eNeurobiology - Electronic Journal

 

José Locia Espinoza^1,2,3* María Elena Hernández Aguilar³ Gonzalo Emiliano Aranda Abreu³ Fausto Rojas Durán³ Jorge Manzo Denes³ Genaro Alfonso Coria Ávila³ Clara Elena Yerena Aguilar¹ Abraham Heriberto Soto Cid^1,4

¹Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., México ²Doctorado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., México ³Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., México ⁴Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, HGZ No. 11.

 

Abstract

Estrogens are steroid hormones acting through their receptors (ER) α and β, act as transcription factors. Despite being primarly involved in female physiology, estrogens are important regulators of some males physiological processes, existing organs such as the prostate, which is influenced by these hormones. In prostate, through its α and β RE estrogens promote or limit the cell proliferation in normal conditions, and are implicated in the pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). There is evidence that REα promotes proliferation, while REβ activation induces protection against the mentioned diseases. However, in advanced stages of prostate cancer, the presence of REβ in prostate cells is associated with increased cell proliferation and increased patient mortality. It is likely that in this case REβ activate signaling pathways that promote androgen-independent proliferation, which would be important in the lack of response to androgen deprivation therapy frequently observed in PCa. REβ another important aspect is the regulation of the ERβ expression. This process is known to involve steroid hormones, but on the other hand, prolactin, a protein pituitary hormone, is also involved in both physiological and pathophysiological contexts. The knowledge of the normal and pathological mechanisms through the estrogens and its β receptors and prolactin regulate the prostate will contribute to the development of strategies for the treatment and prevention of BPH and PCa.

Key words: Estrogens, Estrogen receptors, Prostate, Prostate cancer, Prolactin.

 

Corresponding Author: Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana Av. Dr. Luis Castelazo s/n, Col. Industrial Las Animas Xalapa, Ver. C.P. 91190 Teléfono: (228) 8418900 Ext. 13616 Correo electrónico: jlocia@uv.mx

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