The Synthesis and Properties of B-Nor-8-Isoanalogues of Steroid Estrogens

The study of the binding of estradiol B-nor-8-isonalogues to estrogen receptors from the rat uterus helped create the proposed model of the corresponding ligand–receptor complexes. The use of this model ensured the choice of such micromodifications in this steroid group that sharply decreased their hormonal activity. By the example of 16,16-dimethyl-D-homo-B-nor-8-isoestrone, we demonstrated the possibility of the synthesis of the estrogen analogues devoid of uterotropic activity but retaining immunosuppressive activity.     

Effects of caveolin-1 on the 17beta-estradiol-mediated inhibition of VSMC proliferation induced by vascular injury

Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Yet the mechanism of how estrogen inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation after vascular injury and the role of caveolin-1 in this process are not clear. To understand the protection effect of estrogen and caveolin-1, we employed a vascular balloon-injury model. Sixteen New Zealand White rabbits with or without estrogen were tested. 17beta-estradiol is able to inhibit VSMC proliferation in a range from 10(-10)-10(-5) mol/L, with an optimal concentration of 10(-8) mol/L. Estrogen exerted its effect through suppressing the activity of p42/44 MAPK, which can be blocked by tamoxifen. Moreover, in estrogen pretreated cells as well as in common carotid arteries of the balloon injury model, expression of caveolin-1 is enhanced compared to the estrogen-deficient group, as assessed by both western blotting and RT-PCR and morphological studies. Our results showed that the inhibition effect of estrogen in VSMCs is mediated by p42/44 MAPK. Caveolin-1 plays an important role in this protective process.     

Stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity in Ishikawa cells induced by various phytoestrogens and synthetic estrogens

Xenoestrogens, phytoestrogens and synthetic estrogens, are able to bind to estrogen receptors, and to mimic estrogenic activities in a cell and tissue specific manner. For the characterization of environmental estrogens mainly mammary derived and yeast based models have been used. The aim of this study was therefore to assess selected natural and synthetic compounds in an endometrial derived model. We measured the relative estrogenic potency of phytoestrogens (genistein, daidzein, coumestrol, some naringenins), synthetic estrogens (bisphenol A, octylphenol, nonylphenol, o,p′-DDT), mycoestrogen (zearalanone) as well as extracts of Cimicifuga racemosa on alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) activity in the endometrial derived adenocarcinoma cell line Ishikawa. We used a modified multiwell plate in vitro bioassay based on the estrogen-specific and dose-dependent enhancement of AlkP activity in this cell line. Estradiol, which induced AlkP at levels as low as 10⁻⁸ M, was used as positive control. Most of the compounds studied showed a clear dose-dependent estrogenic effect. Compared to the vehicle control (ethanol) all phyto- and mycoestrogens, stimulated the AlkP activity 2–4-fold at a concentration of 10⁻⁶ M. The synthetic chemicals bisphenol A and nonylphenol showed an effect at 10⁻⁶ M, octylphenol at 10⁻⁵ M. Effects of o,p′-DTT could not be measured. ICI 182,780, a pure estrogen receptor antagonist, significantly inhibited these effects. The latter result demonstrated the estrogen receptor dependency of this process. In summary, most of the phytoestrogens and industrial chemicals tested, behaved as estrogen receptor agonists in terms of the stimulation of AlkP activity.     

The potential role of estrogen in aromatase regulation in the breast

Aromatase is expressed in both normal and malignant breast tissues. Aromatase activity in the breast varies over a wide range. Our previous studies have demonstrated that in situ aromatization contributes to the estrogen content of breast tumors to a major extent. Consequently, alterations of aromatase activity could serve as a major determinant of tissue estradiol content. However, the mechanisms and extent of aromatase regulation in breast tissues have not been fully established. We have observed an inverse correlation between tumor aromatase activity and estrogen content in nude mice bearing xenografts of MCF-7 cells transfected with the aromatase gene. To investigate the potential role of estrogen in aromatase regulation in the breast, studies were carried out in an in vitro model. In this model, MCF-7 cells were cultured long term in estrogen-deprived medium and called by the acronym, LTED cells. We found that long-term estrogen deprivation enhanced aromatase activity by 3–4-fold when compared to the wild-type MCF-7 cells. Re-exposure of LTED cells to estrogen reduced aromatase activity to the levels of the wild-type MCF-7 cells. We also measured aromatase activity in 101 frozen breast carcinoma specimens and compared tumor aromatase activities in pre-menopausal patients versus post-menopausal patients and in post-menopausal patients with or without hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Although statistically not significant, there was a trend paralleling that observed in the in vitro studies. Aromatase activity was higher in breast cancer tissues from the patients with lower circulating estrogen levels. Our data suggest that estrogen may be involved in the regulation of aromatase activity in breast tissues.     

