Estrogen receptors and human disease

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Estrogens are key hormones regulating numerous physiological functions in mammals, including reproduction, cardiovascular health, bone integrity, cognition, and behavior.
• The widespread influence of estrogen extends to its implication in the development and progression of various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and describe diseases where estrogen, acting through the estrogen receptor (ER), contributes to disease development or exacerbates severity.
• To highlight the role of the estrogen receptor (ER) as a basis for therapeutic interventions in estrogen-mediated diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles and clinical studies.
• Analysis of research on estrogen's physiological roles and its involvement in disease pathogenesis.
• Synthesis of information on estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathways in various disease contexts.

Main Results:

• Estrogen's involvement is noted in diverse conditions such as breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and endometrial cancers, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, lupus erythematosus, endometriosis, and obesity.
• The estrogen receptor (ER) is a central mediator of estrogen's effects in many of these diseases.
• Understanding estrogen-ER interactions is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Conclusions:

• Estrogen plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of a wide array of human diseases.
• The estrogen receptor (ER) is a critical molecular target for managing and treating estrogen-dependent conditions.
• Further research into estrogen's complex roles can lead to novel therapeutic strategies.