Aromatase expression in leptin-pretreated human breast pre-adipocytes is enhanced by zeranol and suppressed by (-)-gossypol.
Parole chiave
Astratto
BACKGROUND
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the role of zeranol (Z), a non-steroidal anabolic growth promoter with potent estrogenic activity widely used in the U.S.A. beef industry, as a possible contributor to an increased incidence of human breast cancer. This study hypothesized that obese individuals may be at greater risk of developing zeranol-induced breast cancer.
METHODS
The aromatase mRNA expression level of three cell types isolated from adipose tissues were assayed by RT-PCR, and the cell proliferation of primary cultured human normal breast pre-adipocytes (HNBPADs) was investigated using the CellTiter96® non-radioactive method. The effects of Z and gossypol on aromatase expression of leptin-pretreated HNBPADs were evaluated by RT-PCR.
RESULTS
HNBPADs expressed higher aromatase than primary cultured human breast epithelial cells and stromal cells. Z enhanced the mitogenic activity of leptin and increased aromatase expression in HNBPADs. Moreover, (-)-gossypol counteracted Z- and leptin-induced cell proliferation and aromatase expression.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggested that bioactive Z metabolites contained in meat produced from Z-implanted beef cattle may increase estrogen biosynthesis in obese individuals by increasing aromatase expression and estrogen production, which will promote cell sensitivity and increase breast cancer cell growth.
