Steroidogenesis inhibitor

Steroidogenesis inhibitor
Drug class
Class identifiers
SynonymsSteroid biosynthesis inhibitor; Steroid synthesis inhibitor
UseVarious
Biological targetSteroidogenic enzymes
Chemical classSteroidal; Nonsteroidal
Legal status
In Wikidata

A steroidogenesis inhibitor, also known as a steroid biosynthesis inhibitor, is a type of drug which inhibits one or more of the enzymes that are involved in the process of steroidogenesis, the biosynthesis of endogenous steroids and steroid hormones.[1] They may inhibit the production of cholesterol and other sterols, sex steroids such as androgens, estrogens, and progestogens, corticosteroids such as glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, and neurosteroids.[1][2] They are used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions that depend on endogenous steroids.[1]

Steroidogenesis inhibitors are analogous in effect and use to antigonadotropins (which specifically inhibit gonadal sex steroid production), but work via a different mechanism of action; whereas antigonadotropins suppress gonadal production of sex steroids by effecting negative feedback on and thereby suppressing the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, steroidogenesis inhibitors directly inhibit the enzymatic biosynthesis of steroids.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d Vanden Bossche H (1992). "Inhibitors of P450-dependent steroid biosynthesis: from research to medical treatment". J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 43 (8): 1003–21. doi:10.1016/0960-0760(92)90328-G. PMID 22217845. S2CID 5876596.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference TvrdeićPoljak2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).