Researchers at University of Oulu have discovered a previously unknown mechanism explaining how certain medicines and environmental chemicals can disrupt sex hormones. The study shows that the pregnane X receptor (PXR), known for regulating liver processing of drugs, also controls production of SHBG, a protein that transports sex hormones like testosterone and oestrogen. Activation of PXR—e.g., by the antibiotic rifampicin—doubles SHBG levels and alters hormone availability. This PXR–SHBG–testosterone pathway could help predict chemical impacts on endocrine systems and guide development of safer substances. The findings were published in Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology.
Source:University of Oulu
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