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Rodríguez-Santiago Y, Garay-Canales CA, Nava-Castro KE, Morales-Montor J. Sexual dimorphism in colorectal cancer: molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:48. [PMID: 38867310 PMCID: PMC11170921 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual dimorphism significantly influences cancer incidence and prognosis. Notably, females exhibit a lower risk and favorable prognosis for non-reproductive cancers compared to males, a pattern observable beyond the scope of risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption and smoking. Colorectal cancer, ranking third in global prevalence and second in mortality, disproportionately affects men. Sex steroid hormones, particularly estrogens and androgens, play crucial roles in cancer progression, considering epidemiological in vivo and in vitro, in general estrogens imparting a protective effect in females and androgens correlating with an increasing risk of colorectal cancer development. MAIN BODY The hormonal impact on immune response is mediated by receptor interactions, resulting in heightened inflammation, modulation of NF-kB, and fostering an environment conducive to cancer progression and metastasis. These molecules also influence the enteric nervous system, that is a pivotal in neuromodulator release and intestinal neuron stimulation, also contributes to cancer development, as evidenced by nerve infiltration into tumors. Microbiota diversity further intersects with immune, hormonal, and neural mechanisms, influencing colorectal cancer dynamics. A comprehensive understanding of hormonal influences on colorectal cancer progression, coupled with the complex interplay between immune responses, microbiota diversity and neurotransmitter imbalances, underpins the development of more targeted and effective therapies. CONCLUSIONS Estrogens mitigate colorectal cancer risk by modulating anti-tumor immune responses, enhancing microbial diversity, and curbing the pro-tumor actions of the sympathetic and enteric nervous systems. Conversely, androgens escalate tumor growth by dampening anti-tumor immune activity, reducing microbial diversity, and facilitating the release of tumor-promoting factors by the nervous system. These findings hold significant potential for the strategic purposing of drugs to fine-tune the extensive impacts of sex hormones within the tumor microenvironment, promising advancements in colorectal cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair Rodríguez-Santiago
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City, 04510, México
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Edificio D, 1er piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Claudia Angelica Garay-Canales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City, 04510, México
| | - Karen Elizabeth Nava-Castro
- Grupo de Biología y Química Atmosféricas, Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, CDMX, 04510, México
| | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City, 04510, México.
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Manickasamy MK, Jayaprakash S, Girisa S, Kumar A, Lam HY, Okina E, Eng H, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Sethi G, Kumar AP, Kunnumakkara AB. Delineating the role of nuclear receptors in colorectal cancer, a focused review. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:41. [PMID: 38372868 PMCID: PMC10876515 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00808-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as one of the most prevalent form of cancer globally, causing a significant number of deaths, surpassing 0.9 million in the year 2020. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, CRC ranks third in incidence and second in mortality in both males and females. Despite extensive studies over the years, there is still a need to establish novel therapeutic targets to enhance the patients' survival rate in CRC. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors (TFs) that regulate numerous essential biological processes such as differentiation, development, physiology, reproduction, and cellular metabolism. Dysregulation and anomalous expression of different NRs has led to multiple alterations, such as impaired signaling cascades, mutations, and epigenetic changes, leading to various diseases, including cancer. It has been observed that differential expression of various NRs might lead to the initiation and progression of CRC, and are correlated with poor survival outcomes in CRC patients. Despite numerous studies on the mechanism and role of NRs in this cancer, it remains of significant scientific interest primarily due to the diverse functions that various NRs exhibit in regulating key hallmarks of this cancer. Thus, modulating the expression of NRs with their agonists and antagonists, based on their expression levels, holds an immense prospect in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutical modalities of CRC. In this review, we primarily focus on the role and mechanism of NRs in the pathogenesis of CRC and emphasized the significance of targeting these NRs using a variety of agents, which may represent a novel and effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar Manickasamy
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Sujitha Jayaprakash
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Sosmitha Girisa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Aviral Kumar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Hiu Yan Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Elena Okina
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Huiyan Eng
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, 61421, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, 61421, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117600, Singapore.
