Thiazolidinediones but Not Metformin Directly Inhibit the Steroidogenic Enzymes P450c17 and 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase

Androgen biosynthesis requires 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (3βHSDII) and the 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities of cytochrome P450c17. Thiazolidinedione and biguanide drugs, which are used to increase insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, lower serum androgen concentrations …