An increasing amount of evidence points at important roles for estrogen receptors in prostate carcinogenesis and progression.
Of the two estrogen receptors, estrogen receptor β is the most prominent within the prostate gland. Although there is much yet to be known, the findings from the discovery of the receptor in 1996 until now point at a role of the receptor in maintaining differentiation and reducing cellular proliferation in the prostate. Moreover, estrogen receptor β is the main target for phytoestrogens, perhaps at least partially explaining the difference in incidence of prostate cancer in the Western world compared to Asia where the intake of soy-based, phytoestrogen-rich food is higher. The tumor suppressive capability of estrogen receptor β makes it a promising drug target for the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. This review will focus on different aspects of estrogen receptor signaling and prostate cancer.
Written by:
Hartman J, Ström A, Gustafsson JK. Are you the author?
Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Radiumhemmet, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
Reference: Steroids. 2012 Jul 20;77(12):1262-1266.
doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2012.07.002
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22824289
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