the body, energy is released (with the oxidation of 1 g of lipids, 39.1 kJ is released);

Structural – are part of various biological membranes;

Transport – participate in the transport of substances through the lipid layer of the biomembrane;

Mechanical – lipids of the connective tissue surrounding internal organs, and subcutaneous fat layer protect organs from damage due to external mechanical influences;

Thermal insulating – due to its low thermal conductivity, they retain heat in the body.

Table 2 lists the functions of the main classes of lipids: fats (triacylglycerols), glycerophospholipids, sphingophospholipids, glycolipids, steroids - in the human body.

Table 2 - Functions of the main classes of lipids in the human body

3. The role of lipids in human nutrition

Vegetable fats and oils are an essential component of food, a source of energy and plastic material for humans, a supplier of a number of substances necessary for them (unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, fat-soluble vitamins, sterols), that is, they are irreplaceable nutritional factors that determine its biological effectiveness. The recommended fat content in the human diet (calorie content) is 30-33%; for the population of the southern zones of our country, it is recommended - 27-28%, for the northern zones - 38-40% or 90-107 g per day, including 45-50 g directly in the form of fat.

Long-term restriction of fats in the diet or the systematic use of fats with a reduced content of essential components, including butter, leads to deviations in the physiological state of the body: the activity of the central nervous system is disrupted. nervous system, the body’s resistance to infections (immunity) decreases, and life expectancy decreases. But excess fat consumption is also undesirable; it leads to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and premature aging.

In the composition of food products, visible fats are distinguished (vegetable oils, animal fats, butter, margarine, cooking fat) and invisible fats (fat in meat and meat products, fish, milk and dairy products, cereals, bakery and confectionery products). This is, of course, a conditional division, but it is widely used.

The most important sources of fats in the diet are vegetable oils (in refined oils 99.7-99.8% fat), butter (61.5-82.5% lipids), margarine (up to 82.0% fat), combined fats (50-72% fat), cooking fats (99% fat), dairy products (3.5-30% fat), some types of confectionery products - chocolate (35-40%), certain types of sweets (up to 35%), cookies (10-11%); cereals - buckwheat (3.3%), oatmeal (6.1%); cheeses (25-50%), pork products, sausages (10-23% fat). Some of these products are a source of vegetable oils (vegetable oils, cereals), others - animal fats.

In nutrition, not only the quantity, but also the chemical composition of the fats consumed is important, especially the content of polyunsaturated acids with a certain position of double bonds and cis configuration (linoleic C 2 18; alpha and gamma linolenic C 3 18; oleic C 1 18; arachidonic C 4 20; polyunsaturated fatty acids with 5-6 double bonds of the omega-3 family).

Figure 7 – Fats containing polyunsaturated acids with a certain position of double bonds and cis configuration

Linoleic and linolenic acids are not synthesized in the human body, arachidonic acid is synthesized from linoleic acid with the participation of vitamin B6. Therefore, they are called “essential” or “essential” acids. Linolenic acid forms other polyunsaturated fatty acids. The omega-3 family of polyunsaturated fatty acids includes: a-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids. Linoleic, γ-linolenic, and arachidonic acids are part of the omega-6 family. The omega 6/omega 3 ratio in the diet recommended by the Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Sciences is 10:1 for a healthy person, and from 3:1 to 5:1 for medical nutrition.

More than 50 years ago, the presence of a number of these structural components of lipids was demonstrated to be necessary for the normal functioning and development of the human body. They are involved in the construction of cell membranes, in the synthesis of prostaglandins (complex organic compounds), participate in the regulation of metabolism in cells, blood pressure, platelet aggregation, promote the removal of excess cholesterol from the body, preventing and weakening atherosclerosis, and increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels. But these functions are performed only by cis-isomers of unsaturated acids. In the absence of “essential” acids, the body’s growth stops and severe diseases occur. The biological activity of these acids is not the same. Arachidonic acid has the greatest activity, linoleic acid has the highest activity, the activity of linolenic acid is significantly (8-10 times) lower than linoleic acid.

Last time Special attention attract unsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 family present in fish lipids.

Among food products, vegetable oils are the richest in polyunsaturated acids (Table 3), especially corn, sunflower, and soybean. The content of linoleic acid in them reaches 50-60%, much less in margarine - up to 20%, extremely little in animal fats (in beef fat - 0.6%). Arachidonic acid is found in small amounts in food products, and it is practically absent in vegetable oils. The greatest amount of arachidonic acid is found in eggs - 0.5, offal 0.2-0.3, brains - 0.5%.

