Abstract
Cyclic changes in the endometrium are mediated by ovarian steroids. Estrogen receptor (ER) alpha as well as ER beta are expressed in the endometrium. The function of ER beta in this tissue still remains unclear. Previous studies investigating the expression of these two receptors in hyperplastic or malignant tissue of the endometrium demonstrated contradictory results. Furthermore, these studies ...
Abstract
Cyclic changes in the endometrium are mediated by ovarian steroids. Estrogen receptor (ER) alpha as well as ER beta are expressed in the endometrium. The function of ER beta in this tissue still remains unclear. Previous studies investigating the expression of these two receptors in hyperplastic or malignant tissue of the endometrium demonstrated contradictory results. Furthermore, these studies neglected the fact that there are different ER splice variants. Given that ER beta can act as an ER(x antagonist and tumour suppressor in hormone-dependent tissue (i.e. the breast), it is important to examine the expression levels and function of ER beta and its splice variants in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinomas. This article aims to outline the present state of knowledge about ER beta, its splice variants and their expression in human endometrial tissue. Moreover, details about the function of these receptors during the cyclic changes of the endometrium and the development of hyperplasia and carcinoma will be discussed.
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