Characterization of two uterine proteases and their actions on the estrogen receptor

We have characterized two previously undetected proteases from the calf uterine cytosol and measured their actions on the estrogen receptor. One is an exopeptidase, purified 60-fold, that hydrolyzed amino acid (lysine-, and alanine-, or leucine-) p-nitroanilide substrates and leucylglycylglycine, did not hydrolyze [14C]methemoglobin, was completely inhibited by 1 mM bestatin or puromycin (specific inhibitors of leucine aminopeptidase like enzymes), and was unable to influence the sedimentation of the 8S form of the estrogen receptor in sucrose gradients containing dilute Tris buffer. A commercial porcine leucine aminopeptidase, like the calf uterine aminopeptidase, did not convert the 8S estrogen receptor to a 4S form. Evidently, removal of the N-terminal amino acid(s) from the estrogen receptor by exopeptidase action cannot alter the sedimentation of the 8S form of the receptor, or the N-terminal amino acid(s) of the receptor is (are) unaccessible or resistant to exopeptidase activity. The second, a receptor-active protease, is an endopeptidase that did not hydrolyze any of the synthetic amide or peptide substrates tested but did possess [14C]methemoglobin-degrading activity and the ability to convert the 8S estrogen receptor to a modified 4S form in sucrose gradients containing dilute Tris buffer. The modified 4S receptor was separable from the native receptor by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The endopeptidase did not require Ca2+ for activity, and its chromatographic properties were distinctly different from a previously isolated Ca2+-activated protease. It was inhibited by leupeptin or dipyridyl disulfide, suggesting the presence of a thiol group that is essential for its activity. These data indicate that a decrease in the sedimentation rate of the estrogen receptor in sucrose gradients with low salt or a change in the receptor's elution on DEAE-cellulose chromatography is not related to receptor activation but is produced by the receptor-active protease or other proteases.     

Molecular model of binding of estradiol and 8-isoestradiol with estrogen alpha-receptor

The complexes of the estrogen alpha-receptor with estradiol and 8-isoestradiol were comparatively analyzed. The computations of ligand-receptor complexes, carried out using the FLEXX program, allowed us to propose a model for the binding of the analogues of 8-isoestradiol. It was found that rings C and D of estradiol and 8-isoestradiol are similarly arranged in the ligand-binding pocket and coincide upon the superposition of the corresponding ligand-receptor complexes, whereas rings A and B do not coincide. The oxygen functions in position 17 of the estradiol analogues of both series coincide upon superposition, whereas the phenol 3-hydroxyl groups are 0.05 A apart. A comparison of the predicted biological properties of modified estradiol analogues of the natural and 8-isoseries with the available experimental data revealed their similarity. Synthetic 2-acetyl analogues of 8-isoestrogens were found to have no uterotropic activity, which is also consistent with the proposed model.     

Estradiol 17β-dehydrogenase and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from human placental cytosol: one enzyme with two activities?

The soluble enzyme estradiol 17β-dehydrogenase (17β-ED) from human term placental cytosol is reported to be a stereospecific oxidoreductase for estrogen substrates. A published purification scheme (heat treatment and affinity chromatography) yielded a homogeneous protein which had the reported characteristics of pure 17β-ED and also had 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD) activity. Spectrophotometric assay when the buffer contained albumin, 8 mg/ml, masked the 20α-HSD activity observed in albumin-free conditions and may explain why this bifunctional activity has gone unrecognized. In human placenta, one enzyme may catalyze stereospecific oxidation/reduction of both estrogen and progesterone.     