Currently, it is believed that the daily requirement for linoleic acid should be 6–10 g, the minimum – 2–6 g, and its total content in dietary fats should be at least 4% of the total calorie content. Consequently, the composition of fatty acids and lipids in food products intended for the nutrition of young, healthy body, must be balanced: 10 - 20% - polyunsaturated, 50 - 60% - monounsaturated and 30% saturated, some of which should be medium chain length. This is ensured by using 1/3 vegetable and 2/3 animal fats in the diet. For elderly people and patients with cardiovascular diseases, the content of linoleic acid should be about 40%, the ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated acids should be close to 2: 1, the ratio of linoleic and linolenic acids should be 10: 1 (Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences)

Table 3 – Fatty acid content (in%) and characteristics of oils and fats

The ability of fatty acids included in lipids to most fully ensure the synthesis of structural components of cell membranes is characterized using a special coefficient (Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences), reflecting the ratio of the amount of arachidonic acid, which is the main representative of polyunsaturated fatty acids in membrane lipids, to the sum of all other polyunsaturated fatty acids with 20 and 22 carbon atoms. This coefficient is called the essential fatty acid metabolism efficiency coefficient (EFM):

According to modern ideas, it is most advisable to use fats with a balanced composition in each individual meal, rather than consuming fatty products of different compositions throughout the day.

An important group of lipids in nutrition are phospholipids, which are involved in the construction of cell membranes and the transport of fat in the body; they promote better absorption of fats and prevent fatty liver. The total human need for phospholipids is up to 5-10 g per day.

Separately, I would like to dwell on the physiological role of cholesterol. As is known, with an increase in its level in the blood, the risk of the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis increases; 80% of cholesterol is found in eggs (0.57%), butter (0.2-0.3%), and offal (0.2-0.3%).

Its daily intake from food should not exceed 0.5 g. Vegetable fats are the only source of vitamin E and β-carotene, animal fats - vitamins A and D.

Conclusion

Performing such significant functions in the human body, fats are an important component of the diet. To maintain optimal health, you must adhere to general rules rational nutrition and fat consumption, in particular. The average physiological need for fats for a healthy person is about 30% of the total calorie content of food; a third of the consumed fats should be vegetable oils. In some special diets the share of vegetable fats is increased to 50% or more. Fats improve the taste of food and make you feel full. During metabolism, they can be formed from carbohydrates and proteins, but are not fully replaced by them. The nutritional value of fats is determined by their fatty acid composition, the presence of essential nutritional factors, the degree of digestibility and digestibility. The biological activity of dietary fats is determined by their content of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. Since the main source of PUFAs are vegetable oils, they have the greatest biological activity. The digestibility of vegetable oils is also high.

Nutrition: - assessment of the nutritional and trophic status of the patient, determination of the patient’s daily needs for energy and plastic components; - determination of contraindications for PN as a whole or for its individual components; - based on previous actions, choosing the type of parenteral nutrition - complete, auxiliary or partial; Based on the required type of PP, choice...

Nutrition is based on gender, age, nature of work, climatic conditions, national and individual characteristics. The principles of rational nutrition are: 1) compliance of the energy value of food entering the human body with its energy expenditure; 2) the intake of a certain amount of nutrients into the body in optimal proportions; 3) correct mode...

Human life requires a certain ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as a certain amount of microcomponents of food - vitamins and minerals. And here we come to the second principle of rational nutrition - meeting the body's needs for nutrients. The second principle of rational nutrition is meeting the needs for basic nutrients. ...

Structure of steroids varies from drug to drug. Steroids have an unusually wide variety of biological capabilities, including: restoration processes in organs and tissues, cell division, protective processes (some immune capabilities), metabolism (of fats and carbohydrates), development of muscle tissue and much more.

Typically, steroids are divided according to the type of their effect and the method of their synthesis; according to the second method, steroids are divided into glucocorticosteroids, gonadotropic, mineralcorticosteroids (glucocorticosteroids - synthesized in the adrenal cortex).

According to the first type, steroids are divided into androgenic, estrogenic, anabolic and catabolic steroids. I think there is no need to explain here why this is so.

