Figure 2
From: Mitochondrial and sex steroid hormone crosstalk during aging
Mitochondria and sex steroid hormones during aging. Mitochondria produce sex steroid hormones in the gonads through initial conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone. Sex steroid hormones improve and/or maintain mitochondrial function in hormone responsive cells by regulating: 1. gene expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins, 2. gene expression of mitochondrial-encoded mitochondrial proteins, and/or 3. activity of mitochondrial proteins. Increased oxidative stress during aging damages gonadal cells and/or impair steroidogenesis. Decline in sex steroid hormone biosynthesis during aging compromises mitochondrial function in hormone responsive tissues and contribute to age-related pathologies.