The Enzyme 3beta-hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase

[Sourdoughbanana]

a quick figure to show how prevalent this enzyme is:

> leads to progesterone, 17OHP, Testosterone
> leads to a protective, estrogenic DHT metabolite and a couple of triols

How do we stimulate this enzyme?

I just read this: Anticancer Testosterone Metabolite 3β-Adiol (July 2012) Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients

Potential Endogenous Stimulation of 3b-Adiol

For several months in 2011, compounding pharmacies were able to supply "3b-Adiol" at a relatively reasonable prices. But – according to compounding pharmacists – a certain agency of los federales began to interfere with freedom of trade. The price quickly escalated, and then 3b-Adiol became entirely unavailable. Surprised, anyone?

Fortunately, researchers are reporting possibilities for stimulating the natural endogenous biosynthesis of 3b-Adiol with natural substances which stimulate 3b-HSD and/or 17b-HSD, the enzymes that convert 5a-DHT into 3b-Adiol. But there's a caution: Although these studies are theoretically promising, none of them have as yet actually measured "before and after" quantities of 3b-Adiol itself, but rather activity and/or quantity of the enzymes that "lead to" 3b-Adiol. Until this research has been done, the best alternative is measuring the "before and after" levels in individuals, especially individuals found to personally have low 3b-Adiol levels. (In my own practice, I've observed that several of the items below have been associated with improved 3b-Adiol levels in individuals, but it's too early to report that any one is reliably associated with improvement in low 3b-Adiol levels.)

Let's start with (no kidding) coconut oil and olive oil. In 2008 and 2009, researchers reported that these two oils, used separately, significantly stimulated the activity of 3b-HSD and 17b-HSD, as well as significantly raising testosterone levels in experimental animals, while grapeseed oil and soy oil did not have any significant effect.15,16

Then there's our old "male health" standby, zinc. Studies in male rats demonstrated that zinc deficiency decreased 3b-HSD activity. Zinc deficiency also was associated with a very significant reduction in testosterone itself.17

Hypothyroidism and "subclinical" hypothyroidism are relatively common. Here's another reason to be ever-vigilant for these problems: T3 stimulates 3b-HSD type 2.18 Although this might suggest that T3 may stimulate 3b-Adiol, there are as yet no publications exploring this possibility.

However, it's easy enough to check in any one individual with lower than desirable 3b-Adiol.

3b-HSD also requires NAD (niacinamide adenine dinucleotide), but once again there are no studies yet linking NADH supplementation with improved levels of 3b-Adiol.19
In a study of adrenal cell activity, lithium was reported to increase synthesis of 3b-HSD type 2. (Obviously the adrenals and testes are entirely different, but the 3b-HSD enzyme is the same enzyme in both areas).

Lastly (for now) all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been shown to increase 3b-HSD type 2.20 As too much ATRA can become toxic, this one is available only by prescription.

Looks like the usual suspects could work - thyroid, coconut, zinc - and then some. Anyone?

 

[LeeLemonoil]

Vitamin A and as alwayss proper Mito-function and metabolism.

Yes, 3b-anediol seems like the most important dht metabolite and the Enzyme therefore is worth keeping an eye on

 

[Vinero]

Ray said that Zinc could help maintain progesterone production. Seems like this backs it up since the production of progesterone from pregnenolone does depend on this enzyme 3B hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.