Abstract
The origin of oestrogens at the level of the breast itself is discussed. In particular
in postmenopausal women an accumulation of oestradiol at the site of breast tumours
has been documented by a number of independent studies. The mechanism behind the high
local oestrogens concentrations is thought to be the in situ production of these steroids
by local processes with androstenedione as the main precursor. The presence of all
enzymes required for this production has been demonstrated in a large proportion of
breast tumours, with probably aromatase, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and sulfatase
as the most important enzymes leading to the biologically highly active oestradiol.
The individual enzymes that are relevant for the biosynthesis and the metabolism of
oestrogens are discussed. The conclusion is reached that a number of these local processes
may be involved in the promotion of premalignant lesions and in stimulation of growth
of malignant tumours in the human breast.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 17,
2004
Received in revised form:
June 15,
2004
Received:
December 16,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
