Action Of Sex Steroids Research Articles

Effects of sex steroids on bones and muscles: Similarities, parallels, and putative interactions in health and disease

Estrogens and androgens influence the growth and maintenance of bones and muscles and are responsible for their sexual dimorphism. A decline in their circulating levels leads to loss of mass and functional integrity in both tissues. In the article, we highlight the similarities of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of sex steroids in the two tissues; the commonality of a critical role of mechanical forces on tissue mass and function; emerging evidence for an interplay between mechanical forces and hormonal and growth factor signals in both bones and muscles; as well as the current state of evidence for or against a cross-talk between muscles and bone. In addition, we review evidence for the parallels in the development of osteoporosis and sarcopenia with advancing age and the potential common mechanisms responsible for the age-dependent involution of these two tissues. Lastly, we discuss the striking difference in the availability of several drug therapies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, as compared to none for sarcopenia.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “Muscle Bone Interactions”.

Circulating gonadotropins and ovarian adiponectin system are modulated by acupuncture independently of sex steroid or β-adrenergic action in a female hyperandrogenic rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Acupuncture with combined manual and low-frequency electrical stimulation, or electroacupuncture (EA), reduces endocrine and reproductive dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), likely by modulating sympathetic nerve activity or sex steroid synthesis. To test this hypothesis, we induced PCOS in rats by prepubertal implantation of continuous-release letrozole pellets (200 µg/day) or vehicle. Six weeks later, rats were treated for 5–6 weeks with low-frequency EA 5 days/week, subcutaneous injection of 17β-estradiol (2.0 µg) every fourth day, or a β-adrenergic blocker (propranolol hydrochloride, 0.1 mg/kg) 5 days/week. Letrozole controls were handled without needle insertion or injected with sesame oil every fourth day. Estrous cyclicity, ovarian morphology, sex steroids, gonadotropins, insulin-like growth factor I, bone mineral density, and gene and protein expression in ovarian tissue were measured. Low-frequency EA induced estrous-cycle changes, decreased high levels of circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) and the LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, decreased high ovarian gene expression of adiponectin receptor 2, and increased expression of adiponectin receptor 2 protein and phosphorylation of ERK1/2. EA also increased cortical bone mineral density. Propranolol decreased ovarian expression of Foxo3, Srd5a1, and Hif1a. Estradiol decreased circulating LH, induced estrous cycle changes, and decreased ovarian expression of Adipor1, Foxo3, and Pik3r1. Further, total bone mineral density was higher in the letrozole–estradiol group. Thus, EA modulates the circulating gonadotropin levels independently of sex steroids or β-adrenergic action and affects the expression of ovarian adiponectin system.

Tissue-specific sex steroid action: role of HSD17B-enzymes

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Dehydroepiandrosterone biosynthesis, metabolism, biological effects, and clinical use (analytical review)

The review presents the fundamental information on the metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its biological role and possibilities of its use for replacement therapy. There were studied species differences in the synthesis of DHEA in the adrenal cortex. It was found that DHEA and DHEA-sulfate are produced only by the adrenal glands of humans and monkeys, including lower monkeys. Their biosynthesis involves the following steps: cholesterol → pregnenolone → 17-hydroxypregnenolone → DHEA. The adrenal glands of other species, including rats and mice do not synthesize DHEA. At the same time, in certain brain structures not only in man and monkey, but also in other animals DHEA and its precursors are synthesized de novo which are denoted as neurosteroids. It was demonstrated that Purkinje cells which play an important role in memory formation and learning are mainly place neurosteroid formation in mammals and other vertebrates. To establish the relationship of age and the level of DHEA and other steroids we studied the dynamics of their levels at different periods of postnatal development of people. Peak concentration DHEA observed in aged 25–30 years. In the interval from 20 to 90 years in humans the level falls approximately for 90 %. Cortisol levels in blood does not vary with age, leading to an imbalance in the ratio of cortisol/DHEA. Proved a major role of DHEA as a source (precursor) for the synthesis of biologically active sex steroids – testosterone, estradiol and estrone in peripheral tissues. This review presents the bioavailability of DHEA in various physiological and pathological processes in humans and animals. In animal experiments has shown a higher bioavailability of DHEA in transdermal administration as compared with oral administration as in this case there is no steroid rapid inactivation in the liver during its first passage. According to recent studies there is a pronounced dependence of bioavailability of DHEA during replacement therapy from the method of drug administration.

