Abstract
BackgroundUterine temporal and dose-dependent histopathologic, morphometric and gene expression responses to the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen (TAM) were comprehensively examined to further elucidate its estrogen receptor-mediated effects. These results were systematically compared to the effects elicited by the potent estrogen receptor ligand 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE) to identify pathways similarly and uniquely modified by each compound.ResultsThree daily doses of 100 μg/kg TAM elicited a dose-dependent increase in uterine wet weight (UWW) in immature, ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice at 72 hrs with concurrent increases in luminal epithelial cell height (LECH), luminal circumference and glandular epithelial tubule number. Significant UWW and LECH increases were detected at 24 hrs after a single dose of 100 μg/kg TAM. cDNA microarray analysis identified 2235 differentially expressed genes following a single dose of 100 μg/kg TAM at 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 hrs, and at 72 hrs after three daily doses (3 × 24 hrs). Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes was associated with cell growth and proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, extracellular matrix modification, nucleotide synthesis, DNA replication, protein synthesis and turnover, lipid metabolism, glycolysis and immunological responses as is expected from the uterotrophic response. Comparative analysis of TAM and EE treatments identified 1209 common, differentially expressed genes, the majority of which exhibited similar profiles despite a temporal delay in TAM elicited responses. However, several conserved and treatment specific responses were identified that are consistent with proliferation (Fos, Cdkn1a, Anapc1), and water imbibition (Slc30a3, Slc30a5) responses elicited by EE.ConclusionOverall, TAM and EE share similar gene expression profiles. However, TAM responses exhibit lower efficacy, while responses unique to EE are consistent with the physiological differences elicited between compounds.
Highlights
Uterine temporal and dose-dependent histopathologic, morphometric and gene expression responses to the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen (TAM) were comprehensively examined to further elucidate its estrogen receptor-mediated effects
TAM responses exhibit lower efficacy, while responses unique to EE are consistent with the physiological differences elicited between compounds
We extend previous studies examining estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated induction of uterine wet weight [14,15,16] by identifying conserved and divergent uterine tissue and gene expression responses elicited by TAM when compared to EE, an orally active full agonist that mimics the effects of E2 [17]
Summary
Uterine temporal and dose-dependent histopathologic, morphometric and gene expression responses to the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen (TAM) were comprehensively examined to further elucidate its estrogen receptor-mediated effects. These results were systematically compared to the effects elicited by the potent estrogen receptor ligand 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE) to identify pathways and uniquely modified by each compound. A number of factors influence the specificity and efficacy of SERM-bound, ER-mediated gene expression, and the subsequent physiological effects This includes differences in tissue-specific ER isoform expression levels, ligand-induced ER topology, chromatin structure, and coactivator expression and distribution [9,10], making the ER an ideal target for drug discovery and development. Raloxifene, a second-generation SERM, has been approved for osteoporosis and studies support its use for breast cancer [11]
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