A historical perspective on the role of micro-organisms in steroid pharmacology and endocrinology.
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This review through much of the last century summarises where bacteria, yeast and fungi have been studied in steroid production and removal in biomedicine and industry. This work can be traced back to 1937 when steroids were first identified chemically, then catapulted with the observation by Hench in 1949 that cortisone benefitted patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The isolation of steroids from animal tissues was limited because concentrations were low so plants were used to provide the triterpene core of steroids. Fungi proved to be the sources of enzymes for steroid production but one early major obstacle in the synthesis of hydrocortisone was the insertion of 11-hydroxyl group. Over time complete synthesis of steroids was achieved and improved with microbial enzymes. Steroid metabolism was studied in detail in feces of rats and the intestine was identified as a significant modifier of steroids. Bacteria were eliminated from the intestines of germ free rats to understand the extent of the enterohepatic circulation. Antibiotics have profound effects on the gut microbiota. With the widespread pharmacological use of steroids there is a need to remove them from human waste water in order to protect the environment. Analytical laboratories need to be aware of possible degradation of steroids in biological samples. The purpose of this review is to highlight from history events that have led to current interest in the use of micro-organisms in steroid pharmacology and endocrinology. The review includes several examples where the present author has personal experience in a career journey over fifty years
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