Regional difference in sex steroid action on formation of morphological sex differences in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and principal nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.

Sex steroid action is critical to form sexually dimorphic nuclei, although it is not fully understood. We previously reported that masculinization of the principal nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTp), which is larger and has more neurons in males than in females, involves aromatized testosterone that acts via estrogen receptor-α (ERα), but not estrogen receptor-β (ERβ). Here, we examined sex steroid action on the formation of the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) that is larger and has more neurons in females. Morphometrical analysis of transgenic mice lacking aromatase, ERα, or ERβ genes revealed that the volume and neuron number of the male AVPV were significantly increased by deletion of aromatase and ERα genes, but not the ERβ gene. We further examined the AVPV and BNSTp of androgen receptor knockout (ARKO) mice. The volume and neuron number of the male BNSTp were smaller in ARKO mice than those in wild-type mice, while no significant effect of ARKO was found on the AVPV and female BNSTp. We also examined aromatase, ERα, and AR mRNA levels in the AVPV and BNSTp of wild-type and ARKO mice on embryonic day (ED) 18 and postnatal day (PD) 4. AR mRNA in the BNSTp and AVPV of wild-type mice was not expressed on ED18 and emerged on PD4. In the AVPV, the aromatase mRNA level was higher on ED18, although the ERα mRNA level was higher on PD4 without any effect of AR gene deletion. Aromatase and ERα mRNA levels in the male BNSTp were significantly increased on PD4 by AR gene deletion. These results suggest that estradiol signaling via ERα during the perinatal period and testosterone signaling via AR during the postnatal period are required for masculinization of the BNSTp, whereas the former is sufficient to defeminize the AVPV.

Sex steroid actions in male bone.

Sex steroids are chief regulators of gender differences in the skeleton, and male gender is one of the strongest protective factors against osteoporotic fractures. This advantage in bone strength relies mainly on greater cortical bone expansion during pubertal peak bone mass acquisition and superior skeletal maintenance during aging. During both these phases, estrogens acting via estrogen receptor-α in osteoblast lineage cells are crucial for male cortical and trabecular bone, as evident from conditional genetic mouse models, epidemiological studies, rare genetic conditions, genome-wide meta-analyses, and recent interventional trials. Genetic mouse models have also demonstrated a direct role for androgens independent of aromatization on trabecular bone via the androgen receptor in osteoblasts and osteocytes, although the target cell for their key effects on periosteal bone formation remains elusive. Low serum estradiol predicts incident fractures, but the highest risk occurs in men with additionally low T and high SHBG. Still, the possible clinical utility of serum sex steroids for fracture prediction is unknown. It is likely that sex steroid actions on male bone metabolism rely also on extraskeletal mechanisms and cross talk with other signaling pathways. We propose that estrogens influence fracture risk in aging men via direct effects on bone, whereas androgens exert an additional antifracture effect mainly via extraskeletal parameters such as muscle mass and propensity to fall. Given the demographic trends of increased longevity and consequent rise of osteoporosis, an increased understanding of how sex steroids influence male bone health remains a high research priority.

