Imbalanced estrogen metabolism in the brain: possible relevance to the etiology of Parkinson's disease

Biomarkers. 2011 Aug;16(5):434-44. doi: 10.3109/1354750X.2011.588725. Epub 2011 Jun 21.

Abstract

Damage to DNA by dopamine quinone and/or catechol estrogen quinones may play a significant role in the initiation of Parkinson's disease (PD). Depurinating estrogen-DNA adducts are shed from cells and excreted in urine. The aim of this study was to discover whether higher levels of estrogen-DNA adducts are associated with PD. Forty estrogen metabolites, conjugates, and DNA adducts were analyzed in urine samples from 20 PD cases and 40 matched controls by using ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The levels of adducts in cases versus controls (P < 0.005) suggest that unbalanced estrogen metabolism could play a causal role in the initiation of PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, Liquid / methods
  • DNA Adducts / metabolism
  • Estrogens / metabolism*
  • Estrogens / urine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / etiology*
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism
  • Solid Phase Extraction
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Substances

  • DNA Adducts
  • Estrogens