Genetic susceptibility and environmental estrogen-like compounds

Mutat Res. 2001 Oct 1;482(1-2):77-82. doi: 10.1016/s0027-5107(01)00212-3.

Abstract

Environmental chemicals with estrogenic activities have been suggested to be able to interact with the endocrine system. Endogenous estrogen is synthesized in the ovarian theca cells of premenopausal women or in the stromal adipose cells of the breast of postmenopausal women and minor quantities in peripheral tissue. These cells, as well as breast tissue, express all the necessary enzymes for this synthesis, CYP17, CYP11a, CYP19, 17-beta-hydroxysteroid hydrogenase, steroid sulfatase as well as enzymes further hydroxylating estradiol, such as CYP1A1, CYP3A4, CYP1B1, catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT). Polymorphisms in these enzymes may have a possible role in the link between environmental estrogens and hormone-like substances and the interindividual risk of breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aromatase / genetics
  • Aromatase / metabolism
  • Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme / genetics
  • Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme / metabolism
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Enzymes / genetics*
  • Enzymes / metabolism*
  • Estradiol / metabolism
  • Estrogens / adverse effects*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxylation
  • Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / genetics
  • Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / metabolism
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / genetics
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / metabolism

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Enzymes
  • Estrogens
  • Estradiol
  • Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases
  • 3(17)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
  • Aromatase
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme