Estrogens are a group of compounds named for their importance in the estrous cycle of humans and other animals. They are the primary female sex hormones. Estrogens play key roles in development and maintenance of normal sexual and reproductive function. In addition, in both men and women they exert a vast range of biological effects in the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, and central nervous systems. The most potent estrogen produced in the body is 17 β-estradiol (E2). Estrogen receptor refers to a group of receptors that are activated by the hormone 17 β-estradiol. ER is a member of the nuclear hormone family of intracellular receptors, and the estrogen G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 (GPER), is a G protein-coupled receptor. The main function of the estrogen receptor is as a DNA-binding transcription factor that regulates gene expression. The ``classical'' receptor, ER α, is present in the classical estrogen-target organs, while the newly recognized ER β is present in the prostate, testis, ovary, and some areas of the brain. Anti-estrogens, designed to block ER α, are widely and effectively used clinically in the treatment of breast cancer. However, although synthetic anti-estrogens are mainline therapy for treating ER α positive breast cancers, these drugs have unwanted side effects in non-target tissues, and after prolonged treatment, cancers become resistant to anti estrogens therapy. The idea that ER β agonists may be used to promote growth arrest offers new possibilities for pharmacological intervention in the treatment of cancers.
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