Type 2 17-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase as a novel target for the treatment of osteoporosis

Future Med Chem. 2015;7(11):1431-56. doi: 10.4155/fmc.15.74.

Abstract

Low estradiol level in postmenopausal women is implicated in osteoporosis, which occurs because of the high bone resorption rate. Estrogen formation is controlled by 17-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 17-β HSD enzymes, where 17-β HSD type 1 contributes in the formation of estradiol, while type 2 catalyzes its catabolism. Inhibiting 17-β HSD2 can help in increasing estradiol concentration. Several promising 17-β HSD2 inhibitors that can act at low nanomolar range have been identified. However, there are some specific challenges associated with the application of these compounds. Our review provides an up-to-date summary of the current status and recent progress in the production of 17-β HSD2 inhibitors as well as the future challenges in their clinical application.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Discovery / methods
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Estradiol Dehydrogenases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Estradiol Dehydrogenases / chemistry
  • Estradiol Dehydrogenases / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy*
  • Osteoporosis / enzymology*
  • Osteoporosis / pathology

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Estradiol Dehydrogenases
  • HSD17B2 protein, human