In fact, steroids are nothing more than fat burners or hormones that can fight fat deposits. The structure of the steroid is a compound of four rings, three cyclohesane rings and one cyclopentane ring. More details can be seen in the figure.

In the following picture you can see the position of carbohydrates in steroids.

The synthesis of the steroid begins with squalene. Squalene is a complex linear aromatic molecule. Squalene is shown in the third picture.

- This is the most important intermediate step in steroid metabolism. Often found in plants and animals. Squalene was first obtained by extracting it from the liver of a shark. The conversion of squalene at the enzyme level into cholesterol (any sterols) begins with the primary conversion to lanosterite. This transformation is possible through oxidation of the terminal bond of squalene.

This process is perhaps the most complex chemical reaction in all of biological chemistry.

The second stage in the synthesis of the steroid. Cholesterol is the immediate precursor of the sex steroid. The rate-limiting step in this case is the detachment of the cholesterol side chain. The process of mutation of cholesterol into pregnenolone occurs identically both in the ovaries and testes, and in the adrenal glands. There is only one difference: in some cases, the process occurs due to LH, and not ACTH.

Steroids are almost identical in their functions at the molecular and cellular levels. This is the main property steroid structures. As I already said, steroids are fat burners, for this reason they easily penetrate through the cell membrane directly into the cytoplasm, after which, merging with the receptor, they morph into a steroid receptor. Next in the reaction is dimerization (formation of a double dimer molecule), after which the dimer obtained in the process combines with cellular DNA. An image of this process can be seen below.

The process of steroids affecting genes and protein production is an extremely difficult thing to explain. In this case, there are several “BUTs” - the effect on the gene depends on many factors (cell type, etc.), and the synthesized proteins are often morphed with DNA, which is responsible for the functionality of other genes. In general, I will not delve into the jungle, but will simply leave the desire or unwillingness to study this issue separately at your discretion.

Testosterone is the first steroid structure and transformation that we will study in detail.

There are two ways to carry out the metabolic transformations of testosterone. The first way is oxidation. And the second is the creation of a bond between the primary ring and the third keto group.

The first method is typical for most tissues, including the liver, as a result of which we obtain 17-ketosteroids (these ketosteroids are characterized by lower activity or its complete absence compared to the primary compound).

The second method is a less effective method, leading to the formation of the active metabolite DTG and estrodiol, as well as agdrostandiol.

From all this we can conclude that testosterone is partially a prohormone, there are 2 reasons for this conclusion. First: testosterone is synthesized into more active dihydrotestosterone; Second: this transformation occurs predominantly in tissues.

Testosterone, and especially free testosterone, when bound to albumin, is able to easily penetrate target cells. The metamorphosis of testosterone into estradiol and dihydrotestosterone occurs inside these cells. Dihydrotestosterone is formed in the prostate gland in an amount of 300 mcg per day. In turn, estradiol is formed in the testicles and outside them in an amount of 40 mcg. A highly active androgen, androstanediol, is also obtained from testosterone.

More complex types of testosterone.

More complex and complex testosterone esters are formed by connecting the side chains of atoms (Carbohydrate, hydrogen, oxygen) and the testosterone molecule. In this way, testosterone enanthate, cypionate and propionate are formed. Complex testosterones take longer to enter the bloodstream, they have reduced solubility in water and increased fat burner functions. Esters, when combined with testosterone, convert it into inactive testosterone. Thus interfering with its connection with receptors. Activation of the steroid occurs due to the enzyme esterase; this enzyme is capable of splitting off esters and renewing the reaction between testosterone and the receptor.

Testosterone cypionate.

This testosterone is among the most testosterone esters. Main difference testosterone cypionate lies in its formula, in it, instead of hydrogen in the C17 group, 8 carbon atoms, cyclopentane rings and one carmone group (=O) (side chain) are attached to it. Esters have the ability to combine not only with testosterone, but also with other steroids. Morphation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone occurs in the testicles and beyond, using 5-alpha reductase.

From: AthleticPharma.com

Depending on their functions, steroids are divided into Various types. For example, adrenal steroids secreted by the adrenal glands have different metabolic functions. Anabolic steroids produced by the testicles are primarily involved in muscle growth.

When you think of steroids, the first thing that comes to mind are performance-enhancing drugs often used by athletes. However, did you know that steroids are naturally produced in our body and are involved in various metabolic processes. Steroids in our body belong to a group of compounds that have a similar chemical structure. Some of these steroids act as hormones, chemical substances, which indicate how cells or groups of cells should work in this moment time.

