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Estrogens and colorectal cancer
A Di Leo1, C Messa, A Cavallini
1Biochemistry Laboratory, I.R.C.C.S. S. de Bellis, Scientific Institute for Digestive Diseases, Via della Resistenza, I-70013 Castellana G., BA, Italy. irccsbiochimica@libero.it
Current Drug Targets. Immune, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
|December 13, 2002
Summary
Estrogen hormones and their receptors (ERs) are implicated in colorectal cancer development. Research indicates estrogens may play a protective role, potentially influencing tumor growth by interacting with cell proliferation molecules.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental data suggest estrogen hormones influence malignant colorectal tumors.
- Observed sex differences in incidence and effects of parity and hormone replacement therapy hint at a role for sex hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of estrogen hormones and their receptors in colorectal cancer.
- To explore the potential protective effects of estrogen and the involvement of estrogen receptor subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental evidence.
- Discussion of biological mechanisms involving estrogen receptors (ERs), including ER-beta.
- In vitro studies on colonic epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Male rats exposed to dimethylhydrazine show a higher risk and shorter survival for colon cancer compared to females.
- Estrogen receptors (ERs) are present in various gastrointestinal neoplasms, including colorectal cancer.
- The discovery of ER-beta and its presence in colorectal tissues suggests distinct actions of estrogen subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen hormones and their receptors are significantly involved in the growth and progression of colorectal tumors.
- Estrogen's interaction with molecules like growth factors and polyamines may modulate cell proliferation in the gastrointestinal tract.
- The presence of two estrogen receptor subtypes could explain tissue-specific estrogen actions, particularly in the GI tract.