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, 117699, Singapore.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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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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Refaat B, Aslam A, Idris S, Almalki AH, Alkhaldi MY, Asiri HA, Almaimani RA, Mujalli A, Minshawi F, Alamri SA, AlHussain MI, Baltow BA, Alqasmi MH, Basfar GT, Alosaimi OM, Muhayya IA. Profiling estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors in colorectal cancer in relation to gender, menopausal status, clinical stage, and tumour sidedness. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1187259. [PMID: 37206439 PMCID: PMC10190606 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1187259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although estrogen (ERα/ERβ), progesterone (PGR), and androgen (AR) receptors are pathologically altered in colorectal cancer (CRC), their simultaneous expression within the same cohort of patients was not previously measured. Methods ERα/ERβ/PGR/AR proteins were measured in archived paired normal and malignant colon specimens (n =120 patients) by immunohistochemistry, and results were analyzed by gender, age (≤50 vs. ≥60 years), clinical stages (early-stage I/II vs. late-stage III/IV), and anatomical location (right; RSCs vs. left; LSCs). Effects of 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and testosterone alone or combined with the specific blockers of ERα (MPP dihydrochloride), ERβ (PHTPP), PGR (mifepristone), and AR (bicalutamide) on cell cycle and apoptosis were also measured in the SW480 male and HT29 female CRC cell lines. Results ERα and AR proteins increased, whilst ERβ and PGR declined markedly in malignant specimens. Moreover, male neoplastic tissues showed highest AR expression, whilst ERβ and PGR weakest alongside ERα strongest expression was seen in cancerous tissues from women aged ≥60 years. Late-stage neoplasms also revealed maximal alterations in the expression of sex steroid receptors. By tumor location, LSCs disclosed significant elevations in ERα with marked declines in PGR compared with RSCs, and ERα strongest alongside PGR weakest expression was detected in advanced LSCs from women aged ≥60 years. Late-stage LSCs from females aged ≥60 years also showed weakest ERβ and strongest AR expression. In contrast, male RSC and LSC tissues exhibited equal ERβ and AR expression in all clinical stages. ERα and AR proteins also correlated positively, whereas ERβ and PGR inversely, with tumor characteristics. Concomitantly, E2 and P4 monotherapies triggered cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the SW480 and HT29 cells, and while pre-treatment with ERα-blocker enhanced the effects of E2, ERβ-blocker and PGR-blocker suppressed the E2 and P4 anti-cancer actions, respectively. In contrast, treatment with the AR-blocker induced apoptosis, whilst co-treatment with testosterone hindered the effects. Conclusions This study advocates that protein expression of sex steroid receptors in malignant tissues could represent prognostic markers, as well as hormonal therapy could provide an alternative strategy against CRC, and their efficacies could be dependent on gender, clinical stage, and tumor location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Bassem Refaat, ;
| | - Akhmed Aslam
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir Idris
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed H. Almalki
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Regional Laboratory and Central Blood Bank, Ministry of Health, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mofareh Y. Alkhaldi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory And Blood Bank Department, Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan A. Asiri
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Forensic Medicine Department, Health Affairs General Directorate in Assir, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riyad A. Almaimani
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Mujalli
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Minshawi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara A. Alamri
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona I. AlHussain
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badee A. Baltow
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansour H. Alqasmi
- Clinical Laboratories, Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghaiyda T. Basfar
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Clinical Laboratories, Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ohoud M. Alosaimi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Clinical Laboratories, Eradah and Mental Health Complex, Ministry of Health, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim A. Muhayya
- Laboratory And Blood Bank Department, Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Lee HJ, An S, Bae S, Lee JH. Diarylpropionitrile inhibits melanogenesis via protein kinase A/cAMP-response element-binding protein/microphthalmia-associated transcription factor signaling pathway in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 26:113-123. [PMID: 35203061 PMCID: PMC8890945 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2022.26.2.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diarylpropionitrile (DPN), a selective agonist for estrogen receptor β (ERβ), has been reported to regulate various hormonal responses through activation of ERβ in tissues including the mammary gland and brain. However, the effect of DPN on melanogenesis independent of ERβ has not been studied. The aim of this study is to examine the possibility of anti-melanogenic effect of DPN and its underlying mechanism. Melanin contents and cellular tyrosinase activity assay indicated that DPN inhibited melanin biosynthesis in alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cell line. However, DPN had no direct influence on in vitro tyrosinase catalytic activity. On the other hand, 17β-estradiol had no effect on inhibition of melanogenesis, suggesting that the DPN-mediated suppression of melanin production was not related with estrogen signaling pathway. Immunoblotting analysis showed that DPN down-regulated the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a central transcription factor of melanogenesis and its down-stream genes including tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2. Also, DPN attenuated the phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). Additionally, DPN suppressed the melanin synthesis in UVB-irradiated HaCaT conditioned media culture system suggesting that DPN has potential as an anti-melanogenic activity in physiological conditions. Collectively, our data show that DPN inhibits melanogenesis via down-regulation of PKA/CREB/MITF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jeong Lee
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Sungkwan An
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Seunghee Bae
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Jae Ho Lee
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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Bader J, Carson M, Enos R, Velazquez K, Sougiannis A, Singh U, Becker W, Nagarkatti M, Fan D, Murphy A. High-fat diet-fed ovariectomized mice are susceptible to accelerated subcutaneous tumor growth potentially through adipose tissue inflammation, local insulin-like growth factor release, and tumor associated macrophages. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4554-4569. [PMID: 33346251 PMCID: PMC7733624 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The association between obesity and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk has been well established. This relationship appears to be more significant in men than in women, which may be attributable to sex hormones. However, controlled animal studies to substantiate these claims and the mechanisms involved are lacking. Materials and Methods: MC38 murine colon adenocarcinoma cells were injected subcutaneously into high-fat diet (HFD) fed male, female and ovariectomized (OVX) female C57BL/6 mice. Results: HFD increased tumor growth (main effect) that was consistent with metabolic perturbations (P < 0.01). HFD OVX mice exhibited the most significant tumor growth compared to HFD male and female mice (p < 0.05) and this was associated with increased subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < 0.05). Further, the subcutaneous adipose tissue depots within HFD OVX mice exhibited more severe macrophage associated inflammation compared to female (P < 0.01), but not male mice. Conditioned media from subcutaneous adipose tissue of HFD OVX contained higher IGF-1 levels compared to male (P < 0.01), but not female mice. Finally, HFD OVX mice had increased M2-like gene expression in their tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) compared to female mice (P < 0.01). Conclusions: This work provides evidences suggesting adiposity, adipose specific IGF-1, macrophage associated adipose inflammation, and TAMs as potential mechanisms driving obesity-enhanced CRC in females lacking ovarian hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Bader
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Meredith Carson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Reilly Enos
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Kandy Velazquez
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Alexander Sougiannis
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Udai Singh
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - William Becker
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Angela Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
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Estrogen Receptors Alpha and Beta in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040907. [PMID: 32276421 PMCID: PMC7226505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) signaling has been widely studied in a variety of solid tumors, where the differential expression of ERα and ERβ subtypes can impact prognosis. ER signaling has only recently emerged as a target of interest in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive hematological malignancy with sub-optimal therapeutic options and poor clinical outcomes. In a variety of tumors, ERα activation has proliferative effects, while ERβ targeting results in cell senescence or death. Aberrant ER expression and hypermethylation have been characterized in AML, making ER targeting in this disease of great interest. This review describes the expression patterns of ERα and ERβ in AML and discusses the differing signaling pathways associated with each of these receptors. Furthermore, we assess how these signaling pathways can be targeted by various selective estrogen receptor modulators to induce AML cell death. We also provide insight into ER targeting in AML and discuss pending questions that require further study.