Endogenous aromatization of testosterone results in growth stimulation of the human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line

Estrogens produced within breast tumors may play a pivotal role in growth stimulation of the breast cancer cells. However, it is elusive whether the epithelial breast cancer cells themselves synthesize estrogens, or whether the surrounding tumor stromal cells synthesize and supply the cancer cells with estrogen. The aromatase enzyme catalyzes the estrogen production, aromatizing circulating androgens into estrogens. The aim of this study was to investigate aromatase expression and function in a model system of human breast cancer, using the estrogen responsive human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Cells were cultured in a low estrogen milieu and treated with estrogens, aromatizable androgens or non-aromatizable androgens. Cell proliferation, expression of estrogen-regulated proteins and aromatase activity were investigated. The MCF-7 cell line was observed to express sufficient aromatase enzyme activity in order to aromatize the androgen testosterone, resulting in a significant cell growth stimulation. The testosterone-mediated growth effect was completely inhibited by the aromatase inhibitors letrozole and 4-hydroxy-androstenedione. Expression studies of estrogen-regulated proteins confirmed that testosterone was aromatized to estrogen in the MCF-7 cells. Thus, the results indicate that epithelial breast cancer cells possess the ability to aromatize circulating androgens to estrogens.     

Modulation of breast cancer cell survival by aromatase inhibiting hop (Humulus lupulus L.) flavonoids

Hop flavonoids are being regarded as attractive molecules to prevent or treat certain forms of cancer. Studies have focused mainly on xanthohumol, the most abundant prenylated chalcone existing in hops extract. However, during the production of beer, or after its ingestion, xanthohumol originates different metabolites, among which isoxanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the prenylflavonoids xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin on the breast cancer Sk-Br-3 cell line proliferation, apoptosis and activity of the enzyme aromatase (estrogen synthase). Aromatase activity was determined by a tritiated water assay, cell proliferation was assessed by [³H]thymidine incorporation, sulforhodamine B protein measurement and Ki-67 immunostaining and apoptosis was determined by TUNEL. Our results show that all tested prenylflavonoids were able to inhibit aromatase activity and thus, estrogen formation. Additionally, breast cancer cell line proliferation was decreased and apoptosis induced by all three compounds. The presence of 17β-estradiol in treatment medium was able to revert the effect of the prenylflavonoids on cellular proliferation. These observations strengthen the idea that hop flavonoids may have anti-breast cancer effects and shed new light on a possible mechanism of action by which these effects occur, namely through their ability to decrease estrogen synthesis.     

饮酒小鼠动物模型建立及其对雌性激素的影响

目的建立模拟人类饮酒的小鼠动物模型,并以此动物模型进一步研究酒精对小鼠雌激素水平及乳腺癌的影响。方法 SPF级C57BL/6雌性小鼠,随机分对照组和酒精组两组,酒精组20:00到次日8:00给予含有一定浓度酒精的饮用水,其他时间给予常规饮用水,对照组全天给予常规饮用水。观察两组小鼠的饮水量及体重变化;用ANALOX AM1酒精分析仪检测小鼠凌晨2∶00和8∶00血液的酒精浓度(BEC);酶联免疫法(ELASA)检测两组小鼠血清中雌激素水平的差异。结果饮酒组小鼠血液BEC明显增高,类似人类饮酒水平,饮酒组小鼠的饮水量及体重无明显变化;饮酒组小鼠体内雌激素的水平明显高于对照组。结论成功的建立模拟人类饮酒的动物模型,并通过此动物模型初步证实酒精刺激可以增加小鼠体内血清雌激素的水平。     

Regulation of nuclear binding of the avian oviduct progesterone receptor. Changes during estrogen-induced oviduct development, withdrawal, and secondary stimulation

