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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

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Open Access 01-12-2005 | Research

Cytochrome P450 aromatase expression in human seminoma

Authors: Vittoria Rago, Francesco Romeo, Saveria Aquila, Daniela Montanaro, Sebastiano Andò, Amalia Carpino

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2005

Abstract

Background

The enzyme cytochrome P450 aromatase, catalysing the conversion of androgens into estrogens, has been detected in normal human testicular cells suggesting a physiological role of local estrogen biosynthesis on spermatogenesis control. Estrogens, regulating cell growth and apoptosis, can also be involved in tumorigenesis process, but the possible link between estrogens and testicular neoplastic process is, up to now, scarcely known. This study examined aromatase expression in human seminoma, which is the most common germ cell tumour of the testis.

Methods

The tumour-bearing testes were obtained from 20 patients with classic seminoma undergoing to therapeutic orchidectomy. Paraffin embedded tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry using a mouse monoclonal antibody generated against human placental cytochrome P450 arom, as primary antibody, and a biotinylated goat-anti-mouse IgG, as secondary antibody. Furthermore, Western blot analysis of seminoma extracts was carried out.

Results

Intense P450 arom immunoreactivity was observed in the seminoma cells and Western blot analysis confirmed the immunodetection. A strong immunostaining was also detected in cells of intratubular germ cell neoplasia (IGCN), adjacent to seminoma.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated, for the first time in human, aromatase expression in neoplastic cells of seminoma suggesting a relation between local estrogen biosynthesis and germ cell tumorigenesis. The P450 arom immunolocalization in the cells of IGCN, representing the common precursor of most germ cell tumors, seems to support these findings.

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Title: Cytochrome P450 aromatase expression in human seminoma
Authors: Vittoria Rago
Francesco Romeo
Saveria Aquila
Daniela Montanaro
Sebastiano Andò
Amalia Carpino
Publication date: 01-12-2005
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2005
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-3-72

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cytochrome P450 aromatase expression in human seminoma

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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