SOAT – a steroid sulfate carrier relevant for male reproduction? (subproject 2, DFG research group 1369 “Sulfated Steroids in Reproduction)

2014 ◽  
Vol 122 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Fietz ◽  
K Bakhaus ◽  
B Wapelhorst ◽  
K Hartmann ◽  
A Sánchez-Guijo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Group ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Sulfated Steroids ◽  
Steroid Sulfate

scholarly journals SULFATION PATHWAYS: The steroid sulfate axis and its relationship to maternal behaviour and mental health

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. T199-T210 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Davies
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Steroid Sulfatase ◽  
New Mothers ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Sulfated Steroids ◽  
Biological Substrates ◽  
Steroid Sulfate

Steroid hormones can exist in functionally dissociable sulfated and non-sulfated (free) forms and can exert profound effects on numerous aspects of mammalian physiology; the ratio of free-to-sulfated steroids is governed by the antagonistic actions of steroid sulfatase (STS) and sulfotransferase (SULT) enzymes. Here, I examine evidence from human and animal model studies, which suggests that STS and its major substrate (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEAS) and product (DHEA) can influence brain function, behaviour and mental health, before summarising how the activity of this axis varies throughout mammalian pregnancy and the postpartum period. I then consider how the steroid sulfate axis might impact upon normal maternal behaviour and how its dysfunction might contribute towards risk of postpartum psychiatric illness. Understanding the biological substrates underlying normal and abnormal maternal behaviour will be important for maximising the wellbeing of new mothers and their offspring.

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