Steroids: genomic and non-genomic actions

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.15937523180910

• Palavras-chave: Testosterone; Estrogen; Sexual Steroids; Cardiac Steroids.

• Keywords: Testosterone; Estrogen; Sexual Steroids; Cardiac Steroids.

• Abstract:

  Steroid hormones are important maintainers of human body homeostasis, in addition to having important roles in the development and maturation of fetal organs and controlling male and female reproductive cycles. Human steroids are produced from a common precursor, cholesterol, in specialized endocrine cells such as the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands. Testosterone, estrogen, cortisol and aldosterone are some examples of the best-known steroid hormones. The common mechanism of action of steroids is genomic, which occurs through the binding of these hormones with intracellular receptors, which are ligand-dependent transcription factors, affecting the cell's gene transcription. However, some rapid physiological effects cannot be explained by the traditional model of action, as changes in the gene transcription process take a certain time to take effect. Thus, the non-genomic effects of steroids are currently being studied, which include actions on the cell membrane, where they alter the opening of ion channels and their cardiovascular effects. The article in question also addresses the two-step action model of steroid hormones, focusing on reproductive hormones and vitamin D.