Biosynthesis & Chemical structure of Oestrogen

1. Chemical nature &
Biosynthesis of
Oestrogen
S.Kaayathri Devi
19PO03
I M.Sc., Biotechology

3. • In 1929, Adolf Butenandt and Edward
Adelbert Doisy isolated and purified
estrone, the first estrogen to
be discovered.
• Basically, there are 3 estrogens :
estrone(E1), estradiol(E2) & estriol(E3).
• Estrogens, in females,
are produced primarily by the ovaries, and
during pregnancy by the placenta.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
stimulates the ovarian
production of estrogens by the granulosa
cells of the ovarian follicles and corpus
luteum of ovaries.
• It is a Steroid hormone.

5. Biosynthesis of Estrogen

8. Physiological functions
• Growth, development and maintenance of
female reproductive system.
• Maintenence of menstrual cycle.
• Development of female secondary sexual
characteristics.

9. Biochemical functions
• Lipogenic effect : Increases lipogenesis in adipose
tissues.Women have relatively more fat than
men(<5%).
• Hypocholestrolemic effect: Lowers plasma total
cholesterol.
LDL fraction of lipoproteins is decreased while
HDL is incresed.
Lower incidence of atherosclerosis &
coronary heart diseases in women in
reproductive age.

10. • Anabolic effect : Promotes transcription &
translation.Elevates protein synthesis in
liver.E.g : transferrin & ceruloplasmin.
• Effect on bone growth : Promotes calcification
& bone growth.
• Decalcification of bones in post menopausal
women – due to lack of estrogen.
• Effect on transhydrogenase:
Transhydrogenase – enzyme activated by
estrogen.
• NAD+ NADH.
• NADH formed can be oxidized.

11. • After menopause,transhydrogenase activity –
lowered – due to the lack of estrogens.
• NADH – diverted to lipogenesis – obesity.