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Yang Z, Yu W, Liu B, Yang M, Tao H. Estrogen receptor β induces autophagy of osteosarcoma through the mTOR signaling pathway. J Orthop Surg Res 2020; 15:50. [PMID: 32054506 PMCID: PMC7020596 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-020-1575-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) was considered as a tumor-inhibiting factor in estrogen-sensitive malignant tumors. In this study, we intended to investigate whether ERβ was involved in inducing autophagy in osteosarcoma. METHODS This is an experimental study. The associations between ERβ and autophagy were detected in osteosarcoma U2-OS cells which were treated with E2, E2 + 2,3-Bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propionitrile (DPN, ERβ agonists), E2 + DPN + water, E2 + DPN + 3-Methyladenine (3-MA, autophagy inhibitor), respectively. Cell viability and death were detected using cell counting kit 8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, the expression of autophagy marker LC3II/I, sequestosome 1 (P62), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated-mTOR (p-mTOR) was determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS Cell viability was significantly decreased with DPN treatment, while was reversed with 3-MA treatment. DPN treatment decreased living cells proportion and increased cell apoptosis proportion, while 3-MA treatment reversed those changes. However, there were significant differences between the E2 group and the E2 + DPN + 3-MA group for the living cell proportion and cell apoptosis proportion, suggesting apoptosis and autophagy all were induced. In addition, DPN treatment upregulated the LC3II/I expression level and downregulated P62 and mTOR (mRNA level) and p-mTOR (protein level) expression levels. CONCLUSION ERβ inhibited the cell viability and mediated cell death by inducing apoptosis and autophagy in osteosarcoma. ERβ-induced autophagy in osteosarcoma was associated with downregulating the P62 expression level and inhibiting mTOR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengming Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No.1511 Jianghong Road, Binjiang District, Zhejiang, 310000 Hangzhou China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No.1511 Jianghong Road, Binjiang District, Zhejiang, 310000 Hangzhou China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No.1511 Jianghong Road, Binjiang District, Zhejiang, 310000 Hangzhou China
| | - Minfei Yang
- Department of Emergency Room, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310000 Hangzhou China
| | - Huimin Tao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No.1511 Jianghong Road, Binjiang District, Zhejiang, 310000 Hangzhou China
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9
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Said SA, Isedowo R, Guerin C, Nar NN, Lillie L, Bukovac S, Simone JJ, Green MR, McCormick CM, Stuart JA. Effects of long-term dietary administration of estrogen receptor-beta agonist diarylpropionitrile on ovariectomized female ICR (CD-1) mice. GeroScience 2018; 40:393-403. [PMID: 30099673 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-018-0038-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diarylpropionitrile (DPN) is an estrogen receptor-β-specific agonist that has been linked to neuroprotection, preserving cognitive function with age, the suppression of anxiety-like behaviors, inhibition of cancer growth, and other positive properties. We hypothesized that DPN may have pro-longevity properties. DPN was administered via feed at a dose corresponding to approximately 3 mg/kg/day to ovariectomized female mice beginning at 7 months of age. Mice were followed for the duration of their lifespans while monitoring body mass, aspects of behavior, learning, memory, and frailty. DPN-treated mice gained more body mass over the first 2 years of age (17 months of the study). A test of voluntary running behavior at 24 months of age behavior revealed no deficits in DPN-treated mice, which were as likely as control mice to engage in extended bouts of wheel running, and did so at higher average speeds. DPN administration had anxiolytic-like effects when measured using an elevated plus maze at 9 months of age. A mouse frailty index was used to assess age-related changes. The correlation between age and frailty differed between control and DPN-treated mice. Overall, dietary DPN administration had some beneficial effects on the aging phenotype of ovariectomized female mice with few significant detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry A Said
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Rachel Isedowo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Christilynn Guerin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Navreek N Nar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Leesa Lillie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Shawn Bukovac
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Jonathan J Simone
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Matthew R Green
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Cheryl M McCormick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Stuart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
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Nie X, Xie R, Tuo B. Effects of Estrogen on the Gastrointestinal Tract. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:583-596. [PMID: 29387989 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-4939-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen is a kind of steroid compound that has extensive biologic activities. The effect of estrogen is pleiotropic, affecting multiple systems in the body. There is accumulating evidence that estrogen has important effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Longer exposure to estrogen may decrease the risk of gastric cancer. Use of the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen might increase the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. Estrogen receptor β may serve as a target for colorectal cancer prevention. In addition, estrogen has been reported to be closely related to the mucosal barrier, gastrointestinal function and intestinal inflammation. However, the role of estrogen in the gastrointestinal tract has not been systematically summarized. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the role of estrogen in the gastrointestinal tract and evaluate it from various aspects, including estrogen receptors, the mucosal barrier, intestinal inflammation and gastrointestinal tract tumors, which may provide the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies to manage gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xubiao Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital, Zunyi Medical College, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563003, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital, Zunyi Medical College, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563003, China
| | - Biguang Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital, Zunyi Medical College, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563003, China.
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11
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Robb EL, Moradi F, Maddalena LA, Valente AJF, Fonseca J, Stuart JA. Resveratrol stimulates mitochondrial fusion by a mechanism requiring mitofusin-2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 485:249-254. [PMID: 28235489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.02.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Resveratrol (RES) is a plant-derived stilbene associated with a wide range of health benefits. Mitochondria are a key downstream target of RES, and in some cell types RES promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, altered cellular redox status, and a shift toward oxidative metabolism. Mitochondria exist as a dynamic network that continually remodels via fusion and fission processes, and the extent of fusion is related to cellular redox status and metabolism. We investigated RES's effects on mitochondrial network morphology in several cell lines using a quantitative approach to measure the extent of network fusion. 48 h continuous treatment with 10-20 μM RES stimulated mitochondrial fusion in C2C12 myoblasts, PC3 cancer cells, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts stimulated significant increases in fusion in all instances, resulting in larger and more highly branched mitochondrial networks. Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) is a key protein facilitating mitochondrial fusion, and its expression was also stimulated by RES. Using Mfn2-null cells we demonstrated that RES's effects on mitochondrial fusion, cellular respiration rates, and cell growth are all dependent upon the presence of Mfn2. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Mfn2 and mitochondrial fusion are affected by RES in ways that appear to relate to RES's known effects on cellular metabolism and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L Robb
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Moradi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, L2S 3A1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucas A Maddalena
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, L2S 3A1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew J F Valente
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, L2S 3A1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joao Fonseca
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, L2S 3A1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Stuart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, L2S 3A1, Ontario, Canada.
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Shen M, Shi H. Estradiol and Estrogen Receptor Agonists Oppose Oncogenic Actions of Leptin in HepG2 Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151455. [PMID: 26982332 PMCID: PMC4794158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a significant risk factor for certain cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Leptin, a hormone secreted by white adipose tissue, precipitates HCC development. Epidemiology data show that men have a much higher incidence of HCC than women, suggesting that estrogens and its receptors may inhibit HCC development and progression. Whether estrogens antagonize oncogenic action of leptin is uncertain. To investigate potential inhibitory effects of estrogens on leptin-induced HCC development, HCC cell line HepG2 cells were treated with leptin in combination with 17 β-estradiol (E2), estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) selective agonist PPT, ER-β selective agonist DPN, or G protein-coupled ER (GPER) selective agonist G-1. Cell number, proliferation, and apoptosis were determined, and leptin- and estrogen-related intracellular signaling pathways were analyzed. HepG2 cells expressed a low level of ER-β mRNA, and leptin treatment increased ER-β expression. E2 suppressed leptin-induced HepG2 cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally E2 reversed leptin-induced STAT3 and leptin-suppressed SOCS3, which was mainly achieved by activation of ER-β. E2 also enhanced ERK via activating ER-α and GPER and activated p38/MAPK via activating ER-β. To conclude, E2 and its receptors antagonize the oncogenic actions of leptin in HepG2 cells by inhibiting cell proliferation and stimulating cell apoptosis, which was associated with reversing leptin-induced changes in SOCS3/STAT3 and increasing p38/MAPK by activating ER-β, and increasing ERK by activating ER-α and GPER. Identifying roles of different estrogen receptors would provide comprehensive understanding of estrogenic mechanisms in HCC development and shed light on potential treatment for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minqian Shen
- Department of Biology, Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Haifei Shi
- Department of Biology, Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Pterostilbine, an active component of blueberries, sensitizes colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15239. [PMID: 26472352 PMCID: PMC4608003 DOI: 10.1038/srep15239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the first line of therapy for this debilitating disease, treatment effectiveness is often hampered by the development of drug resistance and toxicity at high doses. ER-β can play an important role in CRC development and possibly in its response to therapy. Pterostilbene (PT) possesses antioxidant and anticancer effects that are mediated by ER-β. In the current study, we test the hypothesis that PT sensitizes colon cancer cells to 5-FU and we examine the underlying mechanism(s) by which PT exerts its cytotoxic effects in CRC cells. Our data indicate that PT exhibited a more potent cytotoxic effect in Caco-2 compared to HCT-116 cells. PT/5-FU co-treatment was more effective in Caco-2 cells. Our data indicate that ER-β is expressed at higher levels in Caco-2 cells and its levels are further boosted with PT treatment. PT significantly suppressed Akt and ERK phosphorylations, and enhanced FOXO-1 and p27kip1 levels in Caco-2 cells. PT also induced a significant increase in Caco-2 cells at pre-G phase coupled with increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PARP cleavage. These results provide a rationale for novel combination treatment strategies, especially for patients with 5-FU-resistant tumors expressing ER-β protein.