However, not all steroids in our body are hormones. In this article, we will take a closer look at the steroids present in the human body and the functions they perform.

Types of steroids in the human body

Adrenal steroids

Adrenal steroids- These are hormones that are secreted by the adrenal glands. These glandular organs are located in close proximity to the kidneys. More specifically, the outer region of the adrenal glands, called the adrenal cortex, is involved in the production of hormones. Corticosteroids are important hormones secreted by the adrenal glands that enter directly into the blood. The following are the main types of corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands:

• Hydrocortisone (cortisol): Cortisol, also known as a glucocorticoid, plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure and regulating the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is also called the stress hormone because it is produced in large quantities during physical or psychological stress. This hormone plays an important role in combating stress. Cortisol is also involved in the process of converting protein into glucose, which helps raise blood sugar levels. However, excess cortisol production can actually weaken the immune system.
• Corticosterone: Another glucocorticoid, this hormone is important for carbohydrate synthesis and protein degradation. It helps convert amino acids into carbohydrates, which act as the main source of energy for the body. It also helps the liver release glycogen, which is stored in the muscles and used for energy.
• Aldosterone: This adrenal steroid belongs to the mineralocorticoid class and helps in maintaining blood pressure. This hormone helps control sodium and potassium levels in the body. It encourages the kidneys to absorb sodium and, as needed, eliminate potassium from the urine, which helps regulate blood pressure. This effect of aldosterone on the kidneys also helps in maintaining proper electrolyte levels and proper fluid distribution in the body.

Sex steroids

Androgens(male sex hormones) and estrogens(female sex hormones) are the main type of sex steroids. Among male sex hormones, testosterone is the main androgen. Testosterone (which is primarily secreted by the testes) is critical for male reproductive function such as sex drive and sperm viability. Typical male characteristics such as a muscular physique, deep voice, chest and facial hair are due to the presence of androgens. Among estrogens, estradiol is the main female sex hormone produced in the ovaries. Estrogens have a function similar to androgens and give women their “feminine” characteristics. Progestogens are another type of sex steroid that is different from androgens and estrogens. Progesterone is the main progestogen and is often referred to as the female sex hormone.

Anabolic steroid

Anabolic steroid are hormones that display androgenic activity, and their functions are very similar to testosterone. Synthesized in the testes and ovaries, they stimulate protein synthesis in skeletal muscle cells. Simply put, anabolic steroid, such as growth hormone, promote muscle growth and help gain strong muscles. They also help in the development and maintenance of male characteristics.

Bile salts: Bile salts are steroid acids that are synthesized in the liver. They are not hormones, but promote digestion. They help the small intestine absorb the “right” fats.

Sterols: Sterols are a subgroup of steroids, and cholesterol is the most well-known steroid that is synthesized in our body. Many steroid hormones are naturally produced in the body and are derived from cholesterol. When exposed to sunlight, cholesterol in the skin plays an important role in the synthesis of vitamin D.

Synthetic steroids

When we hear the word steroids, we usually associate it with doping. Quite a lot of people take synthetically prepared steroids for a variety of reasons, and they are available in the form of tablets, ointments, inhalers, powders, and injections. Synthetic steroids that are used for medical purposes and the most famous type of synthetic steroids are corticosteroids. Corticosteroids such as prednisone, dexamethasone, and prednisone are typically prescribed to reduce inflammation. Their ability to suppress inflammation has proven useful in treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. On the other hand, commercially available anabolic steroids such as growth hormone, Winstrol, Genabol and others are used to enhance training performance and muscle growth.

Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes and should not be construed as a substitute for professional medical advice.

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All hormones in the human body are classified according to their chemical composition into steroid, peptide, thyroid, and catecholamines. Steroid hormones are formed on the basis of cholesterol. This group of physiologically active substances includes sex hormones, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids.

They are produced in different glands endocrine system and perform numerous vital functions:

Biochemistry of steroid hormones

It is not only their chemical nature that unites steroid hormones into a common group. The process of their formation shows the biochemical connection between these substances. The biosynthesis of steroid hormones begins with the formation of cholesterol from acetyl-CoA (acetyl-coenzyme A is an important substance for metabolism, a precursor to cholesterol synthesis).

