Computational studies and structural insights for discovery of potential natural aromatase modulators for hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Introduction: The aromatase enzyme plays an important role in the progress of hormone-dependent breast cancer, especially in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers. In case of postmenopausal women, the aromatization of androstenedione to estrone in adipose tissue is the most important source of estrogen. Generally 60%-75% of pre- and post-menopausal women suffer from estrogen-dependent breast cancer, and thus suppressing estrogen has been recognized to be a successful therapy.