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Related Concept Videos

Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
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Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Target Cell Response to Hormones01:22

Target Cell Response to Hormones

Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
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Proliferative Phase

The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
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Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
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Published on: April 7, 2023

The dialectic role of progesterone.

Johannes C Huber1, Johannes Ott

  • 1Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna, Austria. johannes.huber@meduniwien.ac.at

Maturitas
|January 28, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Progesterone metabolism influences breast cancer risk through enzymes like 5alpha-reductase (5alphaR). Genetic variations in 5alphaR and progesterone receptor (PR) activity, alongside epigenetic factors, are crucial for understanding hormone therapy and gender-specific diseases.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Progesterone metabolism yields various active metabolites, including 5alpha-pregnanes and 4-pregnenes.
  • Key progesterone-metabolizing enzymes in breast tissue include 5alpha-reductase (5alphaR), 3alpha-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3alpha-HSO), 3beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3beta-HSO), and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (20alpha-HSO).
  • Elevated 5alphaR activity and suppressed 3alpha-HSO/20alpha-HSO are linked to enhanced breast tumor genesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of progesterone metabolism and its related enzymes in breast cancer.
  • To examine the impact of genetic variations in the steroid 5alphaR type 2 gene on enzyme activity and breast cancer risk.
  • To highlight the significance of progesterone receptors (PR) and epigenetic modifications in mediating progesterone's effects and hormonal therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on progesterone metabolism and enzyme activity in uterine and breast tissues.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on specific genetic polymorphisms in the steroid 5alphaR type 2 gene (e.g., Ala>Thr at codon 49, Val>Leu at codon 89).
  • Discussion of the roles of progesterone receptors (PR-A and PR-B) and epigenetic mechanisms in regulating gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Specific genetic variations in the steroid 5alphaR type 2 gene significantly affect 5alphaR enzyme activity.
  • These variations are associated with altered breast cancer risk.
  • Progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms (PR-A and PR-B) and epigenetic factors play critical roles in modulating endocrine functions.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic variations in 5alphaR significantly influence breast cancer risk by altering enzyme activity.
  • Understanding progesterone metabolism, PR function, and epigenetic regulation is vital for effective hormonal therapies.
  • Natural steroids and updated endocrinological knowledge are essential for managing gender-specific diseases.