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Ritzmann D. Herbal Treatment of Female Urogenital Atrophy: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Complement Med Res 2024; 31:124-132. [PMID: 38211573 PMCID: PMC11098024 DOI: 10.1159/000536193] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Urogenital atrophy and its sequelae, particularly genital dryness, urological problems, and pain on genital touching, are common medical problems for menopausal women and women undergoing antihormonal cancer treatment. To meet the requirements for a nonhormonal local treatment, a compounded herbal preparation was developed as a vaginal ovule (Dioscorea comp. ovulum), and the efficacy and applicability of this herbal treatment were investigated. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of patients' records. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Canton of Zurich (project number BASEC 2016-01982). Between 2007 and 2011, patients with urogenital atrophy and related symptoms, who wanted to initiate herbal treatment, were asked for consent to be interviewed (4-point rating scale) and examined gynecologically with photo documentation of their vaginal discharge. A total of 26 patients met the enrollment criteria and consented to the procedure. The first 8 weeks consisted of a daily application of low-dose Dioscorea comp. ovulum followed by high-dose Dioscorea comp. ovule twice weekly for at least 3 months. RESULT A total of 23 patients completed the trial. Of the 19 patients in the subgroup with an atrophic vaginal maturation index (VMI), 16 achieved a eutrophic VMI. Four patients began therapy with hypotrophy. There was a 96% decrease in complaints (22/23). The genital dryness score decreased from 1.80 to 0.25 points, urological problems from 2.38 to 0.85 points, and pain on genital touching from 1.70 to 0.60 points. Application, tolerability, and medical safety of the formula were good. CONCLUSION The phytotherapeutic compounded preparation Dioscorea comp. ovule (Dioscorea villosa, Glycine max, Salvia officinalis) is suitable for the treatment of urogenital atrophy and its sequelae. Hintergrund Urogenitale Atrophie und ihre Folgeerscheinungen, insbesondere genitale Trockenheit, urologische Probleme und schmerzhafte genitale Berührungen, sind ein häufiges medizinisches Problem bei menopausalen Frauen und Frauen unter antihormoneller Krebstherapie. Um den Bedarf an einer nicht-hormonellen lokalen Behandlung zu decken, wurde ein pflanzliches Präparat in Form eines Vaginal-Ovulum ( Dioscorea comp. Ovulum) entwickelt. Wirksamkeit und Anwendbarkeit dieser pflanzlichen Behandlung werden untersucht. Patientinnen und Methoden Es handelt sich um eine retrospektive Analyse. Das Studienprotokoll wurde von der Ethikkommission des Kantons Zürich genehmigt (Projekt Nummer BASEC 2016-01982). Zwischen 2007 und 2011 wurden geeignete Patientinnen mit urogenitaler Atrophie und assoziierten Beschwerden, die mit einer pflanzlichen Behandlung beginnen wollten, um ihr Einverständnis zu einer Befragung (4-Punkte-Score) und gynäkologischen Untersuchungen mit Fotodokumentation des Vaginalausflusses (Nativpräparat) gebeten. 26 Patientinnen erfüllten die Kriterien und erklärten sich mit dem Verfahren einverstanden. Behandlung Nach einer täglichen Anwendung eines niederdosierten Dioscorea comp. Ovulum folgte eine zweimal wöchentliche Anwendung des höher dosierten Dioscorea comp. Ovulum für mindestens 3 Monate. Ergebnisse Insgesamt 23 Patientinnen schlossen die Studie ab. 16 von 19 Patientinnen in der Untergruppe mit einem atrophen Vaginalen Maturations-Index (VMI) erreichten ein eutrophes Vaginalepithel. Vier Patientinnen begannen mit einer Hypotrophie. Ein Rückgang der Beschwerden wurde bei 96% (22 von 23) erreicht: Trockenheit im Genitalbereich ging von 1,80 auf 0,25 Score-Punkte zurück, urologische Probleme von 2,38 auf 0,85 Score-Punkte und schmerzhafte Berührungen im Genitalbereich von 1,70 auf 0,60 Score-Punkte. Anwendung, Verträglichkeit und medizinische Sicherheit der Magistralrezeptur sind gut. Schlussfolgerung Das phytotherapeutische Kombinationspräparat Dioscorea comp. Ovulum ( Dioscorea villosa L. , Glycine Max Merr. , Salvia officinalis L.) eignet sich zur Behandlung der urogenitalen Atrophie und ihrer Folgeerscheinungen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorin Ritzmann
- FMH Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medizin Feminin Private Practice, Dietikon, Switzerland
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Sánchez‐Rovira P, Hirschberg AL, Gil‐Gil M, Bermejo‐De Las Heras B, Nieto‐Magro C. A Phase II Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled and Multicenter Clinical Trial to Assess the Safety of 0.005% Estriol Vaginal Gel in Hormone Receptor-Positive Postmenopausal Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer in Treatment with Aromatase Inhibitor in the Adjuvant Setting. Oncologist 2020; 25:e1846-1854. [PMID: 32459035 PMCID: PMC8108054 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lessons Learned The levels of circulating follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estriol, estradiol, and estrone remained unchanged after a 12‐week treatment with 0.005% estriol vaginal gel in postmenopausal women receiving nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors for hormone receptor‐positive early breast cancer. These results support the safety of 0.005% estriol vaginal gel for the treatment of bothering symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy in breast cancer survivors. The results provide clinicians with confidence in the use of this product in women who do not experience symptom relief with nonhormonal remedies.
