Estrogen receptor polymorphism and its relationship to pathological process.

摘要

Estrogens are present in both men and women; they are usually present at significantly higher levels in women of reproductive age. They promote the development of female secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts, and are also involved in the thickening of the endometrium and other aspects of regulating the menstrual cycle. In males, estrogen regulates certain functions of the reproductive system that are important to the maturation of sperm and may be necessary for a healthy libido. Furthermore, there are several other structural changes induced by estrogen and it influences diverse other functions such as reduces muscle mass, increases bone formation and hepatic production of binding protein, alters coagulation, lipid metabolism, salt and water retention, and function gastrointestinal tract and lung.