Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
08:38
Renal Capsule Xenografting and Subcutaneous Pellet Implantation for the Evaluation of Prostate Carcinogenesis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Published on: August 28, 2013
Hormones and prostate carcinogenesis: Androgens and estrogens
Maarten C Bosland1, Abeer M Mahmoud
1Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago 840 South Wood Street Room 130 CSN, MC 847 Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Journal of Carcinogenesis
|January 27, 2012
Summary
Prostate cancer risk is not clearly linked to hormone levels in humans. However, animal studies suggest androgens and estrogens may promote prostate cancer development through complex mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading malignancy in US males, with androgens suspected in its development.
- Human epidemiological evidence linking androgens to prostate cancer is limited.
- Clinical trials show 5α-reductase inhibitors reduce prostate cancer risk by ~25%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of androgens and estrogens in prostate carcinogenesis.
- To explore potential genotoxic mechanisms involving estradiol in prostate cancer.
- To clarify the tumor-promoting effects of androgens in prostate cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies and clinical trial data.
- Analysis of animal studies using rat models for prostate cancer induction.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms of hormone action and DNA damage.
Main Results:
- Circulating androgen levels and gene polymorphisms are not associated with prostate cancer risk.
- Testosterone promotes prostate cancer in rat models, potentially with genotoxic carcinogens like estradiol.
- Estradiol may induce DNA mutations via catecholestrogen metabolites and redox cycling.
Conclusions:
- Androgens' tumor-promoting role in prostate cancer remains unclear.
- Estrogens might contribute to prostate carcinogenesis through genotoxic pathways.
- Prostate cancer risk likely results from complex interactions of hormonal, non-hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
01:22Target 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...
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...
01:24Gonadal 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...
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...