32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Aromatase Inhibition as a Treatment for Endometriosis
Abby R. Held
Dr. Bill R. Miller, Faculty Mentor
Endometriosis is a common pelvic inflammatory disease characterized by endometrium being found in locations outside of the uterus, and it has repeatedly been shown to be estrogen dependent. Aromatase, one of the many enzymes that contribute to endometriosis, produces estrogen in a positive feedback cycle, which contributes to the proliferation of endometrial tissue. It has been suggested that inhibition of this protein can disrupt estrogen production. Aromatase also plays a large role in hormone-dependent breast cancer, so several pharmaceuticals are already on the market for the purpose of aromatase inhibition. The problem with these drugs is that they cause a series of extreme side effects. It has recently been suggested that isoflavones, which are natural products that can inhibit aromatase, can reduce these side effects. The present study seeks to determine an isoflavone structure that binds better than a previously presented isoflavone using computational chemistry methods.
Keywords: Endometriosis, estrogen, aromatase, biochemistry, computational chemistry
Topic(s):Chemistry
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 311-4
Location: MC 212
Time: 2:15