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In vitro biotransformation of estradiol by explant cultures of murine mammary tissues.

In vivo experiments have demonstrated a correlation between the extent of 16 alpha-hydroxylation of estradiol and incidence of mammary cancer. The ability of mammary ductal epithelium (MDE), the site for neoplastic transformation, to metabolize estradiol or to accumulate estradiol metabolites has not been unequivocally established. Using a newly developed mammary explant culture system and a radiometric assay, we have compared the site-specific metabolism of estradiol (E2) by the C-17-oxidation and C-16 alpha-hydroxylation pathways in mouse tissues that differ in relative risk for mammary cancer. A comparison between MDE (target tissue) and liver (nontarget tissue) from NFS (low risk) and C3H/ouj (high risk) mice revealed that: a) increase in C-17-oxidation was similar in MDE and liver from the two strains, and b) while C-16 alpha-hydroxylation was similar in liver from the two strains (p = 0.5, n.s.), it was increased 4-fold in the MDE from the high risk C3H/ouj strain relative to that from the low risk NFS strain (p = 0.001). Furthermore, in vivo administration of progesterone resulted in modulation of cell proliferation as well as of E2 metabolism in mammary explant cultures. The effect of progesterone depended upon the presence of the MtV-2 proviral gene. This study demonstrates that mammary explants can extrahepatically metabolize estradiol. The specific risk-related increase in C-16 alpha-hydroxylation suggests that intrinsic metabolic ability of the target tissue leading to the formation of 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone from estradiol may be a determinant in the relative risk for developing mammary cancer.

Animals↗

Coordinated expression of intermediate biomarkers for tumorigenic transformation in RAS-transfected mouse mammary epithelial cells.

Deregulated expression of the RAS oncogene is associated with tumorigenic transformation of mammary cells. Because of the complex, multiphasic nature of cancer progression, it is important to systematically identify the biomarkers specific for initiation, promotion, and progression of breast cancer. Mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMEC) were transfected with normal c-Ha-RAS proto oncogene (pH06N) and with mutant c-Ha-RAS oncogene (pH06T). The parental MMEC and the cloned transfectants pH06N1, pH06N2, pH06T1, and pH06T12 were evaluated for the acquisition of transformed characteristics by determining altered cellular metabolism of estradiol, increased ability for anchorage-independent growth, and ability to form tumors at the transplant site in athymic 'nude' mice. Persistent, functional integration of c-Ha-RAS was evidenced by the presence of a 1.2 kb c-Ha-RAS transcript in the four transfectants but not in MMEC. All the transfectants also exhibited a substantial increase in the binding of c-Ha-RAS p21 to [alpha-32P] GTP relative to MMEC (P less than 0.003). The relative extent of estradiol metabolism leading to the formation of 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone was increased (P less than 0.004) in all the four transfectants. These four transfectants also showed a 100-400 fold increase in colony forming efficiency in 0.33% agar, relative to MMEC (P less than 0.0009), and formed rapidly growing tumors within 3-5 weeks of transplantation. Our results demonstrate that i) persistent expression of normal and mutant c-Ha-RAS can bring about tumorigenic transformation of mouse mammary epithelial cells; and ii) alteration in estradiol metabolism and acquisition of anchorage-independent growth precede the emergence of a tumorigenic phenotype.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Selective reactions in the analysis and characterization of steroids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a technique especially suitable for the analysis and characterization of steroids, and its power has been extensively demonstrated. The efficacy of GC-MS is limited, nevertheless, by the fact that steroid mixtures - whether of natural origin only, or augmented by synthetic analogs - often contain similar components that are poorly distinquished. The fortuitous overlap of gas chromatographic peaks from disparate compounds also impairs the definition of retention data. Controlled modification of the sample by means of selective reactions is therefore a valuable adjunct to the application of GC-MS. Two examples are discussed: (a) the enzyme cholesterol oxidase, isolated from various microorganisms, catalyzes the oxidation of many 3 beta-hydroxy-5-enes (with concomitant isomerization) to 4-en-3-ones; 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-steroids are also oxidized to the corresponding 3-ones, but other steroids (3 alpha-hydroxy- or 5 beta-isomers, etc.) are unaffected. The mild conditions required (pH 7, 30 C) are advantageous for the analysis of sensitive steroids, and the retention index increments, as well as the mass spectra of the ketones, are characteristic. The enzyme accepts as substrates a wide range of 3 beta-hydroxysteroids, tolerating oxygenation in ring B and even catalyzing the oxidation of 2-oxacholesterol to the expected lactone; and (b) Steroids possessing 1,2-diol or 1,3-diol groupings include estriols, 2-hydroxyestrone, 20,22-dihydroxycholesterols, ecdysones, brassinolide and many corticosteroids. The selective formation of cyclic derivatives can provide several analytically useful features, such as convenient retention times, moderate mass increments (24 amu for a methaneboronate), distinctive mass spectra and usually abundant molecular ions. These are exemplified for 5-pregnene-3 beta, 20,21-triols and for 20,22-dihydroxycholesterol as well as its enzymic oxidation product.

