Breast Adipose Tissue Estrogen Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women With or Without Breast Cancer

Abstract

Estrogen metabolism is differentially regulated in the adipose tissue of women with or without cancer. In the sc adipose tissue proximal to breast tumor 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 12 expression is lower than in controls, which could indicate that the conversion of estrone to estradiol is decreased. Further studies are needed to establish the clinical significance of our findings in the development and growth of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.