3-Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 4 (HSD3b4)

One noted change was the dose-dependent suppression of the mouse hormone metabolizing 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase V (HSD3b5), which is specifically expressed in the male mouse liver. Northern analysis showed that HSD3b5 mRNA levels decreased dramatically upon one-day exposure to 2.0% dietary DEHP, and were nearly undetectable by one week of treatment. Food restriction also significantly suppressed HSD3b5 expression; however, in this case the suppression was delayed and to a lesser extent.

Another mouse 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, HSD3b4, predominantly expressed in kidneys, was also regulated by DEHP and food restriction. The sex-specific gene, HSD3b5, was affected more by DEHP and food restriction than the tissue-specific gene, HSD3b4.