Epitestosterone: Regulatory Roles in Androgen-Dependent Processes
TLDR Epitestosterone may counteract testosterone's effects and has roles in body processes like prostate growth and hair distribution.
Epitestosterone, a natural epimer of testosterone, was long thought to lack hormonal activity and a clear biosynthetic pathway. However, studies revealed its role in counteracting testosterone's effects, such as competitive binding to androgen receptors, inhibiting testosterone biosynthesis, and reducing dihydrotestosterone. This antiandrogenic activity was observed in rats, mice, and human tissues, suggesting epitestosterone's potential in regulating androgen-dependent events like prostate growth and body hair distribution. Its stable urinary ratio with testosterone is crucial for doping control, as it remains unaffected by exogenous testosterone.
