Estrogen and progesterone are used in birth control pills and also in post-menopausal women to replace what is lost during aging. However, due to very serious side effects from long-term use (such as weight gain, bone density loss, increase in blood cholesterol levels, and liver disorders), they are only used as a last resort. Most steroids are used for medicinal purposes, especially the glucocorticoids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Testosterone – stimulates sperm production, promotes muscle growth Progesterone – promotes endometrial cell differentiation Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) – regulate kidney function (water retention)Įstrogen – promotes endometrial cell (uterine) proliferation Glucocorticoids (cortisol) – maintain blood glucose during stress, anti-inflammatory Different steroids are defined by the location of polar hydroxyl groups (OH) attached to the C atoms within the rings. Examples of synthesizing tissues, the corresponding steroids, and some of their many functions are listed below.įigure 1 The general structure of a steroid molecule is shown. The type of steroid formed is dependent upon the polar 4 hydroxyl groups (OH) attached to the interconnected rings and the synthesizing tissue. Four interconnected rings of carbon atoms form the skeleton of all steroids ( Figure 1). Steroids are non-polar 3 molecules produced from the precursor cholesterol. Steroids 1 are a class of hormones 2 that are synthesized by specific cells or tissues in the body and released into the bloodstream.
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