Normal bone density in male pseudohermaphroditism due to 5alpha- reductase 2 deficiency

Authors

  • Elaine Maria Frade Costa University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Division of Endocrinology
  • Ivo Jorge Prado Arnhold University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Division of Endocrinology
  • Marlene Inacio University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Division of Endocrinology
  • Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Division of Endocrinology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812001000500002

Keywords:

Bone mineral density, Male pseudohermaphroditism, 5alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency

Abstract

Bone is an androgen-dependent tissue, but it is not clear whether the androgen action in bone depends on testosterone or on dihydrotestosterone. Patients with 5alpha-reductase 2 deficiency present normal levels of testosterone and low levels of dihydrotestosterone, providing an in vivo human model for the analysis of the effect of testosterone on bone. OBJECTIVE: To analyze bone mineral density in 4 adult patients with male pseudohermaphroditism due to 5alpha-reductase 2 deficiency. RESULTS: Three patients presented normal bone mineral density of the lumbar column (L1-L4) and femur neck, and the other patient presented a slight osteopenia in the lumbar column. CONCLUSION: Patients with dihydrotestosterone deficiency present normal bone mineral density, suggesting that dihydrotestosterone is not the main androgen acting in bone.

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Published

2001-10-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Normal bone density in male pseudohermaphroditism due to 5alpha- reductase 2 deficiency . (2001). Revista Do Hospital Das Clínicas, 56(5), 139-142. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812001000500002