The progesterone receptors from various stages of estrogen induced oviduct development, estrogen withdrawal, and secondary stimulation with estrogen were examined. The progesterone receptors were characterized for their biological function (i.e. capacity for nuclear translocation, nuclear binding, and effects on RNA polymerase II activity) as well as certain physical properties. The progesterone receptors from the undeveloped or partially developed oviducts (0 to 8 days of estrogen treatment) displayed little or no nuclear translocation and binding in vivo or in vitro. Similarly, progesterone showed little or no effect in vivo on RNA polymerase II activity at the early stages of development. As development progressed from 8 to 12 days of estrogen treatment, the above parameters rapidly increased to maximal levels and plateaued through day 23 of estrogen treatment. A marked decrease in these parameters occurred within 1 day of estrogen withdrawal. The reverse series of events occurred during secondary estrogen stimulation of 10-day-old withdrawn chicks. While the receptor concentrations increased rapidly to maximum values by 2 days of restimulation, receptor function did not return until day 4. Similarly, the effects of progesterone on RNA polymerase II activity reached maximal values by day 4. The progesterone receptor isolated from oviducts during development, estrogen withdrawal, and restimulation, displayed similar patterns of cell-free binding to chromatin and nucleoacidic protein as that observed in vivo supporting the nativeness of the in vitro binding assay. In contrast, the cell-free binding of these same progesterone receptor to pure DNA were not similar to the in vivo binding, i.e. no patterns (differences) in progesterone receptor binding were observed. These data support that protein DNA complexes and not pure DNA represent the native acceptor sites for oviduct progesterone receptor. Comparison of the progesterone receptor between the functional and nonfunctional states revealed no differences in the steroid affinity for the receptor, in the apparent pI of the species, or in the sedimentation of the receptor under high salt conditions. However, the nonfunctional receptors consistently displayed a deficiency in one of the two monomer molecular species (the B species) as determined by isoelectric focusing. These results suggest that both monomer species of progesterone receptor are required for biological activity. Interestingly, the 7S "aggregate" species of the progesterone receptor was constantly detected even when only one of the monomer species was present.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Amide derivatives of 9,11-seco-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-11-oic acid as modified orally active estrogen agonists with moderate antagonistic activity

Synthesis of amide derivatives of 9,11-seco-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-11-oic acid containing alkyl and aromatic amine residues has been carried out with an aim to prepare orally active estrogen antagonists. Modification of the estradiol molecule in the form of C-seco-amide derivatives has led to their high oral absorption. Compounds 7 an n-propyl amide, 8 an n-butyl amide, and 16 a p-anisidyl amide of C-seco-estrane showed significant estrogen antagonistic activity (>20%), while, the majority of compounds possessed high estrogen agonistic activity on oral administration at 10mg/kg dose in rats.     

Enucleation of human endometrial cells: nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of DNA polymerase alpha and estrogen receptor

Nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of estrogen receptors and DNA polymerase alpha activity in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (HEC-50 line) was evaluated after separation of nuclei following either homogenization or enucleation with cytochalasin B. About 30% of the estrogen receptor was found in the nuclear fraction after homogenization whereas 86% was found in the karyoplasts after enucleation. The total amounts of estrogen receptor per cell after homogenization and enucleation were not significantly different (14,000-17,000 binding sites/cell). Receptor measurements were carried out using the hydroxylapatite method after labeling with [3H]estradiol (5 nM [3H]E2 +/- 500 nM E2) at 30 degrees C for 3 h. About 20% of the DNA polymerase alpha activity was found in the nuclear fraction after homogenization, whereas 96% was found in the karyoplasts after enucleation. The average total activity (0.84 Units/10(6) cells) in homogenized cells was about 1/8 of the activity in karyoplasts. These results indicate that estrogen receptor and DNA polymerase alpha activity reside in the nucleus in intact HEC-50 cells. DNA polymerase alpha is translocated to the cytoplasmic fraction and inactivated after homogenization.     

