Sex-hormone-binding globulin

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1974 Jan;3(1):69-96. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1974.tb03298.x.

Abstract

PIP: A review was made to understand how plasma binding protein might influence sex-hormone action in target tissues. Steroids are predominately bound to plasma proteins and only unbound steroids enter the cells. Sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) binds to both the main circulating steroid T and E2 but changes in SHBG concentrations exert significant results. Increased SHBG levels increase estrogen production and decreases T activity; whereas, increased androgens increase T action and inhibit SHBG production. These disturbances in hormone maintenance may lead to abnormal adult sex differentiation such as hirsutism and forms of hynaecomastia. By developing SHBG concentration measurement methods-responses of hirsutism to glucocorticoid or estrogem may be assessed. In addition, the effect of thyroid hormones on SHBG may also have therapeutic implications in endocrine disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome / blood
  • Beta-Globulins / metabolism*
  • Carrier Proteins*
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Estrogens / blood
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / pharmacology
  • Glycoproteins / blood*
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / blood*
  • Gynecomastia / blood
  • Hirsutism / blood
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / blood
  • Hypogonadism / blood
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis / blood
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Medroxyprogesterone / pharmacology
  • Molecular Weight
  • Myxedema / blood
  • Ovarian Cysts / blood
  • Pregnancy
  • Protein Binding
  • Puberty
  • Serum Globulins / analysis
  • Serum Globulins / physiology
  • Sex Factors
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Thyroxine / pharmacology

Substances

  • Beta-Globulins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Estrogens
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Glycoproteins
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Serum Globulins
  • Testosterone
  • Ethinyl Estradiol
  • Estradiol
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Medroxyprogesterone
  • Thyroxine