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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 7, 2014; 20(33): 11496-11504
Published online Sep 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11496
Published online Sep 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11496
Ulcerative colitis: From inflammation to cancer. Do estrogen receptors have a role?
Mariabeatrice Principi, Maria Pricci, Nicola De Tullio, Giuseppe Losurdo, Enzo Ierardi, Alfredo Di Leo, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
Michele Barone, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
Author contributions: Principi M, Barone M, Ierardi E and Di Leo A, designed the study, revised the manuscript and approved the final version; Pricci M, De Tullio N and Losurdo G collected the data and revised the final version before approval.
Correspondence to: Enzo Ierardi, MD, Adjunct Professor, Associate Professor, Senior Scientist, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Piazza Umberto I, 70124 Bari, Italy. ierardi.enzo@gmail.com
Telephone: +39-80-5592577 Fax: +39-80-5593088
Received: February 20, 2014
Revised: March 29, 2014
Accepted: May 23, 2014
Published online: September 7, 2014
Revised: March 29, 2014
Accepted: May 23, 2014
Published online: September 7, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: The present work outlines the main data regarding a possible involvement of estrogen receptors in colorectal carcinogenesis, paying particular attention to cancer arising in the course of ulcerative colitis. A protective role for beta receptors has been suggested by many studies. The challenge for the future could be to devise chemopreventive strategies against colorectal carcinoma employing estrogen receptor beta agonists, such as phytoestrogens.