Steroid metabolism plays a pivotal role in maintaining various physiological processes within thehuman body, including the regulation of metabolism, immune response, and reproductive functions.The liver, as a central organ in the metabolism of steroids, is intricately involved in the synthesis,transformation, and clearance of these bioactive molecules. This article provides a comprehensivereview of the intricate interplay between steroid metabolism and liver function, with a particular focuson the potential consequences of disrupted steroid metabolism in contributing to liver damage.The liver serves as a major site for steroid metabolism, involving processes such as glucuronidation,sulfation, and oxidation.
Dysregulation of these pathways can lead to the accumulation of toxicintermediates, subsequently promoting oxidative stress and inflammation within hepatic tissues.Moreover, the impact of exogenous steroids, such as those used in medical treatments or performanceenhancingsubstances, adds an additional layer of complexity to the relationship between steroids andliver health.Highlighted in this review are the molecular mechanisms through which steroid metabolism maycontribute to liver damage, encompassing the modulation of inflammatory responses, disruption ofcellular redox balance, and the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, the article explores the clinicalimplications of altered steroid metabolism in the context of liver diseases, ranging from non-alcoholicfatty liver disease (NAFLD) to drug-induced hepatotoxicity.Understanding the intricate connections between steroid metabolism and liver damage is essential forunraveling the pathophysiological processes that underlie hepatic disorders. This review aims toprovide valuable insights into the multifaceted relationship between steroid metabolism and liverhealth, offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions and preventive strategies to mitigateliver damage associated with aberrations in steroid homeostasis.