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14
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In vitro chronic administration of ERbeta selective ligands and prostate cancer cell growth: hypotheses on the selective role of 3beta-adiol in AR-positive RV1 cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:801473. [PMID: 24877132 PMCID: PMC4022250 DOI: 10.1155/2014/801473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) progression from androgen-dependent (AD) to castration-resistant (CR) disease is a process caused by modifications of different signal transduction pathways within tumor microenvironment. Reducing cell proliferation, estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) is emerging as a potential target in PC chemoprevention. Among the known selective ERbeta ligands, 3beta-Adiol, the endogenous ligand in the prostate, has been proved to counteract PC progression. This study compares the effects of chronic exposure (1–12 weeks) to different ERbeta selective ligands (DPN, 8beta-VE2, 3beta-Adiol) on proliferation of human androgen-responsive CWR22Rv1 cells, representing an intermediate phenotype between the AD- and CR-PC. 3beta-Adiol (10 nM) is the sole ligand decreasing cell proliferation and increasing p21 levels. In vitro transcriptional activity assays were performed to elucidate different behavior between 3beta-Adiol and the other ligands; in these experiments the endogenous and the main ERbeta subtype activation were considered. It is concluded that ERbeta activation has positive effects also in androgen-responsive PC. The underlying mechanisms are still to be clarified and may include the interplay among different ERbeta subtypes and the specific PC microenvironment. ERbeta agonists might be useful in counteracting PC progression, although the final outcome may depend upon the molecular pattern specific to each PC lesion.
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Tu Z, Ma Y, Akers W, Achilefu S, Gu Y. Therapeutic effect of the treatment for colorectal cancer with adenoviral vectors mediated estrogen receptor β gene therapy combined with thermotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 140:623-32. [PMID: 24531912 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1611-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our preliminary study on repressing colorectal tumors by recombinant adenoviruses (Ads) delivering the human ERβ gene (Ad-ERβ) has achieved positive result. METHODS In this study, hydrophobic fluorescent dyes ICG-Der-01 was entrapped into the N-succinyl-N'-octyl chitosan (SOC) micelles to form the near infrared absorbing dyes SOC-ICG-Der-01 and SOC-ICG-Der-01 mediated near infrared laser (SOC-ICG-Der-01/NIR) thermotherapy was combined with Ad-ERβ gene therapy to regress colon cancer in vivo. RESULTS Firstly, the antitumor efficacies of SOC-ICG-Der-01/NIR thermotherapy were investigated on S180 ascites tumor-bearing mice. Results indicated that, the average tumor volume of SOC-ICG-Der-01/NIR group was the smallest among the three treatment groups. Then, thermotherapy with SOC-ICG-Der-01/NIR combined with Ad-ERβ gene therapy to treat HCT-116 colon cancer xenograft model was investigated. Further results demonstrated that, SOC-ICG-Der-01/NIR thermotherapy showed the significantly inhibitory efficiency compared with control group and Ad-ERβ enhanced the therapeutic effect of SOC-ICG-Der-01/NIR. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrated that combined administration of Ad-ERβ with SOC-ICG-Der-01/NIR thermotherapy represents a promising colon cancer therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Tu
- Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023,, China
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16
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Robb EL, Stuart JA. The stilbenes resveratrol, pterostilbene and piceid affect growth and stress resistance in mammalian cells via a mechanism requiring estrogen receptor beta and the induction of Mn-superoxide dismutase. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2014; 98:164-173. [PMID: 24361291 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2013.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme, Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), has been shown to confer cytoprotection and to regulate cell cycle progression. Resveratrol, a phytoestrogen found in red wines and other foods, has been previously reported to increase MnSOD protein levels and activity both in vitro and in vivo. Numerous structural analogues of resveratrol produced via the same stilbene synthesis pathway (e.g. pterostilbene and piceid) and also present in foods and red wine may be capable of eliciting the same effects. Furthermore, in humans resveratrol is rapidly metabolized to resveratrol-4'-sulfate, resveratrol-3-glucuronide and other metabolites in vivo. Although these metabolites may accumulate to relatively high levels in plasma and tissues, little is known about their biological activities. Here the activities were compared of these stilbenes and stilbene metabolites in mammalian cells. Two key cellular activities associated with resveratrol were examined: inhibition of proliferative growth and increased stress resistance (important anti-cancer and cell protective activities, respectively). While resveratrol-4'-sulfate and resveratrol-3-glucuronide had no effect on either cell growth or stress resistance, both pterostilbene and piceid were at least as effective as resveratrol. Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, it was found that the effects of pterostilbene and piceid required an induction of the mitochondrial enzyme MnSOD and intact mitochondrial respiration. In addition, using estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) knockout mouse myoblasts, it was demonstrated that the effects of stilbene compounds on cell growth and stress resistance all require ERbeta. Taken together, these results indicate that resveratrol, pterostilbene and piceid all activate the same mitochondrial response in mammalian cells, and therefore these latter two molecules might be as effective as resveratrol in eliciting positive health outcomes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L Robb
- Department of Biological Sciences and Cold Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Stuart
- Department of Biological Sciences and Cold Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada.