Age-dependent and age-independent effects of testosterone in male quail

Various studies in rodents recently concluded that puberty should be considered as a second period of organization of brain and behavior and that action of sex steroids at that time is long lasting and possibly permanent. We tested this notion in male Japanese quail that had been castrated before 3weeks post-hatch by analyzing whether a similar treatment with exogenous testosterone initiated at 3, 5 or 7weeks post-hatch has a differential influence on the development of testosterone-dependent morphological, behavioral and neural characteristics that are known to be sexually differentiated. The growth of the androgen-dependent cloacal gland was significantly faster when testosterone treatment was initiated later in life indicating that the target tissue is not ready to fully respond to androgens at 3weeks post-hatch. The three groups of birds nevertheless developed a gland of the same size typical of intact sexually mature birds. When adults, all birds expressed copulatory behavior with the same frequencies and latencies and they displayed the same level of aromatase activity and of vasotocinergic innervation in the preoptic area as gonadally intact males despite the fact that they had been treated with testosterone for different durations starting at different ages. Surprisingly, the frequency of cloacal sphincter contractions, a measure of appetitive sexual behavior, was significantly higher when testosterone treatment had been initiated later. Together these data provide no clear evidence for an organizational action of testosterone during sexual maturation of male quail but additional experiments should investigate whether estrogens have such an action in females.

Molecular actions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone and their relationship with cellular signaling pathways

SEX STEROIDS: 17β-estradiol and progesterone play a major role in modulation of reproductive functions of the organism and participate in regulation of a broad spectrum of cellular processes in target cells via their specific receptors. Our understanding of molecular mechanisms of sex steroid action has significantly developed over the last years. Apart from the well-established effect of sex steroids on regulation of gene expression, some rapid nongenomic mechanisms have been identified, which are involved in modulation of the activity of several cellular, membrane-bound and cytoplasmic regulatory proteins. 17β-estradiol and progesterone regulate several signal transduction pathways, which involve activation of enzymes such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and tyrosine kinases. Biological effects of sex steroids action constitute a complex interplay of genomic and nongenomic mechanisms, and depend on the physiological and genetic context of the target cell. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of sex steroids action is therefore important and may broaden our knowledge about their role in both physiological and pathological processes. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the molecular actions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone, aiming to present the role of these sex steroids in regulation of cellular signaling pathways.

Extranuclear estrogen receptor's roles in physiology: lessons from mouse models.

Steroid receptors exist and function in multiple compartments of cells in most organs. Although the functions and nature of some of these receptors is being defined, important aspects of receptor localization and signaling to physiology and pathophysiology have been identified. In particular, extranuclear sex steroid receptors have been found in many normal cells and in epithelial tumors, where they enact signal transduction that impacts both nongenomic and genomic functions. Here, I focus on the progress made in understanding the roles of extranuclear estrogen receptors (ER) in physiology and pathophysiology. Extranuclear ER serve as a model to selectively intervene with novel receptor reagents to prevent or limit disease progression. Recent novel mouse models and membrane ER-selective agonists also provide a better understanding of receptor pool cross-talk that results in the overall integrative actions of sex steroids.

Angiotensin II modulates sex steroid receptors and their metabolizing enzymes in rat cardiac fibroblast (701.10)

Sex steroids influence angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced cardiac remodeling; however, the importance of local sex steroid metabolism in this process is not known. We previously demonstrated that AngII increased aromatase levels, the enzyme that converts testosterone (T) to 17β‐estradiol, in cultured coronary vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study we investigated the impact of AngII on sex steroid receptor and enzyme expression in primary rat cardiac fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were isolated from adult male rats and treated at P1 in 2% charcoal‐stripped FBS with AngII or vehicle (18h), followed by T (6h) in the presence or absence of anastrozole (aromatase inhibitor; 6.5h). Cardiac fibroblasts expressed receptors ERα, ERβ, and AR, as well as the enzymes aromatase and 5α‐reductase. AngII significantly reduced mRNA expression of ERβ. 5α‐reductase, AR, and ERβ levels increased when anastrazole was administered with T. This is the first demonstration that cardiac fibroblasts express the enzymes and receptors necessary for local sex steroid metabolism and action. Enzymes and receptor levels are differentially impacted by AngII. Additionally, aromatase inhibition in the presence of T alters steroid receptor and 5α‐reductase (testosterone metabolizing enzyme) levels. Given the major role of the fibroblast in pathogenic cardiac remodeling, the relative balance of T to estrogen in these cells may play an important role in the development of AngII‐mediated fibrosis.Grant Funding Source: Supported by American Heart Association

