Hormones of pregnancy, menopause and contraception Flashcards
synthesis of oestrogens/progesterone
cholesterol pregnenolone progesterone--> (gluco,mineral) androgens androstenedione testosterone oestrone oestradiol
steroid hormones
tetraplanar ring
Cross membranes
Lipophilic
Common properties of nuclear receptors
- have ligand binding and dna binding domains
- translocate to nucleus once hormone bound
- Bind to Hormone response elements (recognition elements) in specific gene sequences
- Dimerization important for function- hormone binds to dna and forms dimers
Androgen receptors (AR), Estrogen receptors (ER), Progesterone receptors (PR)
Oestrogen receptors- process of binding to dna
Changes conformation due to dissociation of heat shock proteins after oestrogen binds
Receptor undergoes dimerization in order for incr affinity for dna
Oestrogen-receptor complex can now bind to specific DNA sites- EREs(oestrogen response/recognition elements)
Progesterone receptors
Nuclear receptors regulating gene transcription
Bind to PREs
Two isoforms- PR-A and PR-B:
- identical ligand binding
- bring about different effects
- PR-B mediates the stimulatory effects of progesterone
Actions of oestrogens
Produced by ovaries, act on uterus: stimulation of endometrium, thickening of vaginal mucosa, thinning of cervical mucus (allows sperm to reach egg)
Hypothalamus: incr GnRH secretion
Pituitary: decr LH secretion
Metabolism: Protein anabolism, bone growth, decr circulating cholesterol (higher risk of cvd in menopause)
Female sex characteristics: Secondary sex characteristics (hair growth, breast development)
Actions of progesterone
Produced in luteal phase, decreases GnRH production
Induction of secretory activity in oestrogen-primed endometrium
Incr viscosity of cervical mucous (for implantation of egg, stops other sperm)
Promotes glandular breast development
Incr basal body temp
Natural (endogenous) oestrogens
Oestradiol/oestrone
Oestriol
Synthetic oestrogens
Mestranol
Ethinylestradiol
DIethylstilbestrol
Availabilty of oestrogen
Oral, transdermal, intramuscular, implantable, topical
SERMs
Selective Estrogen receptor modulators
Selectively with SERMs is possible because
ER-alpha and/or ER-beta show differential tissue expression
Conformation dependent bind to DNA and TFs
Tissue dependent responses ranging between pro-oestrogenic, partially oestrogenic and anti-oestrogenic effects
Role in treatment of certain cancers
Natural progesterones
hydroxyprogesterone
medroxyprogesterone
dydrogesterone
Testosterone derivatives
norgestrel
desogestrel
ethynodiol
Availability of progesterones
oral, intramuscular, via vagina/rectum
Menopause
Menstruation irregular then ceases
Few primadorial follicles left in ovaries- no follicles = no oestrogen
Gonadotropins secreted in greater amounts, because of loss of -ve feedback
Phases of menopause
Perimenopuase
Menopause
Postmenopause
Perimenopause
Fluctuation in hormone levels
Can last 2-8 years