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Endocrine Abstracts (2015) 37 S9.2 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.37.S9.2

University of Birmingham, Birmingha, West Midlands, UK.


Although not normally considered an oestrogen responsive tissue, compelling evidence now exists suggesting that the colon is responsive to oestrogenic effects. Results from the Women’s Health Initiative demonstrated that post-menopausal women taking oestrogen and progestins as hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) had a 40% reduction in developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Intriguingly, patients taking oestrogen supplements at the time of CRC diagnosis presented a much more advanced disease stage. Thus, oestrogens are initially protective against CRC, but once developed oestrogens may drive CRC proliferations.

Therefore, the pre-receptor metabolism of oestrogens, namely through steroid sulphatase (STS) and the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSDs), and the oestrogen receptor status of colonic tissue, most likely influence the incidence and subsequent proliferation of CRC.

This presentation will examine the current evidence in support of oestrogenic effects on CRC initiation and development. It will highlight the importance of the peripheral synthesis of oestrogens by STS and 17βHSDs in CRC, and how this relates to oestrogen receptor status and proliferation.

Disclosure: Society for Endocrinology Early Career Grant.

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