Background Symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy associated with treatment with nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors (NSAIs) negatively impact patients’ quality of life and may affect adherence to NSAIs. Vaginal estrogens effectively improve these symptoms, although their safe use in breast cancer survivors remains unclear. Methods Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor‐positive early breast cancer receiving NSAI and moderate‐to‐severe vaginal dryness were randomized to 0.005% estriol vaginal gel or placebo for 12 weeks. Circulating estrogens, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), were analyzed at baseline and at weeks 1, 3, 8, and 12. The primary safety outcome was the variation in serum FSH from baseline to week 12. Results Sixty‐one women (mean age, 59 years) enrolled in the study. Small oscillations were observed in FSH and LH, although they were always maintained within the postmenopausal range. No significant differences were found in the variation of FSH and LH between baseline and week 12 from the physiological variation observed before treatment. Women receiving 0.005% estriol vaginal gel had slightly increased estriol levels at weeks 1 and 3, with a subsequent reduction until normalizing at week 12; estradiol and estrone remained the below limit‐of‐quantitation in almost all samples. Conclusion Ultralow‐dose 0.005% estriol vaginal gel did not significantly influence estrogens, FSH, and LH levels in women with breast cancer receiving NSAI. A transient negligible absorption of estriol and a nonsignificant variation of FSH after 12 weeks were observed. These findings provide confidence for the safe use of 0.005% estriol vaginal gel in women with breast cancer with an indication for treatment with vaginal estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Sánchez‐Rovira
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario de JaénJaénSpain
- GEICAM Spanish Breast Cancer GroupSpain
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Miguel Gil‐Gil
- GEICAM Spanish Breast Cancer GroupSpain
- Breast Cancer Unit, Institut Català d'Oncologia, IDIBELLHospitaletBarcelonaSpain
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Diaz-Perez HM, Mesa-Chavez F, Lopez-Martinez EA, Villarreal-Garza C. Short inter-pregnancy interval and pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Med Hypotheses 2020; 144:109951. [PMID: 32535457 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109951] [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: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between pregnancy and breast cancer risk is not fully understood. Most of the literature has described this interaction in terms of the age at first pregnancy and the number of full-term pregnancies. During the prospective accrual of the "Joven & Fuerte: Program for young women with breast cancer in Mexico" cohort, a series of cases with pregnancy-associated breast cancer and a history of a short inter-pregnancy interval was identified. To date, there is a very limited number of descriptions about the interaction between a short inter-pregnancy interval and breast cancer, but none specifically regarding the association of a short inter-pregnancy interval and pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Based on findings from a prospective cohort of young Mexican breast cancer patients, we hypothesize that a short inter-pregnancy interval may increase the incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer, possibly by amplifying the effects of the pregnancy-associated factors involved in the development of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector M Diaz-Perez
- Centro de Cancer de Mama, Hospital Zambrano Hellion - Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Fernanda Mesa-Chavez
- Centro de Cancer de Mama, Hospital Zambrano Hellion - Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Joven & Fuerte: Programa para la Atencion e Investigacion de Mujeres Jovenes con Cancer de Mama, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edna A Lopez-Martinez
- Centro de Cancer de Mama, Hospital Zambrano Hellion - Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Joven & Fuerte: Programa para la Atencion e Investigacion de Mujeres Jovenes con Cancer de Mama, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Centro de Cancer de Mama, Hospital Zambrano Hellion - Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Joven & Fuerte: Programa para la Atencion e Investigacion de Mujeres Jovenes con Cancer de Mama, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Zhou X, Peng F, Luo Z, Li Y, Li H, Yang Z. Assessment of water contamination and health risk of endocrine disrupting chemicals in outdoor and indoor swimming pools. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 704:135277. [PMID: 31831230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in swimming pool waters has been scarcely investigated. In this study, the concentrations of 20 EDCs (4 phenols, 6 estrogens, 4 progestogens, 5 androgens, and 1 pharmaceutical) in 40 outdoor and indoor swimming pools in Changsha, China were investigated. Out of them, two phenols (bisphenol A and 4-tert-octylphenol), three estrogens (17β-estradiol, 17ɑ-ethinlestradiol (EE2), and hexestrol), one pharmaceutical (caffeine), and two progestogens (progesterone and levonorgestrel) were detected in the collected samples. The androgens were not detected. Bisphenol A and caffeine were the dominant EDCs at concentrations of ND-23.22 ng/L and ND-39.08 ng/L, respectively. The levels of caffeine were significantly higher in indoor swimming pools (11.15 ng/L in average) than those in outdoor pools (1.90 ng/L in average) (p < 0.05), owing to the less sun's UV radiation and less use of sunscreens containing caffeine. The progestogens (progesterone and levonorgestrel) and estrogens (17β-estradiol and hexestrol) were only detected in outdoor swimming pools. The detection frequencies and concentrations of bisphenol A and caffeine in downtown pools were significantly higher than those in outskirt pools. Besides, the correlations between the concentrations of EDCs and water quality parameters evaluated by the Spearman correlation analysis implied that residual chlorine had strong oxidant capable to bisphenol A and suggested that caffeine could be a potential indicator of organic contamination in swimming pool water. Finally, a quantitative risk assessment revealed that non-athletic child and athletic adult female were vulnerable subpopulations. The EDItotal of EE2 for athletic child, non-athletic female, non-athletic male, and non-athletic child were higher than ADIEE2 adopted by Australia and the EDItotal of EE2 for athletic female and athletic male were higher than ADIEE2 adopted by the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhou
- Center for Environment and Water Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Water Environment and Agriculture Product Safety, Changsha, China
| | - Fangyuan Peng
- Center for Environment and Water Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Water Environment and Agriculture Product Safety, Changsha, China
| | - Zhoufei Luo
- Center for Environment and Water Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Water Environment and Agriculture Product Safety, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Li
- Center for Environment and Water Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Water Environment and Agriculture Product Safety, Changsha, China
| | - Haipu Li
- Center for Environment and Water Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Water Environment and Agriculture Product Safety, Changsha, China.
| | - Zhaoguang Yang
- Center for Environment and Water Resources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Water Environment and Agriculture Product Safety, Changsha, China.
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Houtchens MK, Desai N. It is time to conduct phase 3 clinical trials of sex hormones in MS – No. Mult Scler 2018; 24:1415-1417. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458518771840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Houtchens
- Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neelam Desai
- Breast Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Liu YY, Lin YS, Yen CH, Miaw CL, Chen TC, Wu MC, Hsieh CY. Identification, contribution, and estrogenic activity of potential EDCs in a river receiving concentrated livestock effluent in Southern Taiwan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 636:464-476. [PMID: 29709864 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We assessed 22 selected endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and other emerging, potentially endocrine-active compounds with estrogenic activity from the waters of the Wuluo River, southern Taiwan. This watershed receives high amounts of livestock and untreated household wastewaters. The river is surrounded by concentrated animal feedlot operations (CAFOs). River water samples were analyzed for selected compounds by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), T47D-KBluc reporter gene assay, and E-screen cell proliferation in vitro bioassay. Total concentrations of ∑alkylphenolic compounds (bisphenol A, 4-nonylphenol, t-nonylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol mono-ethoxylate, nonylphenol di-ethoxylate) were much higher than ∑estrogens (estrone, 17 β-estradiol, estriol, 17ß-ethynylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol), ∑preservatives (methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben), ∑UV-filters (benzophenone, methyl benzylidene camphor, benzophenone-3), ∑antimicrobials (triclocarben, triclosan, chloroxylenol), and an insect repellent (diethyltoluamide) over four seasonal sampling periods. The highest concentration was found for bisphenol A with a mean of 302 ng/L. However, its contribution to estrogenic activity was not significant due to its relatively low estrogenic potency. Lower detection rates were found for BP, EE2, TCS, and PCMX, while DES and EP were not detected. E1 and E2 levels in raw water samples were 50% higher than the predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) for aquatic organisms of 6 and 2 ng/L, respectively. The potency of estrogenic activity ranged from 11.7 to 190.1 ng/L E2T47D-Kbluc and 6.63 to 84.5 ng/L E2E-Screen for extracted samples. Importantly, estrone contributed 50% of the overall activity in 60% and 44% of the samples based on T47D-KBluc and MCF-7 bioassays, followed by 17 ß-estradiol, highlighting the importance of total steroid estrogen loading. This study demonstrates that the estrogenic activity of target chemicals was comparable to levels found in different countries worldwide. More intense wastewater treatment is required in areas of intensive agriculture in order to prevent adverse impacts on the ambient environment and aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Yu Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Siou Lin
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Hung Yen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chang-Ling Miaw
- Department of Nursing, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ting-Chien Chen
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Meng-Chun Wu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chi-Ying Hsieh
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan, ROC.