Boronic Acids↗

Determination of estradiol 2- and 16 alpha-hydroxylase activities in rat liver microsomes using high-performance liquid chromatography.

We have developed a sensitive and nonradiometric assay of estradiol 2- and 16 alpha-hydroxylase activities using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with voltametric detector. The 2- and 16 alpha-hydroxylated estrogens produced by the incubation of estradiol with rat liver microsomes were initially separated into the catechol and phenolic fractions using a QAE-Sephadex A-25 borate column. The metabolites were detected in quantities as low as 0.5-1 ng using 3-methoxy-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-2,16 alpha,17 beta-triol or 4-hydroxyestrone 17-oxime as an internal standard. Apparent Km and Vmax of the 2- and 16 alpha-hydroxylases were 41.9 microM and 1.3 nmol/mg protein/min, and 82 microM and 480 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively.

Animals↗

Differential inhibition of activated tyrosine hydroxylase.

Under conditions of cyclic AMP-dependent protein phosphorylation, tyrosine hydroxylase (EC 1.14.16.2; TH) is activated. Kinetic analysis reveals that, upon activation the affinity of the enzyme cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin, Vmax, as well as the Ki of its putative feedback inhibitor dopamine, are increased. Catecholic inhibitors of rat striatal TH have been assessed for the structural requirements that impart differential sensitivity to activated and control enzyme. By varying cofactor and inhibitor concentrations, Ki's were generated from Dixon plots. Structural analogs of dopamine in which the amino group was fixed in a cis conformation, i.e., 6,7-dihydroxytetrahydroisoquinolines, exhibit the same Ki for activated and nonactivated TH. However, 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxytetralin (ADTN), in which the nitrogen is extended in a fixed trans conformation of the beta-rotamer, exhibited a fourfold increase in Ki upon assaying tyrosine hydroxylase under phosphorylation conditions. By systematically increasing the hydrophobicity of the substituent at C-1 of 1-carboxy-6,7-dihydroxytetrahydroisoquinolines the inhibitory potency was enhanced, suggesting the presence of a hydrophobic region near the catecholic binding site. If the hydrophobic group was rigid as in the catechol estrogens, 2-hydroxy-estradiol and 2-hydroxyestrone, the Ki was relatively low (2 X 10(-5) M) despite the absence of an amino group. Upon activation the Ki increased fourfold. These studies provide insight into the topography of the catecholic binding site on TH and to attendant changes occurring upon activation. The results suggest that the catechol binding site includes both amino group-interacting and hydrophobic regions which are influenced by enzyme activation.

Animals↗

A male specific hepatic estrogen binding protein: characteristics and binding properties.

Mammalian liver is a sex-steroid responsive tissue in that androgen and estrogen receptors are present and mediate differential hepatic hormonal effects. Further, we and others have found a sexual dimorphism in the hepatic cytosolic content of estrogen binding proteins. In addition to the estrogen receptor, the male has a high-capacity (12.0-15.0 pmol/mg protein) estrogen binding protein (MEB) which demonstrates a moderate affinity for estradiol (Kd = 31.0-43.2 nM) if estradiol metabolizing enzymes are first precipitated with protamine sulfate. This protein exhibits a unique specificity for steroidal estrogens: 2-methoxyestriol greater than estradiol greater than estriol = 2-methoxyestradiol greater than 2-hydroxyestradiol greater than estrone greater than 2-methoxyestrone greater than estriol 3-glucuronide greater than 2-hydroxyestrone = 3-methoxyestriol greater than androstanediol greater than dihydrotestosterone greater than testosterone. Other androgens such as androstenedione and methyltrienolone, nonsteroidal estrogens such as diethylstilbestrol, and the antiestrogens tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen do not compete for [3H]estradiol ([3H]E2) binding. MEB is a relatively small-molecular-weight protein with a Sr of 20.4 A as determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. The kinetics of [3H]E2 association and dissociation at 4 degrees C are very rapid, with t1/2 values of less than 5 s. Sodium molybdate, generally used to stabilize steroid receptors, inhibits MEB-[3H]estradiol binding activity in cytosol in a time- and dose-dependent manner, an effect not observed with partially purified MEB. Magnesium chloride inhibits binding activity of the Sephadex G-100 MEB pool, an effect reversed by EDTA. Other divalent cations also inhibit binding: Mn2+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Ca2+. Furthermore, EDTA complexes of these cations slightly enhance binding relative to EDTA alone: Ca2+ EDTA greater than Mg2+ EDTA greater than Mn2+ EDTA. These results demonstrate that MEB is a unique sex-steroid binding protein, albeit of unknown function, which is distinct from hepatic steroid receptors.