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Yakimchuk K, Jondal M, Okret S. Estrogen receptor α and β in the normal immune system and in lymphoid malignancies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 375:121-9. [PMID: 23707618 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens regulate various normal and pathophysiological processes including cancers. Cellular signaling by estrogens is mediated by estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ), respectively. Binding of agonists to the ERs affects gene transcription. The main endogenous estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), binds to both ERα and ERβ with similar affinity. However, the ligand-binding pocket of ERα and ERβ are slightly different which has allowed the development of selective ER ligands. Importantly, while estrogens via ERα stimulate proliferation, signaling via ERβ inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis. In both normal and cancer cells the ERs are co-expressed with ER splice variants which may modify the transcriptional activity of the wild-type receptors. Estrogens have prominent effects on immune functions and both ERα and ERβ are expressed in immune cells and lymphoid malignancies. With regard to lymphoid malignancies, most show estrogen influence as several epidemiological studies of lymphoid cancers demonstrate gender differences in incidence and prognosis with males being more affected. In line with these findings, recent results generated by us have shown that ERβ selective agonists inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in human and murine lymphomas in vivo in xenograft experiments. This suggests that ERβ selective agonists in the future may be useful in the treatment of lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Yakimchuk
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
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18
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Lawnicka H, Mełeń-Mucha G, Motylewska E, Mucha S, Stępień H. Modulation of ghrelin axis influences the growth of colonic and prostatic cancer cells in vitro. Pharmacol Rep 2013; 64:951-9. [PMID: 23087147 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(12)70890-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of different cancers seems to be associated with obesity. Moreover, low ghrelin levels observed in obese people may be implicated in cancer development and progression. The aim of this study was to examine the direct effects of both forms of ghrelin (acylated and unacylated) and ghrelin receptor type 1a antagonist (D-Lys-GHRP-6) on the growth of murine colon cancer MC38 and human prostate cancer DU145 cell lines in vitro. METHODS The cells were cultured for 72 h in the presence of rat or human acylated ghrelin (rG, hG), human unacylated ghrelin (hUAG), D-Lys-GHRP-6 (GHS-RA) applied either alone or jointly. The cell line growth was assessed by the colorimetric Mosmann method. RESULTS hUAG (10(-6), 10(-7) and 10(-10) M) inhibited MC38 cancer cell growth and, at some concentrations (10(-8), 10(-9), 10(-10) M), enhanced the antineoplastic effect of GHS-RA(10(-4) M). In turn, GHS-RA evoked a biphasic effect on MC38 cancer growth: inhibitory at 10(-4) M and stimulatory at 10(-5) and 10(-6) M. Moreover, GHS-RA at the highest examined concentration (10(-4) M) enhanced the cytostatic effect of FU. Human acylated and unacylated ghrelin and GHS-RA inhibited DU145 cancer growth with moderate and different potencies. A dose-response effect was observed for the inhibitory action of hG together with the synergistic effect of hUAG and GHS-RA. CONCLUSION The obtained results indicate an involvement of the ghrelin axis in the growth regulation of colon and prostate cancers and may suggest new therapeutic options for these neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lawnicka
- Department of Immunoendocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
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19
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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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Gierach I, Shapero K, Eyster TW, Wood DW. Bacterial biosensors for evaluating potential impacts of estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds in multiple species. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2013; 28:179-189. [PMID: 21544920 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
To study the effects and possible mechanisms of suspected endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), a wide variety of assays have been developed. In this work, we generated engineered Escherichia coli biosensor strains that incorporate the ligand-binding domains (LBDs) of the β-subtype estrogen receptors (ERβ) from Solea solea (sole), and Sus scrofa (pig). These strains indicate the presence of ligands for these receptors by changes in growth phenotype, and can differentiate agonist from antagonist and give a rough indication of binding affinity via dose-response curves. The resulting strains were compared with our previously reported Homo sapiens ERβ biosensor strain. In initial tests, all three of the strains correctly identified estrogenic test compounds with a high degree of certainly (Z' typically greater than 0.5), including the weakly binding test compound bisphenol A (BPA) (Z' ≈ 0.1-0.3). The modular design of the sensing element in this strain allows quick development of new species-based biosensors by simple LBD swapping, suggesting its use in initial comparative analysis of EDC impacts across multiple species. Interestingly, the growth phenotypes of the biosensor strains indicate similar binding for highly estrogenic control compounds, but suggest differences in ligand binding for more weakly binding EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Gierach
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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21
