title: Estrogens and growth.
abstract: Estrogen plays a key role in the regulation of growth in both genders, via its stimulation of the pubertal growth spurt and mediation of epiphyseal fusion. Mouse knockout models suggest a differential effect of oestrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta on the growth plate, with ER beta possibly being more important in regulating epiphyseal fusion. Epiphyseal fusion may also depend on growth plate senescence, which is regulated by oestrogen. While molecular mechanisms for oestrogen's actions remain unclear, local production of oestrogen may be important for growth. Aromatase inhibitors appear to be effective in improving final height outcome in short stature, however long term safety data is lacking particularly in regards to reproductive function. Future studies are required to further understand the mechanisms by which ER alpha and ER beta affect growth plate function, while longer term studies of aromatase inhibitor usage, preferably utilising animal models, are required to verify the safety of these compounds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. peter.simm@rch.org.au
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Simm
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bajpai
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Werther
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000502:physiology; D048788:Growth and Development / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004967:Estrogens; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I