[Quantitative competitive RT-PCR method in analysis of aromatase expression in breast cancer]

17 beta estradiol plays an important role in breast cancer development, growth. Aromatase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens, is responsible for estrogen biosynthesis in the post-menopausal women. Aromatase transcripts have been detected in the breast cancer cells, where the 30-100 fold higher concentration of estrogen in comparison with the plasma level were found. Suppression of local estrogen biosynthesis can be achieved by inhibition of aromatase expression in breast cancer. In order to determine aromatase mRNA level in breast cancer tissue we propose the quantitative competitive RT-PCR method using internal standard of aromatase. As a housekeeping gene we have used GAPDH. The determination of aromatase expression in breast cancer might aid in selecting patients for aromatase inhibitor therapy as a first line hormonal treatment.