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Robb EL, Stuart JA. Multiple phytoestrogens inhibit cell growth and confer cytoprotection by inducing manganese superoxide dismutase expression. Phytother Res 2013; 28:120-31. [PMID: 23526725 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are of interest because of their reported beneficial effects on many human maladies including cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As data on phytoestrogens continues to accumulate, it is clear that there is significant overlap in the cellular effects elicited by these various compounds. Here, we show that one mechanism by which a number of phytoestrogens achieve their growth inhibitory and cytoprotective effects is via induction of the mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Eight phytoestrogens, including resveratrol, coumestrol, kaempferol, genistein, daidzein, apigenin, isoliquirtigenin and glycitin, were tested for their ability to induce MnSOD expression in mouse C2C12 and primary myoblasts. Five of these, resveratrol, coumestrol, kaempferol, genistein and daidzein, significantly increased MnSOD expression, slowed proliferative growth and enhanced stress resistance (hydrogen peroxide LD50) . When siRNA was used to prevent the MnSOD induction by genistein, coumestrol or daidzein, none of these compounds exerted any effect on proliferative growth, and only the effect of coumestrol on stress resistance persisted. The estrogen antagonist ICI182780 prevented the increased MnSOD expression and also the changes in cell growth and stress resistance, indicating that these effects are mediated by estrogen receptors (ER). The absence of effects of resveratrol or coumestrol, but not genistein, in ERβ-null cells further indicated that this ER in particular is important in mediating these effects. Thus, an ER-mediated induction of MnSOD expression appears to underlie the growth inhibitory and cytoprotective activities of multiple phytoestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L Robb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, L2S 3A1
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Estrogen in obesity-associated colon cancer: friend or foe? Protecting postmenopausal women but promoting late-stage colon cancer. Cancer Causes Control 2012; 23:1767-73. [PMID: 23011535 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-012-0066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with the increased incidence of colon cancer. Many cancer risk factors have been identified including increased blood levels of insulin, leptin, interleukin-6, interleukin-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and decreased blood levels of adiponectin. However, the role of blood levels of estrogen in obesity-associated colon cancer is controversial. Evidence showed that obesity affected men more strongly than women in the carcinogenesis of colon cancer, indicating protective effect of estrogen which is increased in obesity. However, an epidemiological study has also shown that endogenous estradiol level is an independent risk factor for colon cancer, positively associated with colon cancer after normalizing insulin, IGF-1. The controversial opinions may be caused by different effects of ER-alpha and ER-beta. ER-alpha can increase colon cancer cell proliferation and increase cancer incidence. ER-beta has the opposite effect to ER-alpha, and it causes apoptosis of colon cancer cells. The normal colonocytes mainly express ER-beta. Therefore, increased estrogen in obesity may have protective effect via ER-beta in obesity-associated colon cancer. However, with the development of colon cancer, ER-alpha is increased and ER-beta is decreased. In the late stage of colon cancer, estrogen may promote cancer development via ER-alpha. The different effects and expression of ER-alpha and ER-beta may explain the different results observed in several epidemiological studies as well as several animal experiments. Therefore, manipulation of estrogen-caused signal pathways to inhibit ER-alpha and stimulate ER-beta may have preventive and therapeutic effect for obesity-associated colon cancer.
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Tu Z, Ma Y, Tian J, Li H, Akers W, Achilefu S, Gu Y. Estrogen receptor β potentiates the antiproliferative effect of raloxifene and affects the cell migration and invasion in HCT-116 colon cancer cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2012; 138:1091-103. [PMID: 22398780 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-011-1145-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is the predominant ER in the colorectal epithelium, whose expression is greatly reduced in colorectal cancer compared with normal colon tissue. Recent in vitro studies suggested that ERβ may suppress tumor growth. No research was reported whether ERβ can be used as therapeutic agent for colon cancer. METHODS In this study, ERβ gene constructed into adenoviral (Ad) vectors was used to treat colon cancer HCT-116 cells alone or in combination with raloxifene. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of ERβ and raloxifene in HCT-116 cells. RESULTS Our results indicated that, although Ad-ERβ alone had no effect on the proliferation of HCT-116 cells, the combination of Ad-ERβ with raloxifene significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116 cells. The apparently apoptotic induction effects may partly explain the cytotoxicity of the two agents. The results of the study of ERβ on migration and invasion of HCT-116 cells demonstrated that overexpression of ERβ significantly decreased cell migration and increased invasion of cells. The antitumor efficacies of ERβ as well as raloxifene were further investigated on HCT-116 tumor bearing mice. Results demonstrated that both Ad-ERβ and raloxifene individually inhibited tumor growth. The combination group showed the highest inhibitory efficiency compared with other three groups. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrated that combined administration of Ad-ERβ with raloxifene represents a promising colon cancer therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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Boghossian S, Hawash A. Chemoprevention in colorectal cancer--where we stand and what we have learned from twenty year's experience. Surgeon 2011; 10:43-52. [PMID: 22129884 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal chemoprevention is a strategy aimed at preventing tumour progression before irreversible changes to the proteome are in full progress. Chemoprevention is not a new concept. In fact, medical practitioners since the early 19th century have tried various herbal and medicinal products as methods that could prevent tumours. The current understanding of tumourigenesis and cellular signalling focuses on a more targeted approach and paves the way for better understanding of colorectal chemoprevention. METHODS The online databases PubMed, Medline, Medscape Oncology and Scirrus were searched for articles of relevance. The Keyword involved the following words: "Colorectal Cancer Chemoprevention", "Colorectal Cancer", "Chemoprevention", "Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence" and "Colorectal Polyps". The search was started from the period of June 1995 until September 2010 inclusive. RESULTS More than 50 natural and synthetic compounds have been shown to have chemotherapeutic effect but the majority of these agents are still in their early experimental stages and hence far from our subject of discussion. Our discussion will focus on large scale randomised trials on human subjects or established compounds. Within the context of chemoprevention, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents have undergone extensive research and have shown promising results with large scale randomised trials. Additionally, metformin, resveratrol, Histone deacetylase inhibitors, Src kinases as well monoclonal antibodies have shown promising results as well. CONCLUSION Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world. In the UK alone the number of cases reported in 2008 was almost 40,000 which make it the third most common tumour nationwide. Curative intent surgery or Colectomy is the treatment of choice for most cases of bowel cancer; however, in a select subpopulation of patients who have been colonoscopically diagnosed to harbour pre-malignant lesions, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or have been genetically diagnosed and treated surgically for colorectal tumours; chemoprevention might play a crucial role in deterring further tumour progression. The very latest studies that are in publication or are just accruing results are giving us encouraging data that might suggest whether mass scale ingestion of a specific medication might deter colorectal tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahe Boghossian
