Expression and significance of ESR1 in growth hormone-secreting adenoma

Abstract

Objectives To study the expression change of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) in growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHomas) and analyze its relationship to clinical features and prognosis and the potential as a therapeutic target. Methods The technology of issue microarray was employed in 24 cases of invasive GHomas and 52 cases of noninvasive GHomas. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ESR1 protein. Furthermore, the relationship between ESR1 and pathological characteristics was explored. Cell proliferation and invasion ability of GH3 cells were detected by MTS experiment, Annexin V experiment and Transwells experiment after fulvestrant and hesperetin treatment. Results The positive rate was 50% (19/38) in the age group under 40 and 76% (29/38) in the age group of at least 40, and the difference was significant (P=0.017). The positive rate was 79% (19/24) and 56% (29/52) in invasive and non-invasive groups, respectively, and the difference was significant (P=0.049). Following fulvestrant and hesperetin treatment, the viability of GH3 cell was decreased by 53% and 49% respectively. The apoptotic cells in the treated group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the number of invasive cells decreased significantly (P<0.01). Conclusions ESR1 was highly expressed in GHomas and elevated significantly with the increase in age. Estrogen receptor antagonist fulvestrant and hesperetin could significantly inhibit the proliferation and invasion of GH3 cells. Key words: Pituitary neoplasms; Growth hormone; Receptors, estrogen; Fulvestrant; Hesperetin