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Wenxuan L, Liu L, Zhang L, Qiu Z, Wu Z, Deng W. Role of gonadally synthesized steroid hormones in the colorectal cancer microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1323826. [PMID: 38115900 PMCID: PMC10728810 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1323826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand the relationship between steroid hormones synthesized by the gonads and colorectal cancer as well as its tumor microenvironment, in the expectation of providing new ideas in order to detect and treat colorectal cancer. Methods Through reviewing the relevant literature at home and abroad, we summarized that androgens promote the growth of colorectal cancer, and estrogens and progesterone help prevent bowel cancer from developing; these three hormones also have a relevant role in the cellular and other non-cellular components of the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer. Conclusion The current literature suggests that androgens, estrogens, and progesterone are valuable in diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer, and that androgens promote the growth of colorectal cancer whereas estrogens and progesterone inhibit colorectal cancer, and that, in addition, the receptors associated with them are implicated in the modulation of a variety of cellular components of the microenvironment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Wenxuan
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lilong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhendong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongkai Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenhong Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Patel M, Pennel KAF, Quinn JA, Hood H, Chang DK, Biankin AV, Rebus S, Roseweir AK, Park JH, Horgan PG, McMillan DC, Edwards J. Spatial expression of IKK-alpha is associated with a differential mutational landscape and survival in primary colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer 2022; 126:1704-1714. [PMID: 35173303 PMCID: PMC9174220 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01729-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To understand the relationship between key non-canonical NF-κB kinase IKK-alpha(α), tumour mutational profile and survival in primary colorectal cancer. METHODS Immunohistochemical expression of IKKα was assessed in a cohort of 1030 patients who had undergone surgery for colorectal cancer using immunohistochemistry. Mutational tumour profile was examined using a customised gene panel. Immunofluorescence was used to identify the cellular location of punctate IKKα expression. RESULTS Two patterns of IKKα expression were observed; firstly, in the tumour cell cytoplasm and secondly as discrete 'punctate' areas in a juxtanuclear position. Although cytoplasmic expression of IKKα was not associated with survival, high 'punctate' IKKα expression was associated with significantly reduced cancer-specific survival on multivariate analysis. High punctate expression of IKKα was associated with mutations in KRAS and PDGFRA. Dual immunofluorescence suggested punctate IKKα expression was co-located with the Golgi apparatus. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the spatial expression of IKKα is a potential biomarker in colorectal cancer. This is associated with a differential mutational profile highlighting possible distinct signalling roles for IKKα in the context of colorectal cancer as well as potential implications for future treatment strategies using IKKα inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Patel
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Kathryn A F Pennel
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jean A Quinn
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hannah Hood
- School of Medicine, Wolfson Medical School Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David K Chang
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrew V Biankin
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Selma Rebus
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Antonia K Roseweir
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - James H Park
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul G Horgan
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Donald C McMillan
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Foster PA. Oestrogen and colorectal cancer: mechanisms and controversies. Int J Colorectal Dis 2013; 28:737-49. [PMID: 23319136 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-012-1628-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM The role of oestrogen metabolism and action in colorectal cancer (CRC) is controversial. An extensive review of the current literature, encompassing epidemiological evidence, systemic and peripheral oestrogen concentrations, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and aromatase in CRC, steroid sulphatase (STS)/oestrone sulphotransferase (EST) and in vitro and in vivo genomic effects was therefore undertaken. METHODS A literature search (key words: colorectal cancer, oestrogen, oestrogen receptor, 17β-HSD, STS, organic anion transporter) was performed using Embase, Medline, and Pubmed and papers were evaluated on scientific relevance on an individual basis. RESULTS Epidemiological data highlights that premenopausal women, or postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy, are