Animals↗

Estrogen metabolism in rat liver microsomal and isolated hepatocyte preparations--I. Metabolite formation and irreversible binding to cellular macromolecules.

The metabolism of endogenous estrogens, estradiol and estrone, and the irreversible binding of estrogens to cellular macromolecules have been examined and compared in subcellular microsomal and in intact hepatocyte preparations. In studies with rat liver microsomal preparations containing estradiol, an NADPH-generating system, and denatured DNA, the irreversible binding of radiolabeled steroid metabolite(s) to the microsomal proteins was 3.26 nmoles/mg protein in 1 hr (S.D. 0.39; 7.9% of total steroid) while binding to DNA was found to be 0.288 nmole/mg DNA/mg protein (S.D. 0.025; 0.39% of total steroid). No significant difference was observed between microsomal preparations from untreated, phenobarbital-treated or 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats. Irreversible binding to proteins was also demonstrated in the intact hepatocyte cell incubations. After 2-hr incubations of estradiol with hepatocytes, 5.9% (S.D. 1.4%) of the steroid(s) was irreversibly associated with cellular proteins (approximately 1.43 pmoles/mg/min). Analysis of the organic-soluble metabolites demonstrated the presence of the catechol estrogens and their metabolites, 2-hydroxyestradiol, 2-hydroxyestrone, 2-methoxyestradiol, and 2-methoxyestrone. Estrone and estriol were also identified. The aqueous-soluble materials isolated from hepatocyte incubations contained glucuronide, sulfate, and apparent thioether conjugates, as determined by liberation from estrogen metabolites by treatment with beta-glucuronidase, sulfatase, and Raney nickel. Thus, extensive primary and secondary metabolism of estrogens occurs in intact hepatocyte incubations. Furthermore, irreversible binding of estrogens to cellular proteins occurs in these intact cells having demonstrated conjugative pathways of metabolism.

Animals↗

Ah receptor binding properties of indole carbinols and induction of hepatic estradiol hydroxylation.

The effect of route of administration on the ability of indole-3-carbinol (13C), an anticarcinogen present in cruciferous vegetables, to induce estradiol 2-hydroxylase (EH) in female rat liver microsomes was investigated and compared to that of its main gastric conversion product, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM). This dimer was more potent than 13C after either oral or intraperitoneal administration and was also a better in vitro inhibitor of EH in control and 13C-induced hepatic microsomes. The induction of both CYP1A1 and 1A2 in about equal amounts by 13C and DIM as well as of CYP2B1/2 was demonstrated using monoclonal antibodies. DIM, isosafrole, beta-naphthoflavone, 3-methylcholanthrene and naringenin added in vitro inhibited EH strongly in induced microsomes but gestodene was a better inhibitor of estrogen 2-hydroxylation in liver microsomes from untreated female rats. The binding affinities of 13C and DIM to the Ah receptor were compared to that of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) by competition studies, and the IC50 values were shown to be 2.0 x 10(-9) M, 5.0 x 10(-5) M and 2.3 x 10(-3) M for TCDD, DIM and 13C, respectively. The ability of 13C or DIM to cause in vitro transformation of the Ah receptor to a form able to bind to the dioxin-responsive element-3 (DRE3) was compared to that of TCDD and shown to parallel their abilities to compete for binding of [3H]TCDD to the Ah receptor. These experiments confirm and extend the proposals that dietary indoles induce specific cytochrome P450s in rat liver by a mechanism possibly involving the Ah receptor. The induced monooxygenases, in turn, increase the synthesis of 2-hydroxylated estrogens in the competing pathways of 2- and 16 alpha-hydroxylation which decreases the levels of 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone able to form stable covalent adducts with proteins including the estrogen receptor. Such steroid-protein interaction has been correlated with mammary carcinogenesis.

Animals↗

Effect of intraventricular administration of catechol estrogens on catecholamine content in various brain regions.

Male rats treated for 7 days with either 2-hydroxyestradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol or 2-hydroxyestrone had significantly lower striatal dihydroxy phenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels when compared to the control group. After 14 days of treatment, groups which were treated with estradiol, 2-hydroxyestradiol or 4-hydroxyestradiol had significantly higher striatal dopamine levels and had gained significantly less weight when compared to the control group. These results indicate that estradiol and the catechol estrogens may act to reduce the activity of striatal dopaminergic neurons.

Animals↗

Binding and effects of catecholestrogens on adenylate cyclase activity, and adrenoceptors, benzodiazepine and GABA receptors in guinea-pig hypothalamic membranes.

Catecholestrogen (CE) binding to guinea-pig hypothalamic membranes was assessed by using [3H]2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) as a ligand. Binding was maximal at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C, and after 10 min incubations. A high affinity binding site with dissociation constant (KD) = 0.20 +/- 0.02 nM and site concentration (Bmax) = 38 +/- 2 fmol/mg protein, and a low affinity binding site with KD = 235 +/- 10 nM and Bmax = 4.2 +/- 1.0 pmol/mg protein (n = 7) were detected. The order of affinity (Ki, microM) for displacement of 10 nM [3H]2-OHE1 from hypothalamic binding sites was 2-OHE1 (0.8), 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) (1.0), epinephrine (5.9), norepinephrine (NE) (7.7), dopamine (270), estradiol, estrone, propranolol, phentolamine, domperidone (greater than 10 000). NE inhibition of 2-OHE1 binding was non-competitive, Only 0.5 mM 2-OHE2 depressed in a non-competitive way the hypothalamic beta-adrenoceptor binding (measured by using [3H]dihydroalprenolol) without affecting alpha-adrenoceptor binding (measured by using [3H]dihydroergocryptine). Both 2-OHE2 and 2-OHE1 impaired NE-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in hypothalamic membranes with EC50 of about 5 and 10 microM, respectively. CE decreased [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid binding by hypothalamic membranes with Ki = 8 microM (2-OHE2) and 50 microM (2-OHE1). The binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to the same membrane preparation was not affected by CE. These results support the existence of significant CE binding and effects in guinea-pig hypothalamic membranes.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

The unusual estrogen-binding protein (UEBP) of male rat liver: structural determinants of ligands.

The unusual estrogen-binding protein (UEBP) found in a male rat liver is a sex dependent protein which differs from other known receptor and transport proteins by the high lability of its complexes with estradiol (E2) and also the unique specificity of affinity for hormones. In this work values of relative binding affinity (RBA) of the UEBP for 57 steroids and their analogs were determined. The affinity of steroids was characterised by the amount of the unlabeled compound needed for 50% inhibition of [3H]-E2 binding with the UEBP. A number of derivatives of estrane and androstane possess an ability to interact with this protein, in contrast to the derivatives of pregnane, stilbene and triphenylethane. Characterized by RBA values, natural steroids are found to have the following order: estriol larger than or equal to E2 greater than 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone = 2 alpha-hydroxytestosterone greater than 16-epiestriol greater than or equal to estetrol greater than or equal to 17-epiestriol greater than or equal to 2-methoxyestradiol greater than or equal to 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol greater than or equal to estrone greater than testosterone greater than or equal to 2 beta-hydroxytestosterone greater than 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Affinity of estrogens and androgens for the UEBP diminishes abruptly after removal of 3- and 17-hydroxy groups, masking of these by ether bonds or changing of 17 beta-hydroxyl to 17 alpha. All the investigated 17 oxo-C19-steroids, 5 beta-derivatives of testosterone, its 6 beta- and 16 alpha-hydroxy metabolites as well as 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol and 19-nortestosterone exhibit no essential affinity for the protein. On the basis of the results obtained it is suggested that the binding sites for estrogens and androgens in the UEBP molecule overlap but do not completely coincide.

Androgens↗

Increased estrogen-16 alpha-hydroxylase activity in women with breast and endometrial cancer.

We have measured the three principal oxidative transformations of estradiol by means of a radiometric procedure in women with breast or endometrial cancer and in age matched controls. No difference between the 17 beta-ol oxidation or 2-hydroxylation of the hormone was observed between the study groups. In contrast, 16 alpha-hydroxylation was strikingly elevated in the women with breast and endometrial cancer relative to the age matched controls. Evidence is presented that this increased activity precedes the clinical evidence of the disease and that it represents a significant risk factor for these estrogen dependent tumors. This risk may be mediated by one of the products of 16 alpha-hydroxylation, 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone, which exhibits unique biological properties.

Aged↗

Identification of a non-steroidal estrogen, equol, in the urine of pregnant macaques: correlation with steroidal estrogen excretion.

Macaque urinary estrogens at late pregnancy were separated by high performance liquid chromatography and quantified, both with radioimmunoassay and an in vitro uterine estrogen receptor assay. Five estrogens were measured. Four were steroids: estriol, estrone, 17 beta-estradiol, and 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone. The fifth was a flavonoid, equol, a metabolite of plant isoflavonoids, formononetin and genistein. By mass, estrone and equol were the predominant urinary estrogens, with equol reaching levels of microgram/mg creatinine in three of 8 pregnancies studied. Both quality and quantity of urinary estrogen excretion in the rhesus (Macaca mulatta) was compared to those in 4 other species (Macaca fascicularis, Macaca nemestrina, Macaca radiata and Macaca silenus). All 5 estrogens present in the rhesus were also present in the other 4. Variability in mass of each estrogen excreted appeared no greater between species than within the rhesus. In a longitudinal study, urinary equol levels were most highly correlated with those of estrone, the predominant excretory steroid of macaque pregnancy. We conclude endogenous steroidal estrogen is related to production of equol in macaques, however, equol is not dependent on the feto-placental unit as low levels of equol were also present in male macaque urine.

Animals↗

Characteristics of estrogen-2/4-hydroxylase of porcine ovarian follicles: influence of steroidal and non-steroidal agents on the activity of the enzyme in vitro.

The conversion of [3H]estradiol to 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH-E2) by homogenates of porcine ovarian follicles was assayed in vitro in the presence and absence of 10 and 100 microM concentrations of the following potential substrates or inhibitors of estrogen-2/4-hydroxylase (E-2/4-H): (1) estrogens; estrone (E1), estriol (E3) and 17 alpha-estradiol (17 alpha-E2), (2) catecholestrogens; 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH-E2), 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OH-E2) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OH-E1); (3) 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E2); (4) halogenated estrogens; 2-bromoestradiol, (2-Bromo-E2) 4-bromoestradiol and 2,4-dibromoestradiol; (5) androgens; testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstenedione; (6) progesterone; (7) epinephrine; (8) inhibitors of steroid aromatase; aminoglutethimide and 4-hydroxyandrostenedione and (9) SKF 525A, an inhibitor of cytochrome P-450. Progesterone and 2-Bromo-E2 were the two most effective inhibitors (2-OH-E2 formation = 4 and 5% of control at 100 microM and 29.6 and 17.4% at 10 microM of progesterone and 2-Bromo-E2, respectively). 2-MeO-E2 at 100 microM was nearly as effective as progesterone in inhibiting E-2/4-H activity but only caused about 50% inhibition at 10 microM. The three catecholestrogens reduced 2-OH-E2 formation to about the same degree (21-23% of control at 100 microM). The 2,4-dibromo-E2 was equipotent with the catecholestrogens while 4-bromo-E2 was about half as effective. The phenolic estrogens, potential substrates for the enzyme, reduced 2-OH-E2 formation to different degrees, with E3 being the most effective. Among the androgens, DHT was almost as effective an inhibitor as the catecholestrogens, T was about half as effective while androstenedione had no effect. Epinephrine and the two inhibitors of aromatase did not inhibit E-2/4-H activity. SKF 525A inhibited E-2/4-H activity but with a potency only about 1/10th that reported for liver.

2-Methoxyestradiol↗

Alterations in the urine excretion of estrogen metabolites in breast cancer women treated with aminoglutethimide.

