Abnormal estrogen and androgen metabolism in the human with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Humans with SLE were studied with regard to their ability to metabolize estradiol and testosterone. Significant abnormalities in the patterns of metabolism of both classes of sex steroids were found. Estradiol hydroxylation at C-16 was more extensive in both males and females with SLE -- leading to more estrogenic metabolites; and testosterone oxidation was elevated in patients with SLE resulting in a decrease in total androgens. Some normal first degree relatives of patients with SLE also had abnormalities of estradiol hydroxylation.