Serum oestrogen receptor alpha and beta bioactivity are independently associated with breast cancer: a proof of principle study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Oestrogens play a crucial role in breast carcinogenesis. Earlier studies have analysed the serum levels of endogenous hormones measured by conventional assays. In this study, we analysed the capacity of serum from breast cancer cases and controls to transactivate the oestrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) and beta (ER-beta).

Methods

We used a receptor oestrogen-responsive element (ERE) -- the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-reporter test system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Oestrogen receptor-alpha or ER-beta bioactivity was determined in serum from 182 randomly chosen postmenopausal women with breast cancer and from 188 age-matched controls.

Results

High serum ER-alpha and ER-beta bioactivity were independently associated with the presence of breast cancer. Wo

SUBMITTER: Widschwendter M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2713696 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature