Comparison of estrogens and estrogen metabolites in human breast tissue and urine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An important aspect of the link between estrogen and breast cancer is whether urinary estrogen levels are representative of the intra-tissue levels of bioavailable estrogens.

Methods

This study compares 15 estrogen and estrogen metabolite levels in breast tissue and urine of 9 women with primary breast cancer using a quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method.

Results

The average levels of estrogens (estrone, 17 beta-estradiol) were significantly higher in breast tissue than in urine. Both the 2 and the 16-hydroxylation pathways were less represented in breast tissue than urine; no components of the 4-hydroxypathway were detected in breast tissue, while 4-hydroxyestrone was measured in urine. However, the 2/16 ratio was similar in urine and

SUBMITTER: Taioli E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2922211 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature