Publications by authors named "Monica Szmyd"

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are steroid analogs with dual functionality, acting as partial estrogen receptor agonists to preserve postmenopausal bone density and as estrogen receptor antagonists in breast tissue. Bazedoxifene acetate (BZA) is an FDA-approved, third-generation SERM used in the treatment of osteoporosis in women. It demonstrates potential as a therapeutic option for breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy.

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Bisphenol A (BPA) is a polymerizing agent commonly found in plastics that has been linked to xenoestrogenic activity. In this study, we analyzed the estrogen-like effects of BPA on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)α and p53 with hormonal and antihormonal treatments in T-47D and MCF-7 cells. Cells were cultured in medium containing 5% charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum for 6 days to deplete any endogenous steroids or effectors.

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Background: Black cohosh (BC) is an herbal remedy often used by women to treat symptoms associated with menopause. Research has shown that the molecular activity of BC is associated with estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) regulation. Progesterone receptor (PR) expression is found to be consistent with ER expression and mutations in the gene, a tumor-suppressor gene, are known to be responsible for about 40%-45% of hereditary breast cancers.

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The North American plant , also known as black cohosh (BC), is a herb that recently has gained attention for its hormonal effects. As the usage of hormone replacement therapy is declining due to its adverse effects in women with cancer, many are turning to herbal remedies like BC to treat menopausal symptoms. It is crucial to determine whether the effects of BC involve estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα).

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The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) hormone is secreted by cardiac atrial myocytes and acts to regulate blood pressure homeostasis in humans. Previous research indicates ANP treatment significantly decreases the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and breast cancer cells. Minimal studies have been conducted with regard to ANP regulating tumor suppressor genes and steroid hormone receptors in breast cancer cells.

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It has been reported that phytoestrogen epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) suppresses cancer cell proliferation and may have antitumor properties. In this study, we analyzed the effects of EGCG on estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor in hormone-dependent T-47D breast cancer cells. Western blot analysis revealed EGCG induced a concentration-dependent decrease in ERα protein levels, with a 56% reduction occurring with 60 µM EGCG when compared to controls.

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