Estrogens, phytoestrogens and colorectal neoproliferative lesions |
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Authors: | Michele Barone Sabina Tanzi Katia Lofano Maria Principia Scavo Raffaella Guido Lucia Demarinis Maria Beatrice Principi Antongiulio Bucci Alfredo Di Leo |
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Affiliation: | Facolta’ di Medicina e Chirurgia, Universita’ di Bari, Bari, Italy |
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Abstract: | Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest a protective role of estrogens against colorectal cancer. This effect seems to be mediated by their binding to estrogen receptor beta (ER-beta), one of the two estrogen receptors with high affinity for these hormones. Very recently, the demonstration of an involvement of ER-beta in the development of adenomatous polyps of the colon has also been documented, suggesting the use of selective ER-beta agonists in primary colorectal cancer prevention. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that structurally and functionally act as estrogen-agonists in mammals. They are characterized by a higher binding affinity to ER-beta as compared to estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha), the other estrogen receptor subtype. These biological characteristics explain why the administration of phytoestrogens does not produce the classical side effects associated to estrogen administration (cerebro- and cardio-vascular accidents, higher incidence of endometrial and breast cancer) and makes these substances ideal candidates for the prevention of colorectal cancer. |
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Keywords: | Phytoestrogen Sex steroid hormones Silymarin ER-β Adenomatous polyp Colon cancer |
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