Measurement of copper(I) formation as a test for the stability of catecholestrogens and methoxyestrogens in solution.
The biological effects of estrogens seem to be divided into three mechanisms of action: (1) the transcriptional action by the estrogen-estrogen receptor (ER) complex, (2) the non-genomic mechanism through ERs in cell membranes, and (3) the ER-independent mechanism. The latter mechanism has been attributed to be mediated by the basic chemical properties of estradiol (E2) metabolites, which seems to include their pro- and anti-oxidant properties. Therefore, in order to study the ER-independent actions of the E2 metabolites, their redox properties must be conserved. In this study, we have developed a test to measure the electron-donating properties of E2 and its metabolites based on the reduction of Cu(II) ion into Cu(I). Our results show that the catechol- and methoxy-metabolites of E2 lose their capability to reduce Cu(II) into Cu(I) after 3 months of storage at -20 degrees C. Thus, we propose this inexpensive and reliable test to verify the electron-donating properties of E2 metabolites in order to study their ER-independent biological effects in vitro.
Thibodeau
Paul A
PA
INSERM U479 Phagocytes et Réponses Inflammatoires, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris VII Denis Diderot, 16, rue Henri Huchard, Paris 75018, France. pathibodeau@hotmail.com
Pasquier
Catherine
C
Gougerot-Pocidalo
Marie-Anne
MA
D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D002393:Estrogens, Catechol / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry
D002393:Estrogens, Catechol; D012996:Solutions; D004958:Estradiol; D003300:Copper; D004247:DNA