The role of estrogens and estrogen receptor signaling pathways in cancer and infertility: the case of schistosomes

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Botelho, MC (Author) Other; Alves, H (Author) Other; barros, a (Author) FMUP; Rinaldi, G (Author) Other; Brindley, PJ (Author) Other; sousa, m (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Trends in Parasitology

Vol. 31

Pages: 246-250

ISSN: 1471-4922

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 22 Citations

Scopus - 24 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-621

DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.03.005

Abstract (EN): Schistosoma haematobium, a parasitic flatworm that infects more than 100 million people, mostly in the developing world, is the causative agent of urogenital schistosomiasis, and is associated with a high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder. Schistosomiasis haematobia also appears to negatively influence fertility, and is particularly associated with female infertility. Given that estrogens and estrogen receptors are key players in human reproduction, we speculate that schistosome estrogen-like molecules may contribute to infertility through hormonal imbalances. Here, we review recent findings on the role of estrogens and estrogen receptors on both carcinogenesis and infertility associated with urogenital schistosomiasis and discuss the basic hormonal mechanisms that might be common in cancer and infertility.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5