Adipose tissue estrogen production and metabolism in premenopausal women

Although the ovaries produce majority of estrogens in women before menopause, estrogen is also synthesized peripheral tissues such as adipose tissue (AT). The typical female AT distribution, concentrated subcutaneous and femoro-gluteal regions, estrogen-mediated, but significance synthesis premenopausal poorly understood. Serum visceral homogenates from 28 undergoing non-malignant surgery were analyzed for estrone, estradiol, serum estrone sulfate (E1S) concentrations with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Isotopic precursors used to measure enzyme activities estrone-producing steroid sulfatase estradiol-producing 17?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17?-HSD). Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels genes estrogen-metabolizing enzymes using real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. While estradiol was predominant circulating active estrogen, dominated AT, a higher concentration than (median, 2657 vs 1459 pmol/kg; P = 0.002). Both depots converted E1S estradiol. Median five ten times (P < 0.001) level 1.3 0.005). local correlated positively mRNA aromatase (r 0.65, 0.003). Waist circumference increased production 0.60, 0.039). Premenopausal demonstrated high estrogenic activity considerable concentrations. This may be factor promoting female-typical distribution women.