Biochemistry of prostate health studied with column chromatography

Column chromatography has been used by a team of researchers to look into the biochemistry processes behind prostate health.

The scientists, from Brigham Young University, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School and Stoelting Co, reveal their findings in a research report in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (RB&E).

Column chromatography was used to analyse steroids incubated with equol as part of in vitro investigation into the biochemistry processes governing equol's impact on prostate health.

They found maximum and half-maximal binding between equol and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone occurred with 100 nM and 4.8 nM of equol respectively.

As a result, prostate weight in rat test subjects decreased, but testosterone, estradiol and luteinising hormone levels were unaffected.

The researchers conclude that administration of equol could help in maintaining prostate health and with combating disorders associated with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone mediation.

RB&E aims to provide information about the latest research developments to endocrinologists working within the industry.