Active immunisation against pregnenolone reduces testicular steroidogenesis and GnRH synthesis in rabbits

To investigate the effects of active immunisation against pregnenolone on reproductive traits in rabbits, 16 early pubertal male rabbits (4mo old) were randomly and equally allocated into two groups, control or immunised against pregnenolone–hemisuccinate–BSA in Freund's adjuvant (with a booster 4wk later). Blood samples (for antibody titres and hormone concentrations) were collected at 2 or 4wk-intervals after immunisation until rabbits were killed, 24wk after the primary immunisation. Compared to controls, rabbits immunised against pregnenolone had increased serum antibody titres (P<0.01) and decreased serum concentrations of both testosterone and LH (P<0.01 for each). At 24wk after the primary immunisation, testes were severely atrophied, spermatogenesis was arrested and steroidogenesis was suppressed, as evidenced by lesser amounts of testicular cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P-450 and 17α-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 mRNA (P<0.05). Furthermore, the amounts of mRNA for GnRH in the arcuate nucleus (Arc), of the hypothalamus and GnRH receptor and LH-β in the pituitary and genes in sex-hormone negative feedback loops (androgen receptor, oestrogen alpha receptor, kisspeptin encoded gene and kisspeptin receptor) in the Arc were decreased in pregnenolone-immunised rabbits compared to controls (P<0.05). It was concluded that immunisation against pregnenolone directly blocked testicular steroidogenesis, which reduced synthesis of hypothalamic GnRH and subsequently synthesis of pituitary LH by abolishing the permissive action of sex steroids on hypothalamic GnRH neurons, thereby disrupting spermatogenesis. This was apparently the first report that active immunisation against pregnenolone was a means of immunological castration

Mitochondrial and sex steroid hormone crosstalk during aging

Decline in circulating sex steroid hormones accompanies several age-associated pathologies which may influence human healthspan. Mitochondria play important roles in biosynthesis of sex steroid hormones, and these hormones can also regulate mitochondrial function. Understanding the cross talk between mitochondria and sex steroid hormones may provide insights into the pathologies associated with aging. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the interplay between mitochondria and sex steroid hormones during the aging process. The review describes the effect of mitochondria on sex steroid hormone production in the gonads, and then enumerates the contribution of sex steroid hormones on mitochondrial function in hormone responsive cells. Decline in sex steroid hormones and accumulation of mitochondrial damage may create a positive feedback loop that contributes to the progressive degeneration in tissue function during aging. The review further speculates whether regulation between mitochondrial function and sex steroid hormone action can potentially influence healthspan.

The Immunoendocrine Network in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cell proliferation leads to uncontrolled growth of breast tissue. Breast cancer can start in various areas of the breast, such as the ducts, lobes, and, in some cases, the intervening tissue. For many years, inflammatory infiltrates in tumors have been suggested to reflect the origin of cancer; however, little is known about the function of chronic inflammation in malignant transformation. Sex hormones are associated with many types of cancer, such as colon, cervical, and especially breast. Estrogen-dependent breast cancer (EDBC) constitutes approximately 50% to 80% of all cases of breast cancer. Furthermore, estrogen-dependency is linked to the initiation of malignancy by promoting the growth and proliferation of mammary cells and it is related to prognosis and treatment. The correlation between sex hormones and breast cancer has been recognized for decades, but the mechanisms of this association remain unknown. In recent years, a more enriched landscape of this relationship has emerged. Intervention by the immune system in cancer begins with the detection of transformed cells and their proliferation-—not with the defense and effort to restrain an established tumoral mass. In the late 1950s, Burnet introduced the immunosurveillance theory, which proposes that immune system cells detect and attack transformed cells, eliciting an adaptive response that succeeds and eliminates them or fails, leading to the formation of a tumoral mass and cancer onset. Conversely, sex hormones are important modulators of the immune system. Growing evidence demonstrates a reciprocal relationship between sex steroids and the immune system. Because the innate immune response determines the type of adaptive immunity that develops, hormonal effects on the former can affect adaptive responses. The sex steroids estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone regulate the growth, differentiation, survival, and function of many cell types that mediate homeostasis, immunity, and breast cancer. The presence of sex steroid receptors on immune cells indicates that sex steroids exert their effects by binding to them. Sex steroids and immunity are inextricably linked, and their mutual regulation influences the maintenance of the immune balance. Understanding the mechanisms of action of sex steroids on immune cells is paramount to developing novel therapies for chronic diseases that are associated to immune dysregulation, such as breast cancer. This chapter describes the risk factors in breast cancer, the hormonal factors that are involved, the immunological response toward cancer, and the effects of sex steroids on immune system cells and their implications for the incidence of breast cancer.

