estrogenic

Estrogenic refers to properties, actions, or responses related to estrogen, a principal female sex hormone in many mammals, or to estrogen receptors. In a broad sense, estrogenic describes anything that mimics, enhances, or modulates the effects of estrogen in a biological system. The term is used for natural estrogens such as estradiol, as well as synthetic estrogens and non-steroidal compounds that activate estrogen receptors.

Mechanisms: Estrogenic effects are primarily mediated by estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, which function as transcription factors in the nucleus and also participate in rapid non-genomic signaling at the cell membrane. Depending on tissue, age, and exposure, estrogenic compounds can influence cell proliferation, gene expression, and physiological processes including reproductive development, bone density, and metabolism.

Examples: Estrogenic compounds include natural estrogens, synthetic estrogens (for example ethynilestradiol and diethylstilbestrol), selective estrogen receptor modulators with tissue-selective effects, phytoestrogens from plants (such as isoflavones like genistein), and environmental xenoestrogens (such as bisphenol A, alkylphenols, and certain pesticides).

Concerns and research: Environmental estrogenicity is studied under endocrine disruption, as chronic exposure can affect reproduction, development, and cancer risk depending on dose, timing, and tissue. Risk assessment considers estrogenic potency and receptor binding affinity, among other factors.

Measurement and terminology: Estrogenic activity is assessed using receptor binding assays, estrogen response element reporter assays, cell proliferation assays, and in vivo models. Terms include estrogenic potency, EC50, and relative binding affinity.