Redox reactions of dehydroepiandrosterone and its metabolites in differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes: A liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric study

Dehydroepiandrosterone is known to depress fatty acid formation in differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone and four of its natural metabolites in differentiating adipocytes was studied by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Adipocytes rapidly converted dehydroepiandrosterone to androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol. 7α-Hydroxy-DHEA was interconverted with 7-oxo-DHEA and 7β-hydroxy-DHEA and the corresponding 17β reduced products. Dehydroepiandrosterone and its derivatives were detected only in the culture medium suggesting that dehydroepiandrosterone is metabolized via enzymes located in close proximity to, or that are integral parts of the cell membrane. Alternatively, there may be efficient mechanisms at play for extrusion of the steroids to the aqueous media rather than being retained in the lipid-rich cell. An interesting aspect of the study was finding androstenediol as the major metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone. Androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol has been implicated in prostate cancer. The contribution of adipose cells to the circulating supply of androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol may therefore be considered in managing prostate cancer.