Gender effect in experimental models of human medulloblastoma: does the estrogen receptor β signaling play a role?

ABSTRACT:

Background

The male-to-female sex ratio for medulloblastoma (MB) is approximately 1.5∶1, female gender being also a favorable prognostic factor. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of gender on MB tumorigenesis.

Methods

In vitro activity of 17β-estradiol (E2), DPN [2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile, a selective estrogen receptor β (ERβ)-agonist], PPT [4,4',4″-(4-Propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol, a selective ERα-agonist] or DHT (5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone) was evaluated in three human MB cell lines. D283 Med cells were transplanted into athymic mice.

Results

A significant expression of ERβ, with little or no ERα, and low AR (androgen receptor) was found in MB cell lines. The compounds tested did not affect cell proliferation. In vivo, we observe

SUBMITTER: Ciucci A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4084991 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature