Disclosed is a method of treating a condition characterized by reduced function of steroidogenic tissues comprising: administering to a patient in need thereof, an agent selected from the group consisting of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). Wherein the condition is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, including acquired adrenal insufficiency, low testosterone production, or low ovarian hormone production, the condition being selected from Addison&rsquo；s disease, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, infection, inflammation, sepsis, trauma, burns, liver disease, including but not limited to hepatitis, hepatorenal syndrome, fibrosis, cirrhosis, bile duct hyperplasia, or bile duct atresia, kidney disease, organ transplant, heavy metal poisoning, auto-immune disease, arthritic disease, liver disease, conditions characterized by low testosterone production, including but not limited to male menopause, erectile dysfunction, or conditions characterized by low ovarian hormone production, including but not limited to menopause.
