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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
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Heterotypic Three-dimensional In Vitro Modeling of Stromal-Epithelial Interactions During Ovarian Cancer Initiation and Progression
Published on: August 28, 2012
Steroid-converting enzymes in human ovarian carcinomas
Justin C Chura1, Hyung S Ryu, Marc Simard
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Ovarian tumors may rely on estrogen. Measuring enzymes like 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) and estrone sulfatase may predict response to anti-estrogen therapies for ovarian carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Anti-estrogen therapies for ovarian carcinoma yield variable results, indicating some tumors are estrogen-dependent.
- Understanding the enzymatic pathways involved in estrogen metabolism within ovarian tumors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assay the activity levels of key steroid dehydrogenases and sulfatase enzymes in ovarian epithelial carcinomas.
- To investigate the potential of these enzyme activities to predict tumor response to endocrine therapy.
Main Methods:
- Assayed activity of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD/3-KSR), and estrone sulfatase in ovarian carcinomas.
- Utilized 17beta-HSD activity ratios (estradiol/testosterone) and isoform-specific inhibitors to assess enzyme contributions.
- Detected mRNA for 17beta-HSD types 1, 2, and 5 in matched tumor and metastatic samples.
Main Results:
- Estrone sulfatase activity was highest, followed by 17beta-HSD, 3alpha-HSD/3-KSR, and 3beta-HSD.
- Estradiol formation from estrone sulfate was detected in 98% of samples.
- Specific 17beta-HSD inhibition patterns (type 1 in 23%, type 2 in 25%) were observed, with mRNA present in primary and metastatic tumors.
Conclusions:
- Enzyme activity levels, including 17beta-HSD and sulfatase, vary significantly in ovarian carcinomas.
- Evaluating these enzyme activities and their patterns may serve as a predictive biomarker for endocrine therapy response in ovarian cancer.
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