Bivariate correlations for adipose 11βHSD1 expression and activity, urinary THFs/THE and hepatic 11βHSD1 activity versus anthropometric data, sex steroids, hormones and gene expression of aromatase.

Premenopausal women in follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and postmenopausal women were included. Enzyme activity was measured as percent conversion of cortisol to cortisone after 24 h incubation. Urinary THFs/THE gives a measure of whole body 11βHSD1 activity. Hepatic 11βHSD1 activity was measured as serum cortisol 30 minutes after oral cortisone. 11βHSD1, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; EA, Enzyme activity; THFs/THE, (5α-tetrahydrocortisol+5β-tetrahydrocortisol)/5β-tetrahydrocortione; SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure, n.a., not applicable. Data are correlation coefficients (Pearson correlation). *P<0.05, **P<0.01, and ***P<0.001. ‡Association significant after adjusting for waist circumference, BMI, and menopausal group (partial correlation).