Phytoestrogens oestrogen synthesis and breast cancer.
Phytoestrogens are used as 'natural' alternatives to HRT and, although epidemiological evidence implies that diets rich in phytoestrogens reduce the incidence of breast cancer, their weak oestrogenicity is also known to stimulate growth in experimental models of breast cancer. This review addresses the question as to how phytoestrogens may protect against breast cancer through their ability to bind preferentially to oestrogen receptor beta, inhibit enzymes that convert circulating steroid precursors into oestradiol and inhibit cell signalling pathways of growth factors.
Rice
Suman
S
Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, United Kingdom.
Whitehead
Saffron A
SA
D000818:Animals; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004967:Estrogens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000503:physiopathology; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects
D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D002273:Carcinogens; D004967:Estrogens; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor