Cytochrome P450-7B1 and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 distribution in human tissues

Successive action of cytochrome P450-7B1 (CYP7B1) and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) on 3β-hydroxysteroids such as DHEA and epiandrosterone leads to the production of cytoprotective 7β-hydroxylated derivatives. Investigation of the presence of these enzymes in human tissues could be carried out on commercially available human tissue arrays with use of antibodies specific to CYP7B1 and 11β-HSD1 for immunohistochemistry. Both enzymes were detected mainly in tissues of endodermic and ectodermic origin which are prone to undergo inflammation. As low doses of the 7β-hydroxylated derivatives of DHEA and epiandrosterone trigger the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair, CYP7B1 and 11β-HSD1 tissue contents may reflect the tissue ability for reparation after pathological conditions.