Index of the systemic balance of end products of glucocorticoid metabolism in fresh urine from humans: Its potential usefulness in the evaluation of obesity-related diseases

SummaryObjectiveDysregulation of tissue-specific intracellular glucocorticoid reactivation is implicated in obesity and related metabolic diseases in humans. The ratio of end products of glucocorticoid metabolism in fresh urine sample, tetrahydrocortisol (THF) + allo-tetrahydrocortisol (allo-THF) vs. tetrahydrocortisone (THE), i.e., the urinary ratio is regarded as an index of the systemic balance underlying intracellular glucocorticoid metabolism, where the enzymes, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2 as well as 5α- and 5β-reductase are involved in a tissue-specific manner.MethodsTo explore the clinical implications of the urinary ratio in obesity and related metabolic diseases, the urinary ratio was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.ResultsThe urinary ratio was shown to be constant and reproducible in the same individuals. The ratio was found to inversely correlate with BMI (P < 0.01), waist circumference (P < 0.01), and liver transaminase (P < 0.05) in a large cohort of ∼200 Japanese subjects. This finding suggests that the systemic balance underlying intracellular glucocorticoid reactivation was suppressed in obesity and liver dysfunction. Consistent with this notion, the ratio was decreased in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (P < 0.01). The urinary ratio was not altered in patients with type 2 diabetes on a 2-month mild calorie restriction. In contrast, the ratio was significantly reduced in patients who responded to the anti-diabetic pioglitazone (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe present study provides novel evidence that the urinary ratio reflects the facet of adipose tissue and liver function in humans, thereby offering a unique opportunity to evaluate obesity-related diseases.