significantly less likely than males to develop CRC. This implies that oestrogen signalling is most likely involved in CRC physiology and aetiology. Little is known about oestrogen metabolism in the colon. However, the expression of 17β-HSD, STS, and EST, enzymes involved in oestrogen metabolism, have shown prognostic significance. Evidence also suggests that protective effects are modulated through oestrogen receptor beta, although which metabolite of oestrogen, oestradiol (E2) or oestrone (E1), is more active remains undefined. To complicate matters, the changes in the peripheral ratios of these enzymes, oestrogens and receptors most likely influences CRC progression. CONCLUSION Epidemiological evidence, now supported by in vitro and in vivo studies, strongly associates oestrogen action and metabolism with CRC. Initially protective against CRC, once developed, results suggests that oestrogens increase proliferation. Consequently, hormone-ablation therapy, already successful against breast and prostate cancer, may be effective against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Foster
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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Gillessen S, Templeton A, Marra G, Kuo YF, Valtorta E, Shahinian VB. Risk of colorectal cancer in men on long-term androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 102:1760-70. [PMID: 21068432 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen deprivation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or orchiectomy is a common but controversial treatment for prostate cancer. Uncertainties remain about its use, particularly with increasing recognition of serious side effects. In animal studies, androgens protect against colonic carcinogenesis, suggesting that androgen deprivation may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS We identified 107 859 men in the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database who were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1993 through 2002, with follow-up available through 2004. The primary outcome was development of colorectal cancer, determined from SEER files on second primary cancers. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the influence of androgen deprivation on the outcome, adjusted for patient and prostate cancer characteristics. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Men who had orchiectomies had the highest unadjusted incidence rate of colorectal cancer (6.3 per 1000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.3 to 7.5), followed by men who had GnRH agonist therapy (4.4 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI = 4.0 to 4.9), and men who had no androgen deprivation (3.7 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI = 3.5 to 3.9). After adjustment for patient and prostate cancer characteristics, there was a statistically significant dose-response effect (P(trend) = .010) with an increasing risk of colorectal cancer associated with increasing duration of androgen deprivation. Compared with the absence of these treatments, there was an increased risk of colorectal cancer associated with use of GnRH agonist therapy for 25 months or longer (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.53) or with orchiectomy (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.66). CONCLUSION Long-term androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Gillessen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kantonsspital, St Gallen, Switzerland
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Lin JH, Giovannucci E. Sex hormones and colorectal cancer: what have we learned so far? J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 102:1746-7. [PMID: 21068431 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Arafa HMM. Possible contribution of beta-glycosidases and caspases in the cytotoxicity of novel glycoconjugates in colon cancer cells. Invest New Drugs 2009; 28:306-17. [PMID: 19415182 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-009-9248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glycoconjugates represent a recent trend in cancer chemotherapy that adopts the concept of selective prodrug/drug targeting of tumor cells by selectively binding to specific transmembrane glucose transporters. Following preferential uptake of sugar conjugates into cancer cells, they are presumably subject to enzymatic cleavage by specific beta-glycosidases to liberate the free active cytotoxic aglycones that act selectively on cancer cells and spare other noncancerous ones. In this sense, the cytotoxicity of an array of newly synthesized glycoconjugates, including curcumin beta-glucoside, perillyl alcohol beta-glucoside, perillyl alcohol beta-galactoside, diethylstilbesterol beta-glucoside and diethylstilbesterol beta-galactoside have been investigated over 24-96 h in a panel of human colon cancer cells namely, Caco-2, HT29 and T84 cells. The role of beta-glycosidases and caspases in the bioactivation and cytotoxicity of these compounds has been addressed in the current study. All the glycoconjugates have proven cytotoxic efficacy in a time-dependent manner. Curcumin beta-glucoside was the most potent amongst all glycoconjugates tested. The sensitivity rank order of tumor cells towards all beta-glucosides was Caco-2 > HT29 > T84. This sensitivity ranking was well correlated with beta-glucosidase activity assessed in these cell lines. Unlike