The effect of progestin on rabbit endometrial aromatase activity

The ability of rabbit endometrium to synthesize estrogen was investigated. Aromatase activity was measured by incubating the viable tissue fragments with [3H] testosterone at 37 degrees C and quantitated the [3H]estrogens at the end of 6 h incubation. The activity was not detectable in endometrium and myometrium of non-pregnant rabbits. In pregnant rabbit, the activity increased from 2 to 12 fmol/h/g of tissue in endometrium obtained from both gravid and nongravid uterine horns 4-8 days after mating. Aromatase activity in endometrium at implanted sites on the 8th day after mating reached up to 550 fmol/h/g of tissue. Hormonal regulation of the aromatase activity was studied directly in cultured rabbit endometrial stromal cells. Both progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate stimulated the activity with 2- to 25-fold increase over the control values (0.2-1 fmol/h/mg protein). The stimulation of aromatase activity by progestin was found to be both time- and dose-dependent. Estrogen, Bu2cAMP, forskolin, HCG or relaxin had no effect on the activity. Aromatase activity in glandular epithelial cells was neither detectable nor affected by progestin. These results indicate that aromatase activity in rabbit endometrium is concentrated in stromal cells and progestin stimulates the activity. However, estrogen, forskolin and relaxin which enhanced the stimulation of the activity by progestin in human endometrium had no effect on aromatase in rabbit endometrium. The increase of aromatase activity observed after the onset of conception may be physiologically important to increase the local estrogen content for decidualization of the endometrium.     

BALB/c小鼠子宫内膜异位症痛经模型的建立

目的建立近交系BALB/c小鼠子宫内膜异位症痛经模型。方法采用自体移植法将小鼠自体子宫组织块移植到腹膜,复制子宫内膜异位症模型,将术后的小鼠随机分为4组,手术+雌激素+缩宫素组、手术+雌激素组、手术+缩宫素组、手术组,并设假手术组和雌激素+缩宫素组,术后1~12 d采用不同方案诱发小鼠扭体反应,记录扭体潜伏期及扭体次数,并取异位灶行HE染色和病理组织学观察,筛选建立内异症痛经模型的最佳方案。结果除假手术组、雌激素+缩宫素组外,各组小鼠移植物均生长良好,镜下可见子宫内膜腺体及间质细胞,证实内异症造模成功,与手术+缩宫素组、手术组相比,手术+雌激素+缩宫素组、手术+雌激素组移植物体积明显增大,差异有显著性(P0.01);手术+雌激素+缩宫素组扭体发生率100%,雌激素+缩宫素组扭体发生率80%,手术+缩宫素组扭体发生率50%,其余组未出现扭体反应,组间差异有显著性(P0.01);与手术+缩宫素组、雌激素+缩宫素组相比,手术+雌激素+缩宫素组扭体潜伏期明显缩短(P0.01,P0.05),扭体次数明显增多(P0.01,P0.05),差异有显著性。结论手术+雌激素+缩宫素组为建立内异症痛经模型的最佳方案,方法简单易行,可用于内异症痛经发病机制及药物治疗研究。     

Biochemical and computational insights into the anti-aromatase activity of natural catechol estrogens

High levels of endogenous estrogens are associated with increased risks of breast cancer. Estrogen levels are mainly increased by the activity of the aromatase enzyme and reduced by oxidative/conjugative metabolic pathways. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time that catechol estrogen metabolites are potent aromatase inhibitors, thus establishing a link between aromatase activity and the processes involved in estrogen metabolism. In particular, the anti-aromatase activity of a set of natural hydroxyl and methoxyl estrogen metabolites was investigated using biochemical methods and subsequently compared with the anti-aromatase potency of estradiol and two reference aromatase inhibitors. Catechol estrogens proved to be strong inhibitors with an anti-aromatase potency two orders of magnitude higher than estradiol. A competitive inhibition mechanism was found for the most potent molecule, 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE(2)) and a rational model identifying the interaction determinants of the metabolites with the enzyme is proposed based on ab initio quantum-mechanical calculations. A strong relationship between activity and electrostatic properties was found for catechol estrogens. Moreover, our results suggest that natural catechol estrogens may be involved in the control mechanisms of estrogen production.     

Estrogens, antiestrogens and cell proliferation

The classical estrogen receptor model does not sufficiently account for the tumor-promoting activity of estrogens or for the antiproliferative effect of anti-estrogens in estrogen-dependent tumors. Particular difficulties not readily accommodated within the model are that hormonal autonomy can supervene without loss of the estrogen receptor and that antiestrogen effects are highly context-dependent, without apparent differences in the estrogen receptor itself or in metabolic transformation of antiestrogens. Recent studies suggest that estrogens may promote cell proliferation, in part, through the mediation of growth factors and that antiestrogens may exert some of their effects by mechanisms unrelated to the estrogen receptor.