Serum oestradiol in women with and without breast disease

Abstract

Summary It has been suggested that the percentage of non-protein-bound or free oestradiol (E2) is abnormally high in patients with breast cancer. In this study, the serum oestradiol profiles of a large group of women were analysed to determine whether a significant correlation could be found between serum oestradiol and various breast diseases. In addition oestradiol levels were measured in relation to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), albumin levels, oestrogen receptor status and family history of breast cancer. Serum samples were taken from a total of 300 women who had either no breast disease, benign breast disease or breast cancer. The percentage of free oestradiol was found to be highest in women with breast cancer, lowest in the control group and intermediate for the women with benign breast disease. These differences were most marked in post-menopausal women. The absolute values for total and free oestradiol were not statistically different in the three groups studied. There did not appear to be a correlation between oestrogen receptor (ER) concentration in breast cancer tissue and free E2 percentage levels. Women who had a family history of breast cancer did not appear to have higher percentage levels of free E2 than those with no such history. The presence of elevated proportions of free oestradiol in the serum of women with breast cancer may be significant in regard to understanding the aetiology of breast neoplasia. There also may be important implications for the use of this measurement in the earlier diagnosis and detection of breast cancer.

Serum Concentrations of Estrogens, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, and Androgens and Risk of Breast Hyperplasia in Postmenopausal Women

“…Prior studies have not shown strong or significant differences in levels of estrogens (6-10), androgens (9, 11), or sex hormone binding globulin (6)(7)(8)(9) in postmenopausal patients with and without benign breast disease. Most of the published studies have been based on small sample sizes (6, 9, 10), did not distinguish between proliferative and nonproliferative changes (7,8), and did not include a rigorous pathology review (6)(7)(8)(9)(10).…”

“…Most of the published studies have been based on small sample sizes (6, 9, 10), did not distinguish between proliferative and nonproliferative changes (7,8), and did not include a rigorous pathology review (6)(7)(8)(9)(10). All of these studies were done at a time when endogenous hormone assays were notably less reliable and accurate than they are now.…”

“…The association between endogenous hormones and risk of mammary epithelial hyperplasia has not been well studied, but is of interest to determine when in the pathologic process towards breast cancer hormones are important. Most studies of endogenous hormones and benign breast conditions in postmenopausal women have found no significant differences in estrogen (6)(7)(8)(9)(10), androgen (9,11), and sex hormone binding globulin (6)(7)(8)(9)) levels between cases with benign breast disease and controls. However, none of these studies focused specifically on epithelial hyperplasia, which has been estimated to constitute f30% of benign specimens (12).…”

<i>Radix bupleuri</i> Extract Inhibits Hyperplasia of Mammary Gland in Rats

“…Hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) is a pathologic hyperplasia of the mammary gland lobules induced by an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone [1]. It is related to menstrual cycle, lactation, occupation, sex hormone use, diet, and stress [2,3].…”

Phytochemical Composition and Antihyperplasic Effect of <i>Fructus Hordei</i> G in Rats

“…Hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) is a kind of pathological hyperplasia of the lobules of the mammary gland induced by balance disorder of estrogen and progesterone [1]. HMG is related to occupation, abuse of sex hormone drugs, diet and mental pressure [2,3].…”