Androgens and estrogens in skeletal sexual dimorphism

Bone is an endocrine tissue expressing androgen and estrogen receptors as well as steroid metabolizing enzymes. The bioactivity of circulating sex steroids is modulated by sex hormone-binding globulin and local conversion in bone tissue, for example, from testosterone (T) to estradiol (E2) by aromatase, or to dihydrotestosterone by 5α-reductase enzymes. Our understanding of the structural basis for gender differences in bone strength has advanced considerably over recent years due to increasing use of (high resolution) peripheral computed tomography. These microarchitectural insights form the basis to understand sex steroid influences on male peak bone mass and turnover in cortical vs trabecular bone. Recent studies using Cre/LoxP technology have further refined our mechanistic insights from global knockout mice into the direct contributions of sex steroids and their respective nuclear receptors in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, and other cells to male osteoporosis. At the same time, these studies have reinforced the notion that androgen and estrogen deficiency have both direct and pleiotropic effects via interaction with, for example, insulin-like growth factor 1, inflammation, oxidative stress, central nervous system control of bone metabolism, adaptation to mechanical loading, etc., This review will summarize recent advances on these issues in the field of sex steroid actions in male bone homeostasis.

Endocrine disruption of oestrogen action and female reproductive tract cancers

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are ubiquitous and persistent compounds that have the capacity to interfere with normal endocrine homoeostasis. The female reproductive tract is exquisitely sensitive to the action of sex steroids, and oestrogens play a key role in normal reproductive function. Malignancies of the female reproductive tract are the fourth most common cancer in women, with endometrial cancer accounting for most cases. Established risk factors for development of endometrial cancer include high BMI and exposure to oestrogens or synthetic compounds such as tamoxifen. Studies on cell and animal models have provided evidence that many EDC can bind oestrogen receptors and highlighted early life exposure as a window of risk for adverse lifelong effects on the reproductive system. The most robust evidence for a link between early life exposure to EDC and adverse reproductive health has come from studies on women who were exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol. Demonstration that EDC can alter expression of members of the HOX gene cluster highlights one pathway that might be vulnerable to their actions. In summary, evidence for a direct link between EDC exposure and cancers of the reproductive system is currently incomplete. It will be challenging to attribute causality to any single EDC when exposure and development of malignancy may be separated by many years and influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet (a source of phytoestrogens) and adiposity. This review considers some of the evidence collected to date.

Effects of BPA and E2 on expression profiles of genes related to hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are increasingly viewed as persistent pollutants, similar to natural hormones in function. This paper describes the expression profiles of 7 genes (DMRT, VTG GnRHR FSHR CYP17A CYP19A, and CYP19B) involved in sex steroid synthesis and action as well as sexual development in adult male and female Cynoglossus semilaevis, after exposure to different concentrations of Bisphenol A (BPA) and 17β-estradiol (E2). Both BPA (1, 10, 50, 125, and 250 mg/kg) and E2 (0.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) induced changes in target gene expression, although the estrogenic effects of E2 as a model estrogen were stronger. Among the 7 genes, VTG CYP17A and CYP19 responded strongly to BPA or E2 exposure and can thus serve as reference biomarkers for estrogenic EDCs exposure in marine teleosts. These data will provide a window to establish a hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal model in C. semilaevis to better understand the effect pathways of EDCs.

