11betahydroxysteroids

11β-hydroxysteroids are steroids that carry a hydroxyl group at the 11β position of the steroid nucleus. This structural feature is characteristic of a subset of glucocorticoids and related hormones. The most studied members are cortisol (hydrocortisone) and corticosterone, which are active regulators of metabolism, immune response, and stress physiology in mammals.

In humans, 11β-hydroxylation is introduced during steroidogenesis by the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase, encoded by CYP11B1, converting 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone. Active glucocorticoids can be further modulated by 11β-HSD enzymes; 11β-HSD1 reduces inactive cortisone to cortisol in liver and adipose tissue, whereas 11β-HSD2 oxidizes cortisol to inactive cortisone in kidney and mineralocorticoid target tissues. The 11β-hydroxyl group affects receptor binding and tissue selectivity, contributing to both glucocorticoid and, in some contexts, mineralocorticoid actions.

Other 11β-hydroxysteroids occur as intermediates and metabolites, such as 11β-hydroxyprogesterone, which participates in cortisol biosynthesis, and various 11β-hydroxy steroids identified in plasma and urine.

Clinical relevance is tied to their role in endocrine function. Abnormal levels provide diagnostic information for adrenal disorders like Cushing's syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Analytical methods include immunoassays and mass spectrometry, often measuring urinary 11β-hydroxysteroid metabolites to assess adrenal activity and steroid metabolism.