Resveratrol and other dietary polyphenols are inhibitors of estrogen metabolism in human breast cancer cells

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2019 Jun:190:11-18. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.03.001. Epub 2019 Mar 6.

Abstract

Polyphenols in foods and dietary supplements are commonly used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of malignancies, including breast cancer. However, daily intake by patients with breast cancer is controversial, as these compounds may stimulate cancer growth. Estrogens serve key roles in breast cancer cell proliferation; therefore, understanding the interaction between endogenous steroid hormones and natural dietary polyphenols is essential. Currently, comprehensive knowledge regarding these effects remains limited. The current review summarizes the dose-dependent in vitro and in vivo interactions of resveratrol and other dietary polyphenols with estrogen precursors, active estrogens, catechol estrogens and their respective glucuronidated, sulfated, glutathionated or O-methylated metabolites in estrogen receptor alpha negative (ERα-) and positive (ERα+) breast cancer. Which estrogen-metabolizing enzymes are affected by polyphenols is also reviewed in detail. Furthermore, the impacts of dose and therapy duration on disease development and progression in patients with breast cancer are discussed. The present article is part of a Special Issue titled 'CSR 2018'.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Estrogens; Metabolism; Polyphenols; Resveratrol; Steroids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Dietary Supplements / analysis
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / metabolism
  • Estrogens / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Polyphenols / pharmacology*
  • Resveratrol / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • ESR1 protein, human
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Estrogens
  • Polyphenols
  • Resveratrol