Cholesterol accumulates in the cytoplasm of the cell and is contained in lipid droplets, in esters with fatty acids. The process of formation of steroid hormones occurs in stages:

1. Release of cholesterol from storage structures, its transfer to mitochondria (cell organelles), formation of complexes with membrane proteins of these organelles.
2. The formation of pregnenolone, a precursor of steroid hormones, which leaves the mitochondria.
3. Synthesis of progesterone in cell microsomes (cell membrane fragments). It forms two branches:

• corticosteroids, from which mineralocorticosteroids and glucocorticosteroids are formed;
• androgens, which give rise to estrogens.

All stages of biosynthesis are under the control of pituitary hormones: ACHT (adrenocorticotropic), LH (luteinizing), FSH (follicle-stimulating). Steroid hormones do not accumulate in the endocrine glands; they immediately enter the bloodstream. The rate of their entry depends on the activity of biosynthesis, and its intensity depends on the time of conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone.

Mechanism of action of steroid hormones

The mechanism of action of steroid hormones is used in power types sports: weightlifting, bodybuilding, powerlifting, crossfit. It is associated with the activation of biological protein synthesis, which is important for building muscle mass.

Steroids alter the process of muscle regeneration. If an ordinary person after strength training for restoration muscle fibers goes away from 48 hours, then for those who take anabolic steroids for about a day.

The peculiarity of the mechanism of action of steroid hormones is as follows:

• active substances easily penetrate the cell membrane and begin to interact with specific cellular receptors, resulting in the formation of a functional hormone-receptor complex that moves into the nucleus;
• in the nucleus, the complex disintegrates, and the hormone interacts with DNA, due to which the transcription process is activated (rewriting information about the structure of the protein from a section of the DNA molecule to messenger RNA);
• at the same time, the process of ribosomal RNA synthesis is activated to form additional ribosomes (organelles in which proteins are synthesized), from which polysomes are formed;
• Based on messenger RNA, protein synthesis is triggered in ribosomes, and polysomes allow the simultaneous synthesis of several protein molecules.

The effect of steroid hormones on humans

Adrenal steroid hormones perform important functions in the body:

• Cortisol plays a key role in metabolism and regulates blood pressure. The popular name for this hormone is “stress hormone.” Worry, fasting, lack of sleep, excitement and other stressful situations cause increased secretion of this hormone in order to the body, under the influence of the active substance, could cope with stress.
• Corticosterone provides the body with energy. It helps break down proteins and convert amino acids into complex carbohydrates, which are a source of energy. In addition, it helps produce glycogen as an energy reserve.
• Aldosterone is important for maintaining blood pressure and controls the amount of potassium and sodium ions.

Hormonal regulation of the most important life processes is carried out not only by substances of the adrenal glands, but also by sex steroids:

• Male sex hormones or androgens are responsible for the formation and manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics, development muscular system, sexual behavior, reproductive function.
• In the female body. They ensure the formation and functionality of the female reproductive system and the manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics.

Excess and deficiency of steroid hormones

The intensity of the synthesis of steroid hormones depends on the level of metabolism, the general condition of the body, the health of the endocrine system, lifestyle and other factors. For normal functioning of the body, the amount of active substances in the blood must be within normal limits, their deficiency and excess over a long period of time causes Negative consequences .

Steroid hormones are extremely important for women:

• With an excess of corticosteroids, appetite increases, and this invariably leads to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, stomach ulcers, vasculitis (immunological inflammation of blood vessels), arrhythmia, osteoporosis, myopathy. In addition to the above diseases, acne, swelling appears, urolithiasis develops, and the menstrual cycle is disrupted.
• Excessive amounts of estrogen manifest themselves in menstrual cycle disruptions, pain in the mammary glands, and emotional instability. causes dry skin, acne, wrinkles, cellulite, urinary incontinence, bone destruction.
• An excessive amount of androgens in the female body causes suppression of estrogen, as a result, reproductive function is disrupted, and male characteristics appear (deepening of the voice, hair growth). A lack of male hormones causes depression, excessive emotionality, decreased libido, and causes sudden hot flashes.

In men, a lack of androgens leads to disorders of the nervous system, sexual functions are disrupted, and the cardiovascular system suffers. An excess of male hormones leads to a significant increase in muscle mass, the condition of the skin worsens, heart problems begin, hypertension often develops, and thrombosis occurs.

