[Estrogenic sulfuration and desulfuration processes and their significance in breast carcinoma]

Estrogen conjugates are generally considered as inactivated forms devoid of any estrogenic activity. In some therapies, such as that used during menopause, high dose of estrogen sulfate are currently used as non estrogenic agent. However, precaution should be taken since a considerable amount of this conjugate can be converted into estradiol-17 beta (E2), the most biologically active hormone. In vitro, estrone sulfate (E1S), is converted into estrone (E1) and E2 by the action of estrogen sulfatase and 17 beta-oxydoreductase enzymes. Since the half life E1S in plasma is much higher than that of other estrogens, this conjugate could provide a continuous supply of E2 to estrogen target cells, which may be biologically important. It is the purpose of this review to point out the important role of estrogen sulfates in breast carcinoma.