16-Ketoestrone

16-Ketoestrone is a metabolite of estrone that is formed by 16α-hydroxyestrone in the liver. It is a less active form of estrogen, and is considered a waste product of estrogen metabolism.

Metabolism

16-Ketoestrone is produced in the liver by the enzyme 16α-hydroxylase, which is part of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. This enzyme converts 16α-hydroxyestrone into 16-Ketoestrone. The conversion of 16α-hydroxyestrone to 16-Ketoestrone is a one-way process, meaning that once 16-Ketoestrone is formed, it cannot be converted back into 16α-hydroxyestrone.

Biological Activity

16-Ketoestrone is a less active form of estrogen. It has a lower affinity for the estrogen receptor than estrone, and therefore has less estrogenic activity. However, it is still capable of binding to the estrogen receptor and exerting some estrogenic effects.

Clinical Significance

Elevated levels of 16-Ketoestrone have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer. This is because 16-Ketoestrone can stimulate the growth of estrogen-sensitive tissues, such as the breast and endometrium. Therefore, measuring the levels of 16-Ketoestrone in the body can be useful in assessing a person's risk of developing these types of cancer.

See Also

• Estrone
• Estrogen
• 16α-hydroxyestrone
• Cytochrome P450
• Estrogen receptor

16-Ketoestrone Resources
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