16alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone
16-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, also known as 16A OH-Preg or (3beta,16alpha)-3,16-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one, is classified as a gluco/mineralocorticoid, a progestogin or aprogestogin derivative. Gluco/mineralocorticoids are steroids with a structure based on a hydroxylated prostane moiety. Thus, 16-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone is a steroid or more correctly a 16alpha-hydroxy steroid. 16-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone is also classified as a hydroxypregnenolone. A hydroxypregnenolone is a pregnenolone substituted by an alpha-hydroxy group at position 16. It is a steroid molecule that is produced by all vertebrates. In humans, 16-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone can be found primarily in blood, urine and in human umbilical cord tissue. 16-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone is a normal urinary metabolite with increased total excretion in newborn infants with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (PMID 6980322). It is therefore an important urinary marker for the occurrence of an adrenal 21-hydroxylase-deficiency. Its levels are an indication for the effectiveness of medication (cortisol supplement) against this disease. (PMID: 10399855).
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