Biography
Biography: Roger M Loria
Abstract
β Androstanediol epimers (Δ5 androstane, 3β, 17α diol; and Δ5 androstane, 3β, 17β diol) consist of a metabolic endocrine node which functions to regulate host resistance to infections and malignancies. The β Androstane steroids (17β AED/AET) up-regulate immunity and increase host resistance against lethal infection by viruses, and bacteria. The β Androstenes increase the levels of the TH1 cytokines, IL-2, IL-3, and IFNγ and counteract hydrocortisone mediated immune suppression. Treatment with a single dose of either 17β AED or 17β AET protected the host from whole body lethal radiation and led to the recovery of the remaining hematopoietic precursor cells. Increased host resistance protected the host from lethal infection by DNA or RNA viruses such as herpes virus, coxsackievirus B4, influenza, and arthropod borne viruses. Similar protection against lethal Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria infections has been observed. The specificity of 17β AED/17β AET is illustrated by the finding that the 17α epimer (17α AED inhibits proliferation and mediates apoptosis in tumor cells of murine and human origin and induces autophagy in human glioblastoma. In summary, these agents provide a unique new avenue for the control, mitigation, and prevention of diseases by viral, bacterial infections. The androstenes are a new subclass of steroid hormones with specific and unique physiological properties.