Estrogens, MSI and Lynch syndrome-associated tumors

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009 Dec;1796(2):194-200. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2009.06.004. Epub 2009 Jun 25.

Abstract

Estrogens play a major role in the biology of hormone-responsive tissues but also in the normal physiology of various non-typical hormone-responsive tissues. In disease, estrogens have been associated with tumor development, in particular with tumors such as breast, endometrium, ovary and prostate. In this paper we will review the molecular mechanisms by which estrogens are involved in cancer development, with a special focus in Lynch syndrome related neoplasia. Further, we discuss the role estrogens might have on cell proliferation and apoptosis, how estrogens metabolites can induce DNA damage and we discuss a possible connection between estrogens and changes in DNA (hypo- and hyper) methylation. In this review we will also address the protective effect that high levels of estrogens have in MMR related neoplasias.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Colonic Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / genetics*
  • DNA Mismatch Repair
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Estrogens / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microsatellite Instability*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / physiology

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Receptors, Estrogen