Abstract
Effects of phytoestrogens on human health have been reported for decades. These include not only beneficial action in cancer prevention but also endocrine disruption in males. Since then many molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have been identified. Targets of phytoestrogens comprise steroid receptors, steroid metabolising enzymes, elements of signal transduction and apoptosis pathways, and even the DNA processing machinery. Understanding the specific versus pleiotropic effects of selected phytoestrogens will be crucial for their biomedical application. This review will concentrate on the influence of phytoestrogens on 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases from a comparative perspective with other steroid metabolizing enzymes. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 285-292 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Volume | 93 |
Issue number | 2-5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2005 |
Keywords
- 17beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
- Flavonoids
- Phytoestrogens