Molecular and morphological alterations in breast tissue of transgender patients undergoing dihydrotestosterone therapy.

ABSTRACT: Many patients undergoing gender-affirming surgery (GAS) opt for reconstructive procedures rather than total mastectomy to achieve a more masculine chest contour. The impact of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment on breast tissue remains unclear. This study evaluates the morphological changes and protein expression levels in breast tissue associated with hormonal and molecular pathways in patients receiving short-term or long-term DHT treatment before GAS. A total of 230 breast tissue samples were categorized into three groups: nontreatment, short-term treatment (STT, < 12 months), and long-term treatment (LTT, ≥ 12 months). Paired samples (n = 33) were stained for estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR). NanoString Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) analysis was conducted on a subse

SUBMITTER: Lee J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12306779 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature