Minisymposium on Endogenous Carcinogens: The Catechol Estrogen Pathway. An Introduction

Abstract

A major carcinogenic risk for many human cancers may be associated with endogenous procarcinogens that are precursors to carcinogens. If natural protective mechanisms become insufficient, these procarcinogens can be activated, giving rise to formation of endogenous carcinogens. Catechol estrogens (CE), which are metabolites of the estrogens estrone and 17β-estradiol are hypothesized to be such ubiquitous procarcinogens. Their oxidation to CE semiquinones and/or quinones can generate the DNA damage that leads to the tumor initiation process. In addition, redox cycling of CE semiquinones and quinones can generate free radicals that lead to enhancement of DNA damage. The minisymposium discussing this area of research was moderated by Pentti Siiteri and introduced by Ercole Cavalieri. It included presentations by Joachin Liehr, Judith Weisz, Cyrus Creveling and Herman Adlercreutz.