perillyl alcohol galactoside, the cytotoxicity rank order for diethylstilbesterol beta-galactoside was not coping with the beta-galactosidase activity detected. Apoptosis was assessed by fluorometric assay of caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities. Initiation and activation of apoptosis were increased in all colon cancer cells following exposure to most of the glycoconjugates, and this was well correlated with the cytotoxicity rank order of these prodrugs. Enzymatic cleavage of glycoconjugates was accomplished using a host of hydrolytic enzymes and cleavage kinetics was determined using HPLC. The glycoconjugates were only cleaved by beta-glucosidases and beta-galactosidases, but not by pancreatic lipase or hepatic esterase. Taken together, one could conclude that beta-glucosidases and beta-galactosidases are crucial for the bioactivation and cytotoxicity of these glycoconjugates. Also, initiation and activation of apoptosis in tumor cells may contribute, at least partly, for the cytotoxicity of these sugar conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam M M Arafa
- Department of Pharmacol & Toxicol, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
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Concordant colon tumors in monozygotic twins previously treated for prostate cancer. Fam Cancer 2008; 8:167-71. [PMID: 19011993 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-008-9222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2008] [Accepted: 10/31/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This report describes the quasi-simultaneous occurrence of colon cancers in monozygotic twin brothers (age 63 years) who had undergone androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancers 4 years earlier. Concordance among male twins for both of these cancers has never been reported. Although the family history suggested possible genetic predispositions to both cancers, the twins have no evidence of the genetic alterations associated with hereditary colorectal tumors. We explore the possibility that colorectal tumorigenesis in these twins was fuelled by a combination of genetic and iatrogenic factors, in particular the androgen deprivation therapy used to treat their prostate cancers.
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Ferro P, Catalano MG, Dell'Eva R, Fortunati N, Pfeffer U. The androgen receptor CAG repeat: a modifier of carcinogenesis? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2002; 193:109-20. [PMID: 12161010 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(02)00104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The first exon of the human androgen receptor (AR) contains a translated CAG (poly-glutamine) repeat. The repeat length is polymorphic in the normal population ranging from 8 to 35 repeats. Expansions to over 40 repeats lead to spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a late onset neurodegenerative disease. The repeat is located between the two parts of a bipartite amino-terminal transactivation function and the repeat length, also within in the normal range, is inversely correlated to the transactivation power of the receptor. P160 type co-activators bind more strongly to shorter repeats. A correlation between AR CAG repeat length and total risk, age at diagnosis, recurrence after surgery and aggressive growth has been reported for tumors of classical androgen target tissues. In the prostate, where androgens exert a mitogenic effect, the cancer risk increases with decreasing AR-CAG repeat length. In contrast, in the breast, where the hormone probably acts as anti-mitogen, a higher risk and earlier onset of breast cancer has been reported for carriers of BRCA1 mutations who also have long CAG repeats in the receptor gene. Somatic alterations during carcinogenesis appear to be frequent in endometrial and in colon cancer. In the endometrium the AR CAG repeat prevalently undergoes expansions consistent with the putative protective function of androgens in this tissue. Frequent repeat reductions during colon carcinogenesis would be consistent with a mitogenic effect of androgens. Analysis of AR protein expression by Western blot reveals expression of the AR in healthy and neoplastic colon tissues. Normal mucosa of the colon expresses both AR-isoforms of 110 and 87 kDa, while the tumor samples have lost the expression of the 110-kDa isoform. The 87-kDa isoform is devoid of the amino-terminal portion of the receptor molecule that also contains the poly-glutamine tract. The temporal and causal relation between isoform switch and somatic repeat reductions during colon carcinogenesis is as yet unclear, but the two events could both enhance p160 mediated androgen signaling. The recent finding that smad3 interacts with the AR in a way similar to p160 links the AR to TGFbeta signaling. Interruption of this signaling pathway is a frequent event in colon carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Ferro
