Estrogens and infection

A mechanism is proposed for mixed-function oxidase-catalyzed formation of the catechol estrogens 2-hydroxy- and 4-hydroxyestradiol from estradiol. This mechanism involves nonaromatic epoxyenones as intermediates. The isomeric 1 alpha,2 alpha-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one and 1 beta,2 beta-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one (the latter as its 17-acetate) were synthesized from 17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-estran-3-one. The isomeric 4 alpha,5 alpha-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-1-en-3-one and 4 beta,5 beta-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-1-en-3-one were...

Despite the historical use of estrogens in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) little is known about their direct biological effects on the prostate, their role in carcinogenesis, and what mechanisms mediate their therapeutic effects on PCa. It is now known that estrogens alone, or in synergism with an androgen, are potent inducers of aberrant growth and neoplastic transformation in the prostate. The mechanisms of estrogen carcinogenicity could be mediated via induction of unscheduled cell proliferation or through metabolic activation of est...

The oxidative metabolism of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and 17 alpha-ethynyl estradiol, as examples of stilbene- and steroid-type estrogens, is discussed with respect to the formation of reactive intermediates. For DES, a genotoxic potential is implied by metabolic studies and positive effects in short-term tests for genetic damage. A particularly important pathway for DES carcinogenicity appears to be peroxidase-mediated oxidation. Although data for steroidal estrogens are more ambiguous, the available evidence suggests that metabolic activation ...

The preventive effects of estrogens on FeSO4-induced lipid peroxidation are closely correlated with their inhibition of Fe(II) oxidation during peroxidation. Estrogens affected the redox status of iron in aqueous solution with varying degrees of effectiveness. 2-Hydroxyestradiol substantially decreased the oxidation of Fe(II) and was the most potent Fe(III) reductant. Diethylstilbestrol and 4-hydroxyestradiol also exhibited reduction properties, whereas the phenolic estrogens 17 beta-estradiol, estrone, and 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol displayed s...

CONTEXT: Clinical trial evidence indicates that estrogen therapy with or without progestins increases venous thrombotic risk. The findings from these trials, which used oral conjugated equine estrogens, may not be generalizable to other estrogen compounds. OBJECTIVE: To compare risk of venous thrombosis among esterified estrogen users, conjugated equine estrogen users, and nonusers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This population-based, case-control study was conducted at a large health maintenance organization in Washington State. Cases wer...

The cyclic use of natural (estrone sulphate) or synthetic estrogens (ethinyl estradiol; 3-methyl ester of ethinyl estradiol) is shown to be clinically capable of inhibiting fertility, probably by a mechanism which interferes with ovulation. Out of the 3 estrogens used in this experiment, there were "escape" phenomena with estrone sulphate, used in a dose of 3.7 mg. The adverse side effects and signs of intolerance shown in some patients treated with a combination of estrogens and proge stogens, especially during the 1st cycles of treatment, are...