Fig. 2.
DHEA is metabolized to androstenediol in Chub-S7 adipocytes. A: schematic overview of key pathways of DHEA metabolism to DHEAS (sulfate ester of DHEA) and downstream steroids by steroidogenic enzymes. B: representative conventional PCR analysis of mRNA expression of steroidogenic genes in human omental preadipocytes (Om Pre) and adipocytes (Om Adip), Sc Pre and Sc Adip, and Chub Pre and Chub Adip. C: quantitative real-time PCR mRNA expression analysis of AKR1C3 in Om Pre and Om Adip, Sc Pre and Sc Adip, and Chub Pre and Chub Adip. Expression analysis confirmed the expression of AKR1C3 in Chub-S7 and human adipose tissue, which was increased in differentiated adipocytes relative to preadipocytes. Data are expressed as means ± SE of 3 independent triplicate experiments. D: Chub-S7 cells were incubated with [3H]DHEA for 24 h. Appreciable conversion of DHEA to androstenediol was observed in adipocytes but not proliferating preadipocytes (*P < 0.05 compared with preadipocytes).