Excessive amounts of cortisol in both sexes have a negative impact on metabolic processes, leads to the deposition of fatty tissue on the abdomen, destruction muscle tissue, weakens immune protection.

Drugs

Among the numerous means of pharmacology, synthetic steroid hormones in the composition of drugs have their own characteristics and are prescribed only after a thorough examination. When prescribing them, the doctor takes into account side effects and contraindications.

The most famous pharmacological agents:

• Cortisone;
• Hydrocortisone;
• Estriol;
• Dexamethasone;
• Prednisolone;
• Prednisol.

They have minimal side effects, these drugs have indications during rehabilitation after severe, long-term illnesses, they are used in sports as doping:

• activate tissue regeneration;
• increase appetite;
• reduce the amount of adipose tissue;
• increase muscle mass;
• promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by bone tissue;
• increase performance and endurance;
• have a beneficial effect on the activity of the cerebral cortex;
• reduce the expression of fear.

Like any medications, these hormonal drugs have contraindications, which include:

• young age;
• diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart and blood vessels;
• tumors of various origins.

Steroid medications should only be taken under medical supervision. During therapy, side effects may occur, which should be reported to your doctor:

• acne;
• acne;
• increased blood pressure;
• unmotivated instability of emotional state;
• increased cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis;
• in men – erectile dysfunction, testicular atrophy, infertility, enlarged mammary glands;
• swelling.

Anabolic steroid

The concept of anabolic steroids is well known in sports. Most of them are prohibited in our country, and such drugs are not sold freely in pharmacies. This list includes:

• Boldenone;
• Danabol;
• Nandrolone;
• Oxandrolone;
• Anadrol;
• Stanozolol;
• Trenbolone and others.

These are pharmacological drugs whose action is similar to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Taking medications helps athletes improve their physical condition and show good results. Anabolic steroids are most in demand in strength sports, in particular in bodybuilding.

Anabolic steroids have two types of effects:

Additional effects when taking anabolic steroids include increased appetite, sex drive, and increased self-esteem. Taking anabolic steroids is accompanied by numerous side effects, which were mentioned above.

• Use only as prescribed by a sports doctor (at least consult an endocrinologist and urologist)
• do not exceed permissible doses;
• avoid combinations of anabolic steroids, unless a special course provides for this;
• do not exceed the duration of treatment;
• It is not recommended for women to take anabolic steroids, with the exception of drugs with a high anabolic index (the ratio of anabolic to androgenic activity);
• Under 25 years of age you should not take anabolic steroids ( produces its own testosterone, the risk of resistance is the cessation of production of its hormone);
• After taking the drugs, it is necessary to carry out post-course therapy.

Diseases

Excessive amounts of sex steroid hormones in the blood before the onset of puberty (or early puberty) in causes serious disturbances in the body and leads to illness. One of these diseases is called Albright syndrome, or more precisely Albright-McCune syndrome, named after the two eminent doctors who described it.

More often this pathology is recorded in girls. They have characteristic external features:

• short stature;
• round face;
• short neck;
• shortened 4th and 5th bones of the metatarsus and metacarpus;
• muscle spasms;
• changes in the skeleton;
• delay in the appearance of teeth;
• insufficient development of enamel.

In this case, mental retardation, endocrine disorders, and skin changes are observed. The disease is diagnosed at 5-10 years of age; it is rare and is inherited. Only with timely diagnosis and proper treatment is the prognosis favorable.

Treatment of Albright-McCune syndrome is problematic. Only hormonal therapy is used. With the help of progesterone, menstruation is stopped, but the rate of growth and development does not slow down; these measures negatively affect the functioning of the adrenal glands. During treatment, drugs are used that block the secretion of estrogen.

Patients suffer from dysfunction thyroid gland, hyperfunction of the pituitary gland(in addition to rapid growth, the development of acromegaly is possible). Synthetic hormones are used to suppress the excessive production of hormones from these glands.

Enlargement of the adrenal glands and their excessive secretion leads to obesity, cessation of growth, and fragility of the skin. In these cases, the affected adrenal gland is removed and excessive cortisol secretion is blocked. Children with Albright syndrome often have low phosphorus levels and develop rickets. Oral phosphate and vitamin D are prescribed.

Steroid hormones are important for vital functions. Deviations from the norm provoke the development of pathologies.