Abstract
An increased level of serum estrogen is one marker of breast cancer risk. We have recently reported that increased risk of advanced breast cancer is associated with a common allele of the cytochrome P450c17α gene (CYP17), designated A2. We now show that CYP17 genotype is associated with serum hormone levels among 83 young, nulliparous women. Serum estradiol (E2) levels measured around day 11 of the menstrual cycle were 11 and 57% higher (P = 0.04), respectively, among women hetero- and homozygous for the CYP17 A2 allele compared to A1/A1 women. Similarly, around cycle day 22, E2 levels were 7 and 28% higher (P = 0.06), and progesterone levels were 24 and 30% higher (P = 0.04), respectively. These data provide direct evidence of genetic control of serum hormone levels.
Footnotes
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↵1 This work was supported by funds from the California Breast Cancer Research Program of the University of California (Grants 2FB-0212 and 1KB-0060) and by NCI Grant CA14089-21.
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↵2 To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Department of Preventive Medicine, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, MS44, Los Angeles, CA 90033-0800. Phone: (213) 764-0419; Fax: (213) 764-0127.
- Received October 15, 1997.
- Accepted January 2, 1998.
- ©1998 American Association for Cancer Research.
Volume 58, Issue 4
