We have examined expression of pre-receptor regulatory enzymes: aromatase, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, 20alfa-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (AKR1C1, AKR1C3), sulfatase and sulfotransferase, and estrogen (ERs) and progesterone (PRs) receptors in samples of endometrial cancer and adjacent normal endometrium. Our results show that up-regulation of aromatase in concert with AKR1C3 can lead to increased levels of estradiol, which acts via ERalfa. Upregulation of AKR1C1 and AKR1C3 can result in lower levels of protective progesterone, which acts mainly via PR-B
COBISS.SI-ID: 24859609
We have examined the expression of estrogen and progesterone metabolizing enzymes and their corresponding receptors in ovarian endometriosis. Our data indicate that several enzymes of estrogen and progesterone metabolism are aberrantly expressed in endometriosis, which can lead to increased local levels of mitogenic estradiol and decreased levels of protective progesterone. Changes in estrogen receptor expression suggest that estradiol may act via estrogen receptor alfa (ERalfa) or via non-ER mediated pathways.
COBISS.SI-ID: 24638937