The effect of aminoglutethimide treatment on urine estrogen glucuronide excretion was investigated using injections of [4-14C]estradiol (4 women) or [4-14C]estrone (2 women). Each patient received 25 mu Ci of either [4-14C]estradiol or [4-14C]estrone as a bolus injection before initiation of aminoglutethimide treatment, and an equal injection following 3-20 weeks on treatment with aminoglutethimide 250 mg q.i.d. with hydrocortisone (50 mg b.i.d. for 2 weeks, then 25 mg b.i.d.). Urine was collected for 24-72 h following each injection. Aminoglutethimide treatment caused significant alterations in the metabolite profiles of estradiol and estrone but with large interindividual variations. [14C]Estriol glucuronide excretion was increased by a median value of 48.6%. [14C]16 alpha-Hydroxyestrone glucuronide and [14C]16-epi-estriol glucuronide excretion was increased by median values of 16.3 and 37.7% respectively, and [14C]2-hydroxyestriol glucuronide excretion was increased by a median value of 115.9%. Contrary, excretion of the catechol estrogen glucuronides (2- and 4-hydroxylated metabolites) were reduced (mean reduction of 14.8 and 67.3% respectively). The amount of urine radioactivity excreted as [14C]estradiol and [14C]estrone glucuronide were consistently reduced by aminoglutethimide treatment (median reduction of 36.8 and 38.2% respectively). These findings suggest aminoglutethimide to stimulate the estrone 16 alpha-hydroxylase and possibly the estrone 16 beta-hydroxylase located in the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum.

Adult↗

Diet and urinary estrogen profile in premenopausal omnivorous and vegetarian women and in premenopausal women with breast cancer.

The urinary estrogen profile was studied in the midfollicular phase twice, and diet four times during 1 yr in 10 premenopausal breast cancer (BC) patients consuming an omnivorous normal Finnish diet and in two control groups, one consuming an omnivorous (n = 12) and the other a lactovegetarian (n = 11) diet. Total fat intake in relation to caloric intake was almost identical in all three groups. Only with regard to grain fiber intake did the BC patients differ significantly from both other groups. No differences were found between the groups with regard to urinary excretion of 13 individual estrogens and total estrogens, with the exception of 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OH-E1), which was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in the BC group than in the vegetarians. A high carbohydrate to protein ratio in the diet had a negative correlation with the excretion of 2-hydroxyestrogens and 2-hydroxyesterone (2-OH-E1) to 4-OH-E1 ratio. The BC group had significantly higher urinary 2-OH-E1 to E1 ratio (P less than 0.05) compared to the vegetarians. The 2-OH-E1 to 4-OH-E1 ratio was highest in the BC group (= 7.1) and differed significantly from that of the omnivores (= 4.3; P less than 0.02) and vegetarians (= 3.6; P less than 0.005). This ratio showed a negative correlation with intake of carbohydrates, starch, total and grain fiber. Urinary excretion of 4-OH-E1 correlated positively with total and grain fiber intake and plasma SHBG. Protein intake correlated positively with urinary 2-methoxy-E1 excretion, and retinol intake positively with catechol estrogen, E1 and E2 excretion. It is concluded that estrogen production and urinary estrogen profile in premenopausal breast cancer patients is normal with the exception of a low 4-OH-E1 excretion and high urinary 2-OH-E1 to 4-OH-E1 ratio. This ratio, which seems to depend on diet, is the only urinary estrogen parameter separating premenopausal BC patients from the control omnivorous and lactovegetarian women.

Adult↗

In vitro metabolism of catechol estrogens by human fecal microflora.

Intestinal bacterial metabolism of the catechol estrogens, 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1), 2-methoxyestrone (2-MeOE1) and 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2), was studied by incubation of the steroid with mixed fecal flora. 3-Methoxyestrone (3-MeOE1) was included in order to evaluate whether demethylation occurs also with regard to noncatecholic estrogens. The purification of the samples and separation into fractions was carried out by ion exchange chromatography and the metabolites formed were identified by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Mixed human fecal flora was able to interconvert 2-OHE1 and 2-OHE2 both in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Demethylation occurred both for 2-MeOE1 and 3-MeOE1.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange↗

Synthesis of estrogen methyl ethers by extractive alkylation.

A rapid method for the quantitative preparation of a number of estrogen methyl ethers is described. Estrogen in aqueous base is extracted as an ion pair with the tetrahexylammonium oin into methylene chloride where irreversible alkylation (extractive alkylation) by methyl iodide occurs. Gas chromatography (GC) - mass spectrometry (MS) provided the basis for identification of the methylated products. Estrone (1) and estradiol were easily 3-0-methylated whereas estriol gave a dimethylated product. Further experiments suggested that dimethylation of 2-hydroxyestrone in reasonable yield was possible.

Chromatography, Gas↗