Interactions of Aromatase and Seladin-1: A Neurosteroidogenic and Gender Perspective.

Aromatase and seladin-1 are enzymes that have major roles in estrogen synthesis and are important in both brain physiology and pathology. Aromatase is the key enzyme that catalyzes estrogen biosynthesis from androgen precursors and regulates the brain's neurosteroidogenic activity. Seladin-1 is the enzyme that catalyzes the last step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, the precursor of all hormones, from desmosterol.

Chronic levetiracetam decreases hippocampal and testicular aromatase expression in normal but not kainic acid-induced experimental model of acute seizures in rats.

Reproductive disorders are more common in men with epilepsy taking anticonvulsant medications. Antiseizure/anticonvulsant drugs and seizures in medial temporal lobe structures may cause gonadal dysfunction, including infertility, decreased libido, and potency. Levels of circulating bioavailable testosterone are affected by the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen and may be affected by seizure medications.