Expression and effects of ligand-activated estrogen receptors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Background/Aim: Recent epidemiological data indicate that lymphoid tumors may be influenced by estrogens. The effects of estrogens are mediated via nuclear estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ). This study investigated the potential functions of ligand-activated ERs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Materials and Methods: The ER mRNA expression in B lymphocytes isolated from patients with CLL was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To evaluate the effects of ERβ signaling, primary CLL cells and CLL-derived MEC1 cells were treated with selective ERβ agonists. Results: The mRNA expression of ERα, ERβ1 and its splice variant ERβ2 was detected in CLL cells. Selective ERβ agonist 2,3-bis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propionitrile induced apoptosis in primary CLL cells and suppressed the growth of CLL-derived MEC1 cells. Conclusion: A suppressive effect of ERβ agonists on the growth of ERβ-expressing CLL cells was found, indicating that ERβ may be considered as a potential therapeutic target in CLL.