Fitoestrogeny jako selektywne modulatory aktywności receptorów estrogenowych

Grzegorz Grynkiewicz¹, Maria Gadzikowska²

Summary
Phytoestrogens are secondary metabolites of plant origin which exhibit structural and functional resemblance to the main female sex hormone-estradiol (E2). Estrogen receptors, which are macromolecular targets for phyto-estrogens are known to occur in two sub-types, differently expressed in human organs and tissues and exhibiting separate selectivities in ligand binding, which suggests some division in their biological functions. Soy is by far the richest source of phytoestrogens and soy isoflavonoids are among the best studied biologically active natural products. There is an overwhelming epidemiological evidence, drawn from comparison of Asian and Western populations dramatically differing in soy consumption, which points to definite benefits (alleviation of post-menopausal symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, chemoprevention of cancerogenesis) of long term high isoflavone intake. Based on molecular pharmacology of Genistein, which is the main isoflavone present in soy and selective high affinity ligand of estrogen receptor beta, exerting partial agonistic responses, it can be postulated that phytoestrogens in general represent considerable potential as natural, selective modulators of estrogen receptors activity of medicinal significance.

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