Influence of subchronic administration of oestrone-3-O-sulphamate on oestrone sulphatase activity in liver, spleen and white blood cells of ovariectomized rats

Sex-Dependent Role of Estrogen Sulfotransferase and Steroid Sulfatase in Metabolic Homeostasis

Sulfonation and desulfation are two opposing processes that represent an important layer of regulation of estrogenic activity via ligand supplies. Enzymatic activities of families of enzymes, known as sulfotransferases and sulfatases, lead to structural and functional changes of the steroids, thyroids, xenobiotics, and neurotransmitters. Estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) and steroid sulfatase (STS) represent negative and positive regulation of the estrogen activity, respectively. This is because EST-mediated sulfation deactivates estrogens, whereas STS-mediated desulfation converts the inactive estrogen sulfates to active estrogens. In addition to the known functions of estrogens, EST and STS in reproductive processes, regulation of estrogens and other signal molecules especially at the local tissue levels has gained increased attention in the context of metabolic disease in recent years. EST expression is detectable in the subcutaneous adipose tissue in both obese women and men, and the expression of EST is markedly induced in the livers of rodent models of obesity and type 2 diabetes. STS was found to be upregulated in patients with chronic inflammatory liver diseases. Interestingly, the tissue distribution and the transcriptional regulation of EST and STS exhibit obvious sex and species specificity. EST ablation produces completely opposite metabolic phenotype in female and male obese mice. Adipogenesis is also differentially regulated by EST in murine and human adipocytes. This chapter focuses on the recent progress in our understanding of the expression and regulation EST and STS in the context of metabolic homeostasis.

Role of cholesterol sulfate in epidermal structure and function: lessons from X-linked ichthyosis

X-linked ichthyosis is a relatively common syndromic form of ichthyosis most often due to deletions in the gene encoding the microsomal enzyme, steroid sulfatase, located on the short area of the X chromosome. Syndromic features are mild or unapparent unless contiguous genes are affected. In normal epidermis, cholesterol sulfate is generated by cholesterol sulfotransferase (SULT2B1b), but desulfated in the outer epidermis, together forming a 'cholesterol sulfate cycle' that potently regulates epidermal differentiation, barrier function and desquamation. In XLI, cholesterol sulfate levels my exceed 10% of total lipid mass (≈1% of total weight). Multiple cellular and biochemical processes contribute to the pathogenesis of the barrier abnormality and scaling phenotype in XLI. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The Important Role of Lipids in the Epidermis and their Role in the Formation and Maintenance of the Cutaneous Barrier. Guest Editors: Kenneth R. Feingold and Peter Elias.

Synthesis of highly tritium labeled steroids for evaluation of aromatase and steroidsulfatase activities in endometrial tumors

Data on activities of estrogen-synthesis enzymes (aromatase and steroidsulfatase) in endometrial tumors were obtained by sensitive and highly precise radioisotope methods. The results clear out some pathogenetic aspects in the development and progress of malignant tumors in the endometrium.

Steroid sulfatase: molecular biology, regulation, and inhibition

Steroid sulfatase (STS) is responsible for the hydrolysis of aryl and alkyl steroid sulfates and therefore has a pivotal role in regulating the formation of biologically active steroids. The enzyme is widely distributed throughout the body, and its action is implicated in physiological processes and pathological conditions. The crystal structure of the enzyme has been resolved, but relatively little is known about what regulates its expression or activity. Research into the control and inhibition of this enzyme has been stimulated by its important role in supporting the growth of hormone-dependent tumors of the breast and prostate. STS is responsible for the hydrolysis of estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to estrone and dehydroepiandrosterone, respectively, both of which can be converted to steroids with estrogenic properties (i.e., estradiol and androstenediol) that can stimulate tumor growth. STS expression is increased in breast tumors and has prognostic significance. The role of STS in supporting tumor growth prompted the development of potent STS inhibitors. Several steroidal and nonsteroidal STS inhibitors are now available, with the irreversible type of inhibitor having a phenol sulfamate ester as its active pharmacophore. One such inhibitor, 667 COUMATE, has now entered a phase I trial in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The skin is also an important site of STS activity, and deficiency of this enzyme is associated with X-linked ichthyosis. STS may also be involved in regulating part of the immune response and some aspects of cognitive function. The development of potent STS inhibitors will allow investigation of the role of this enzyme in physiological and pathological processes.