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Sui HH, Zhou YJ, Wang H, Li L, Cao M, Huang JJ. Effects of sulindac sulfide on proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cell. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:7981-7986. [PMID: 29849803 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to observe the effects of sulindac sulfide on the proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells MCF-7, and to explore the potential underlying molecular mechanism. The inhibitory ratio was detected using a cell counting kit-8 assay. The changes in cell cycle distribution were assessed using flow cytometry (FCM). Furthermore, the changes in cell apoptosis rates were detected by Hoechst 33258 staining and FCM coupled with Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining. In addition, the protein expression was detected using western blotting. Sulindac sulfide was able to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, sulindac sulfide altered the cell cycle of breast cancer cells. The results of Hoechst 33258 staining and FCM coupled with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining demonstrated that sulindac sulfide could significantly induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent, and time-dependent manner. The western blot analysis demonstrated the protein expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated, and Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were upregulated. The results of the present study suggest that sulindac sulfide can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Huan Sui
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Jiang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Hu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Jun Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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Africander D, Storbeck KH. Steroid metabolism in breast cancer: Where are we and what are we missing? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 466:86-97. [PMID: 28527781 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is well-known that breast cancer is hormone-dependent and that steroid hormones exert their mitogenic effects by binding to estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors. Vital to our understanding and treatment of this malignancy, is the local metabolism of steroid hormones in breast cancer tissue. This review summarises our current knowledge on steroid producing pathways in the adrenal, ovary and breast, while focussing on the availability of specific circulating hormone precursors and steroidogenic enzymes involved in the local synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones in the breast. Consequently, we highlight alternate pathways that may be instrumental in the etiology of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
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Perkins MS, Louw-du Toit R, Africander D. A comparative characterization of estrogens used in hormone therapy via estrogen receptor (ER)-α and -β. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 174:27-39. [PMID: 28743541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Conventional hormone therapy (HT) containing estrogens such as ethinylestradiol (EE) have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease resulting in women seeking safer alternatives that are claimed to have fewer health risks. One such alternative gaining popularity, is custom-compounded bioidentical (b)HT formulations containing bioidentical estradiol (bE2) and estriol (bE3). However, the preparation of these custom-compounded estrogens is not regulated, and depending on the route of synthesis, steroid mixtures with differing activities may be produced. Thus, an investigation into the activities of estrogens prepared by custom-compounded pharmacies is warranted. The aim of this study was therefore to directly compare the pharmacological properties of bE2 and bE3 of unknown purity relative to commercially available, pure E2, E3 and estrone (E1) standards as well as synthetic EE used in conventional HT via the human estrogen receptor (ER)-α and -β. We determined precise equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd or Ki values) and showed that bE2 and bE3 display similar binding affinities to the E2 and E3 standards, while EE had a higher affinity for ERα, and E1 a lower affinity for ERβ. Furthermore, all the estrogens display similar agonist efficacies, but not potencies, for transactivation on a minimal ERE-containing promoter via the individual ER subtypes. Although E2 and E3 were equally efficacious and potent on the endogenous ERE-containing pS2 promoter in the MCF-7 BUS breast cancer cell line co-expressing ERα and ERβ, E1 was less efficacious and potent than E2. This study is the first to demonstrate that the bioidentical estrogens, commercially available estrogen standards and synthetic EE are full agonists for transrepression on both minimal and endogenous NFκB-containing promoters. Moreover, we showed that these estrogens all increase proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of MCF-7 BUS cells to a similar extent, suggesting that custom-compounded bHT may in fact not be a safer alternative to conventional HT. Furthermore, our results showing that E3 and E1 are not weak estrogens, and that E3 does not antagonize the activity of E2, suggest that the rationale behind the use of E3 and E1 in custom-compounded bHT formulations should be readdressed. Taken together, the results indicating that there is mostly no difference between the custom-compounded bioidentical estrogens, commercially available estrogen standards and synthetic EE, at concentrations reflecting serum levels in women using estrogen-containing HT, suggest that there is no clear advantage in choosing bHT above conventional HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan S Perkins
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