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Research Institute, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Catalano MG, Pfeffer U, Raineri M, Ferro P, Curto A, Capuzzi P, Corno F, Berta L, Fortunati N. Altered expression of androgen-receptor isoforms in human colon-cancer tissues. Int J Cancer 2000; 86:325-30. [PMID: 10760818 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(20000501)86:3<325::aid-ijc4>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Many groups have examined of androgen the effects on normal and neoplastic colon tissues, but no clear picture has hitherto emerged. In particular, the presence and the function of the androgen receptor (AR) has only partially been investigated in the past. The present study reports analysis of expression of the AR gene as messenger RNA and as protein in surgical samples of neoplastic colon mucosa and of corresponding healthy surrounding tissue. Specific binding for DHT, demonstrating the presence of AR, was observed in almost all the samples (2 samples out of 12 were negative). No significant difference was observed between healthy and neoplastic mucosa, or between male and female patients. A further characterization of AR was performed with Western blot, using 2 different primary antibodies. Both AR isoforms, AR-B and AR-A, were detected in healthy mucosa, while only AR-A, resolving at 87 kDa, was observed in neoplastic mucosa. RT-PCR analysis revealed the transcript for AR in both healthy and neoplastic mucosa in 10 samples; no message was detectable in 2 samples (negative also for binding); 2 additional samples presented AR mRNA only in healthy colon mucosa, 2 others only in neoplastic mucosa. In addition, a variant AR messenger RNA, probabily derived from alternative splicing, was observed. We found that AR is expressed both in healthy and in neoplastic colon mucosa, either as mRNA or as protein. Neoplastic colon tissue shows a characteristic loss of expression of the AR-B isoform, while AR-A expression is maintained. These findings underscore the possible role of androgen and its receptor in colon carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Catalano
- Endocrinology Laboratory, II UOADU General Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Giovanni Battista and University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Kaklamanos IG, Bathe OF, Franceschi D, Lazaris AC, Davaris P, Glinatsis M, Golematis BC. Expression of receptors for estrogen and progesterone in malignant colonic mucosa as a prognostic factor for patient survival. J Surg Oncol 1999; 72:225-9. [PMID: 10589038 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9098(199912)72:4<225::aid-jso8>3.0.co;2-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) have been detected in both normal and malignant colonic mucosa, but the prognostic value of this observation is unknown. We aimed to define the prognostic significance of the presence of ER and PR in malignant cells from colorectal adenocarcinoma specimens. METHODS An immunohistochemical assay for ER and PR was performed on paraffinized sections from 65 colorectal adenocarcinoma specimens. Survival curves were analyzed to define the prognostic implications of ER and PR. RESULTS Twenty nine (45%) tumors tested receptor positive (32% for ER and 23% for PR). Tumors of advanced stage were more likely to express receptors than early stage tumors (56% vs. 32%; P = 0.01). Median survival of patients with neoplasms expressing PR was 30 months. For patients whose tumors did not express any receptors, median survival had not been reached at the time of follow-up (P = 0.04). Similarly, patients with tumors expressing both receptors had significantly reduced survival (median survival = 20 months; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Expression of receptors for sex steroids correlates with advanced stage disease. Expression of PR by the tumor cells is associated with a shorter patient survival. The results suggest that sex steroids may play a role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- I G Kaklamanos
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Abstract
The wide distribution of plant estrogens or 'phytoestrogens' in cereals, vegetables and medicinal plants raises questions concerning the possible health risks and benefits associated with their consumption. In this article, we provide a synopsis of the literature relating principally to the clinical effects of phytoestrogens on the diseases associated with ageing. The sources, metabolism and properties of the different phytoestrogens are also discussed. The studies included were primarily restricted to those with data pertinent to clinical practice. Our contention is that phytoestrogens are at least part of the reason why vegetarians and Asian populations have a low rate of cancer and heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Knight
- Royal Hospital for Women, New South Wales, Australia
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Clarkson TB, Anthony MS, Hughes CL. Estrogenic soybean isoflavones and chronic disease Risks and benefits. Trends Endocrinol Metab 1995; 6:11-6. [PMID: 18406678 DOI: 10.1016/1043-2760(94)00087-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Many edible plants contain natural estrogens called phytoestrogens. These compounds possess mixed estrogen agonist-antagonist properties that are organ-specific in vivo. We have focused on estrogenic soybean isoflavones because of their potential extensive dietary availability. In this article, we review the clinical and experimental evidence for the possible benefits and risks of ingestion of estrogenic isoflavones throughout the life span, and highlight areas needing further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Clarkson
- Comparative Medicine Clinical Research Center, Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1040 USA
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