- Birmingham Heartland Hospital, Birmingham B9 5SS, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
CONTEXT A new class of estrogen receptors was discovered in 1996 and named estrogen receptor β (ER-B); the traditional estrogen receptor, which until a little more than 10 years ago was thought of as the only estrogen receptor in existence, is now called estrogen receptor α. Estrogen receptor β has at least 5 isoforms, which may have different functions and have different tissue distribution. The significance of ER-B expression in tumors was first demonstrated in breast cancer, with several studies demonstrating that women with ER-B-positive breast cancers treated with adjuvant tamoxifen have better survival, independent of estrogen receptor α expression. Pathologists need to be more aware of this increasingly important protein, as it will soon find its way into routine clinical practice. OBJECTIVE To provide pathologists with a concise review of ER-B, with special emphasis on current and potential clinical relevance. DATA SOURCES A search of the English literature in PubMed (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland) for articles with titles including "estrogen receptor beta," with emphasis on "immunohistochemistry." Abstracts were reviewed, and selected articles were used as the basis for writing this review, mostly based on their relevance to pathology. CONCLUSIONS Estrogen receptor β and its isoforms have wider tissue distribution, including the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and brain, than the traditional estrogen receptor, now called estrogen receptor α. Estrogen receptor β expression in breast cancer is associated with favorable outcome in women treated with adjuvant tamoxifen, even in tumors negative for estrogen receptor α. The clinical significance of ER-B expression in tumors other than breast is currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoun Younes
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Giroux V, Bernatchez G, Carrier JC. Chemopreventive effect of ERβ-Selective agonist on intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc(Min/+) mice. Mol Carcinog 2010; 50:359-69. [PMID: 21480389 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that estrogen replacement therapy reduces the risk of colon cancer in postmenopausal women. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is thought to be the principal mediator of the estrogen effect in the colon. Recent studies by our team suggested positive regulation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)β pathway by estrogen in mice colonocytes. We therefore wanted to investigate the effects of ERβ agonist treatment on intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc(Min/+) mice. Weaned Apc(Min/+) mice were injected subcutaneously three times a week for 12 wk with vehicle or ERβ-selective agonist, diarylpropionitrile (DPN, 5 mg/kg). DPN administration resulted in a significant reduction in small intestinal polyp multiplicity in both Apc(Min/+) male and female mice. Furthermore, the mean diameter of small intestinal polyps was lower in DPN-treated than vehicle-treated males, along with lower BrdU incorporation indices in jejunal and colon epithelial cells of both sexes. DPN treatment also increased apoptosis in colon epithelium as measured by TUNEL assay and cleaved caspase 3 quantification. The effect of DPN on various components of the TGFβ pathway was also studied in colonocytes. DPN treatment increased expression of TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 transcripts, levels of nuclear and phosphorylated Smad2 as well as p27 cell-cycle inhibitor, a TGFβ pathway target gene. Our results demonstrate that DPN treatment reduces intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc(Min/+) mice. Furthermore, we suggest that positive regulation of the TGFβ pathway by ERβ activation could contribute to the protective role of estrogen in intestinal tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Giroux
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Anatomy and Cellular Biology, CIHR Team on Digestive Epithelium, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Mohler ML, Narayanan R, Coss CC, Hu K, He Y, Wu Z, Hong SS, Hwang DJ, Miller DD, Dalton JT. Estrogen receptor beta selective nonsteroidal estrogens: seeking clinical indications. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2010; 20:507-34. [PMID: 20302450 DOI: 10.1517/13543771003657164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Nonsteroidal estrogens have been known since the 1930s. However, the relatively recent (1996) discovery of estrogen receptor subtype beta (ERbeta) suggested a possible paradigm shift away from SERM-like selectivity. Selective ERbeta agonism would potentially allow expansion of estrogenic targeting into new indications (discussed herein) currently precluded by the thrombogenic and hyperproliferative effects of nonselective estrogens. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW ERbeta agonist design has been very successful. Pharmacophores for ERbeta selective nonsteroidal estrogens are generally diphenolic compounds that achieve an inter-phenolic distance and geometry similar to 17beta-estradiol with few restraints on the nature of the element linking the phenols (or phenol mimetics). The tremendously chemodiverse ERbeta agonist patent literature is reviewed, segregating the agonists into structurally similar compounds based on their interphenolic linking elements. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN A comprehensive understanding of the chemotype landscape of this field and an assessment of its maturation. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Subtype selective ERbeta agonist therapy seems very promising. However, more clinical testing is needed to firmly establish its therapeutic potential. At this point, ERbeta is a promising target in search of an indication.
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