Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Feb 7, 2012; 18(5): 393-400
Published online Feb 7, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i5.393
Estrogen, male dominance and esophageal adenocarcinoma: Is there a link?
Huiqi Yang, Olga A Sukocheva, Damian J Hussey, David I Watson
Huiqi Yang, Olga A Sukocheva, Damian J Hussey, David I Watson, Department of Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
Olga A Sukocheva, Damian J Hussey, David I Watson, Flinders Centre for Cancer Prevention and Control, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
Author contributions: Yang H reviewed the related research papers and wrote this paper; Hussey DJ and Sukocheva OA critically reviewed the scientific sections and co-wrote the paper; Watson DI designed the outline of this review, edited the manuscript and critically reviewed its content.
Correspondence to: David I Watson, Professor, Department of Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. david.watson@flinders.edu.au
Telephone: +61-8-82046086 Fax: +61-8-82046130
Received: May 28, 2011
Revised: August 11, 2011
Accepted: August 15, 2011
Published online: February 7, 2012
Abstract

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a cancer with poor prognosis, and its incidence has risen sharply over recent decades. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing this cancer and there is a clear male gender bias in the incidence that cannot be fully explained by known risk factors. It is possible that a difference in the expression of estrogen, or its signaling axes, may contribute to this gender bias. We undertook a comprehensive literature search and analyzed the available data regarding estrogen and estrogen receptor expression, and the possible sex-specific links with esophageal adenocarcinoma development. Potentially relevant associations between visceral vs subcutaneous fat deposition and estrogen expression, and the effect of crosstalk between estrogen and leptin signaling were identified. We also found limited studies suggesting a role for estrogen receptor β expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma development. The current literature supports speculation on an etiological role for estrogen in the male gender bias in esophageal adenocarcinoma, but further studies are required.

Keywords: Estrogen; Estrogen receptors; Male dominance; Esophageal adenocarcinoma