Peripubertal proliferation of progenitor cells in the preoptic area of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Brain structures related to reproduction are thought to depend on the action of gonadal steroids acting either during early life (organizing irreversible effects) or adulthood (activating transient effects). More recently puberty has become a focus of attention and it was demonstrated that action of sex steroid hormones at this time plays a critical role in the final organization of brain and behavior. We studied by BrdU immunohistochemistry the ontogeny from hatching to sexual maturity of a previously identified cell population in the preoptic area labeled by a BrdU injection at the end of embryonic period (E12) of sexual differentiation in male and female Japanese quail. After an initial increase between E12 and hatching, the density of BrdU-immunoreactive cells decreased until the beginning of puberty but then increased again during sexual maturation in the caudal preoptic area specifically. Divisions of these cells took place in the brain parenchyma as indicated by the large numbers of pairs of labeled cells. No sex difference affecting these processes could be detected at any stage of development. Large numbers of new cells thus arise around puberty in the caudal preoptic area and presumably contribute to the reorganization of this structure that precedes the emergence of adult reproductive behaviors.

The Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)-Like Molecule in ProsobranchPatella caerulea:Potential Biomarker of Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in Marine Environments

It has been reported that endocrine disrupter compounds (EDCs) interfere with the endocrine system, mimicking the action of sex steroid hormones in different species of mollusks. Prosobranchs are frequently used as a reliable bioindicator to evaluate EDC exposure. In this article, we evaluate the effects of the xenoestrogen 4-n-nonylphenol (NP) in the prosobranch gastropod Patella caerulea, which exhibits protandrous hermaphroditism as its reproductive strategy. We isolated a partial sequence of a GnRH-like molecule from the gonads of Patella caerulea. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly homologous to that reported for the Lottia gigantea GnRH. Patella caerulea GnRH (pGnRH) mRNA expression is widespread in both male and female germ lines during gametogenesis. We suggest pGnRH as a novel biomarker for the early assessment of presence of EDCs and monitoring short and long-term impacts on Patella caerulea community structure.

Non-genomic Action of Sex Steroid Hormones and Cardiac Repolarization

Gender differences play a major role in the manifestation of cardiovascular disease including cardiac arrhythmias. In particular, female sex is an independent risk factor for development of torsade de pointes (TdP) arrhythmias not only in congenital long QT syndromes but also in acquired long QT syndromes which occur as adverse effects of existing drugs. Recent clinical and experimental studies suggest that the gender differences may stem, at least in part, from gender differences in cardiac repolarization process, that is longer rate-corrected QT (QT(C)) interval in women than in men. In women, QT(C) interval and arrhythmic risks in TdP alter cyclically during menstrual cycle, suggesting a critical role of female sex hormones in cardiac repolarization process. These gender differences in fundamental cardiac electrophysiology result from variable ion channel expression and diverse sex hormonal regulation via long term genomic and acute non-genomic pathways, and sex differences in drug responses and metabolisms. In particular, non-genomic actions of testosterone and progesterone on cardiac ion channels likely to contribute to the gender differences in cardiac repolarization processes.

17β-estradiol and progesterone regulate expression of β-amyloid clearance factors in primary neuron cultures and female rat brain.

The accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is a key risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The ovarian sex steroid hormones 17β-estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)) have been shown to regulate Aβ accumulation, although the underlying mechanism(s) remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigate the effects of E(2) and P(4) treatment on the expression levels of Aβ clearance factors including insulin-degrading enzyme, neprilysin, endothelin-converting enzyme 1 and 2, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and transthyretin, both in primary neuron cultures and female rat brains. Our results show that E(2) and P(4) affect the expression levels of several Aβ clearance factors in dose- and time-dependent manners. Most notably, expression of insulin-degrading enzyme is significantly increased by both hormones in cultured neurons and in vivo and is inversely associated with the soluble Aβ levels in vivo. These findings further define sex steroid hormone actions involved in regulation of Aβ, a relationship potentially important to therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease.