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Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Hepatic cholesterol metabolism in estrogen-treated men
B Angelin1, H Olivecrona, E Reihnér
1Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Gastroenterology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Estrogen treatment in men with prostate cancer increases liver LDL receptor expression and HMG-CoA reductase activity. This may explain reduced LDL cholesterol levels observed in patients undergoing estrogen therapy.
Area of Science:
- Hormone therapy
- Metabolic research
- Liver function
Background:
- Estrogen therapy for metastatic prostatic carcinoma can lead to gallstone disease.
- Investigating the impact of pharmacological estrogen doses on liver metabolism in men is crucial.
Observation:
- Liver biopsies from two male patients on estrogen therapy for prostate cancer were analyzed.
- Hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression and key enzymes in cholesterol metabolism were measured.
Findings:
- Estrogen significantly increased hepatic LDL receptor expression (threefold) and HMG-CoA reductase activity (twofold) in men.
- Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and acyl CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase activities remained unchanged.
- Liver microsomal cholesterol concentrations were reduced by approximately 30% in estrogen-treated men.
Implications:
- Pharmacological estrogen doses stimulate hepatic LDL receptor expression and HMG-CoA reductase activity in men.
- Increased LDL receptor expression may contribute to enhanced plasma LDL clearance and reduced LDL cholesterol levels.
- Findings offer insights into the metabolic effects of estrogen therapy in men, potentially impacting cardiovascular risk assessment.
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