Aromatase gene expression in adipose tissue: relationship to breast cancer

Extraglandular conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens takes place primarily in the stromal cell component of adipose tissue and is catalyzed by aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom; the product of the CYP19 gene). CYP19 gene expression and aromatase activity in breast adipose stromal cells in culture are subject to complex hormonal regulation, which was recently found to be mediated in part by alternative use of tissue-specific promoters of the CYP19 gene. It has been proposed that increased local aromatase activity in breast adipose tissue may influence the growth of breast carcinomas. Using competitive RT-PCR, we quantified P450arom transcripts in breast adipose tissue from mastectomy specimens. In 10/15 patients, highest transcript levels were found in the quadrant where the tumor was located. We also found the highest proportions of adipose stromal cells versus adipocytes in those quadrants. Such findings suggest that regional differences in the relative proportions of the various histologic components give rise to locally elevated concentrations of estrogens. Although the initiating events are not known, once a neoplastic change has occurred, tumor growth may be promoted by the locally increased estrogen levels. We are currently investigating alternative promoter use for CYP19 gene transcription to explain this association. Our results underscore the importance of aromatase inhibitors as effective agents in treatment of hormone-responsive breast cancer, since aromatase inhibitors reduce local aromatase activity as well as blood estradiol levels.