Down-regulation of murine testicular 17ß-HSD3 and hepatic CYP1A2 enzymes by a bovine testes extract.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of a bovine testes extract (BTE), which was developed as an alternative product for andropausal men, on expression of testicular enzymes responsible for sex hormone synthesis genes and a carcinogen activation related gene. METHODS: Expression of testicular CYP1A2, CYP11A1, CYP17, 3ß-HSD, and 17ß-HSD3 mRNAs as well as hepatic CYP1A2 mRNA were semi-quantitatively determined by RT-PCR. In addition, expression of hepatic CYP1A2 protein and methoxyresorufin O-demethylase activity were carried out. RESULTS: Bovine testes extract did not alter the testicular expression of CYP11A1, CYP17, and 3ß-HSD mRNAs, while that of CYP11A1 was significantly down-regulated by testosterone. Interestingly, administration of BTE for 3 weeks significantly suppressed testicular 17ß-HSD3 and hepatic CYP1A2 mRNA. Correspondingly, methoxyresorufin O-demethylase (MROD) activity and expression of hepatic CYP1A2 protein were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly suggested considering risks versus benefits and raised concerns regarding the use of BTE as an alternative medication or health supplement in andropausal men due to its potential for suppressing expression of both 17ß-HSD3 and CYP1A2 mRNAs, testicular enzymes responsible for sex hormone gene synthesis.