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Araklitis G, Cardozo L. Safety issues associated with using medication to treat overactive bladder. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2017; 16:1273-1280. [PMID: 28889761 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2017.1376646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mainstay of overactive bladder treatment is the use of anticholinergic medication with its common side effects well known. This review focused on three less well-known safety issues when treating OAB. Areas covered: Patients with increased anticholinergic load are at risk of cognitive decline, dementia or even death. The elderly are particularly at risk due to polypharmacy. Botulinum toxin carries the risk of high urinary residuals, urinary tract infection and need to self catheterise. The use of vaginal oestrogens may improve OAB symptoms, but there is concern in those with a history of breast cancer. Studies have shown that the systemic absorption is negligible and does not increase the risk of recurrence. Expert Opinion: Improvement in assessing anticholinergic load is needed with the development of a universal drug scale. To avoid increasing load, Mirabegron or botulinum toxin can be used instead. There is no consensus of the use of prophylactic antibiotics when injecting botulinum toxin and at what residual to initiate self catheterisation. Despite evidence showing that the use of vaginal oestrogens is safe in those with a history of cancer, it is not fully supported by any health body. Further work is needed in those using aromatase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Araklitis
- a Department of Urogynaecology , King's College Hospital , London , UK
| | - Linda Cardozo
- a Department of Urogynaecology , King's College Hospital , London , UK
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Lu Q, Xin W, Cui W, Zhu J. Organoarsenic Roxarsone Promotes Angiogenesis In Vivo. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2015; 118:259-70. [PMID: 26450128 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Roxarsone, an organoarsenic feed additive, is widely used worldwide to promote animal growth. It has been found to exhibit a higher angiogenic index than As(III) at lower concentrations and to promote angiogenic phenotype in human endothelial cell in vitro. Little research has focused on the potential angiogenic effect of roxarsone in vitro or in vivo. Here, we investigated the pro-angiogenic effect of roxarsone in vivo. The effects of 0.1-10.0 μM roxarsone were tested in the rat endothelial cell Matrigel plug assay, chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and MCF-7 cell xenograft tumour model; 10 ng/mL vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was used as a positive control and PBS as a negative control. Roxarsone significantly increased the volume, weight and haemoglobin content of the Matrigel plugs compared to PBS group (p < 0.05); 1.0 μM roxarsone exerted the most significant effects. H&E staining and CD31 immunochemistry revealed obviously more new vessels or capillary-like structures in the plugs of the roxarsone and VEGF groups. Roxarsone significantly increased the numbers of primary/secondary vessels and area of vessels in the CAM assay and obviously increased tumour weight and volume in the xenograft model compared to PBS (p < 0.05). Histochemistry indicated local necrosis was observed at the centre of the xenograft tumours in the PBS and roxarsone groups, with less necrosis apparent in the VEGF-treated tumours. The growth of endothelial cells and VEGF level was obviously affected at blockade of VEGF and its receptor Flt-1/Flk-1 by SU5416 or its antibody in vitro. This study demonstrates roxarsone promotes angiogenesis in vivo, and a VEGF/VEGFR mechanism may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yujing Wang
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianqian Lu
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenfang Xin
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou Jiangsu, China
| | - Weibo Cui
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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Œstrogénothérapie locale en urologie et pelvi-périnéologie. Revue de littérature. Prog Urol 2015; 25:628-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2015.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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15
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Abstract
Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) often suffer from menopausal symptoms induced by systemic treatments, with a consequent negative effect on quality of life. Since the introduction of aromatase inhibitors as the standard therapy for hormone-dependent tumors, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) has become a main problem for BCSs. This new terminology refers to the wide range of vaginal and urinary symptoms related to menopause, which can be relieved by estrogen therapy. Unfortunately, systemic hormone therapy is contraindicated for BCSs and also vaginal estrogens at standard dosage might influence the risk of recurrence because they cause a significant increase of circulating estrogens. Nonhormonal vaginal moisturizers or lubricants are the first choice for BCSs but only have limited and short-term efficacy. New strategies of management of GSM are now available, including: (1) low-dose or ultra low-dose vaginal estrogens; (2) oral selective estrogen receptor modulators (ospemifene); (3) androgen therapy; (4) physical treatment with vaginal laser; and (5) psychosocial interventions. In this review we discuss and analyze these different options.
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16
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Rationale employment of cell culture versus conventional techniques in pharmaceutical appraisal of nanocarriers. J Control Release 2014; 194:92-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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