Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this review is to discuss the role of androgens in the progression of endometrial carcinoma (EC) with particular focus on the different kinds of androgenic hormones, androgen receptor (AR) and intracrine androgen metabolism.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search within PubMed was performed. Selected publications related to androgens and EC were reviewed.
Results
There are different kinds of androgenic hormones, and different kinds of androgens may have different effects. Elevated androgens (especially testosterone) have been associated with an increased EC risk in postmenopausal women. 5α-reductases (5α-Reds) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17βHSD2) pathway may inhibit the progression of EC mediated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), but aromatases stimulate further progression of EC. The most of studies accessing the prognostic value of AR have found that AR expression may be a favorable prognostic indicator.
Conclusion
Androgens may have both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. Androgen-specific biases in metabolism and the expression of AR may contribute to the different prognosis of patients with EC.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau
The Youth Research grant of Nantong Commission of Health
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Endocrinology,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Cited by
2 articles.
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