How Is Aromatase Regulated?

Expression of the aromatase gene is regulated by

the tissue-specific activation of a number of promoters via alternative splicing

. Aromatase mRNA species contain promoter-specific 5′-UTRs. The coding region and encoded protein, however, are identical regardless of the promoter used.

How is aromatase activated?

Aromatase (CYP19) is an enzyme involved in estrogen synthesis that is overexpressed in BCa. In normal tissue, CYP19 expression is driven by the

glucocorticoid-stimulated promoter I. 4

in the CYP19 gene, while in BCa it is stimulated through the tumor-specific proximal promoter I.

What stimulates aromatase production?

1a). Our recent study revealed that in hGL cells, melatonin stimulates the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), which is the key protein that mediates the rate-limiting step of ovarian steroidogenesis

²³

.

Where is aromatase expressed?

Aromatase is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to estradiol. In mammals, aromatase is expressed in

the testes, ovaries, brain, and other tissues

.

How is aromatase produced?

In the ovary, the substrate for aromatase is produced by

the theca cells of the follicle

. Theca cell–derived androgens are also directly involved in the regulation of this enzyme.

What causes aromatase?

Mutations in the CYP19A1 gene

cause aromatase deficiency. The CYP19A1 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme converts a class of hormones called androgens, which are involved in male sexual development, to different forms of estrogen.

What does aromatase do in the body?

Aromatase is an

enzyme involved in the conversion of androgen (such as testosterone) to estrogen (such as 17β-estradiol)

. It is also a very effective therapeutic target for the treatment of endocrine-responsive breast cancer.

What does aromatase mean in English?

:

an enzyme or complex of enzymes that promotes the conversion of an androgen into estrogen

.

Is aromatase a hormone?

Aromatase inhibitors are a

hormone therapy

(also called endocrine therapy). They are used to treat hormone receptor-positive early, locally advanced and metastatic breast cancers. Learn about aromatase inhibitors and other hormone therapies for metastatic breast cancer.

Is aromatase a gene?

The

CYP19A1 gene

provides instructions for making an enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme converts a class of hormones called androgens, which are involved in male sexual development, to different forms of the female sex hormone estrogen.

Do humans have aromatase?

Gene expression and enzyme activity studies have established that aromatase is present

in most peripheral organs as well

as in the brain of both mammalian and non-mammalian species including fish, birds, rodents, non-human primates and humans (Naftolin et al., 1996, Reviewed in Simpson et al., 2002).

What foods cause high estrogen?

• Dairy. There is a direct correlation between higher estrogen levels in eggs because eggs are produced in the animal’s ovaries. …
• Nuts and seeds. It’s almost indisputable to say that nuts and seeds are high in phytoestrogen. …
• Legumes. …
• Fruits and vegetables. …
• Grains.

Which aromatase inhibitor is best with least side effects?

Anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole

are equally effective and have similar side effects [79,90-93]. However, you may tolerate one drug better than another. For a summary of research studies on aromatase inhibitors and early breast cancer, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section.

How common is aromatase excess syndrome?

The prevalence of aromatase excess syndrome is unknown;

more than 20 cases

have been described in the medical literature.

How do you know if you have aromatase deficiency?

In adulthood, symptoms include

virilisation, absent of breast development

, primary amenorrhea and infertility, and multicystic ovaries. Other symptoms include hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, polycystic ovaries, hypoplastic ovaries and tall stature.

Does turmeric reduce estrogen?

Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin. A 2013 study indicated that

curcumin may reduce estrogen levels

.