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Pancreas: a sex steroid-dependent tissue
1Department of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico. grd@quetzal.innsz.mx
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|June 20, 2001
Summary
Sex steroid hormones (SSH) impact pancreatic biology and cancer. Further research is needed to understand their role in pancreatic neoplasms and potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sex steroid hormones (SSH) are linked to pancreatic function and neoplasia.
- Receptors for estrogens, progestagens, and androgens are found in normal and cancerous pancreatic tissues.
- Enzyme activity related to SSH synthesis is altered in pancreatic tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for SSH involvement in pancreatic biology and neoplasms.
- To explore the potential clinical implications of SSH in pancreatic diseases.
- To highlight areas for future research regarding SSH and pancreatic cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on sex steroid hormones and pancreatic tissue.
- Analysis of receptor expression profiles in normal and tumoral pancreatic cells.
- Examination of enzymatic activity and hormonal concentrations in pancreatic cancer patients.
Main Results:
- SSH receptors exhibit varied expression patterns in pancreatic tissues.
- Altered SSH metabolism in tumors may affect circulating hormone levels.
- Experimental data suggest SSH can promote or inhibit pancreatic carcinogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatic tissues can act as both targets and sites of SSH biosynthesis.
- The precise role of SSH in pancreatic physiology and pathology requires further investigation.
- Current data on hormonal manipulation for pancreatic tumors are inconclusive, necessitating more research.