Endocrine parameters and alpha-tocopherol therapy of patients with mammary dysplasia.

Abstract

Patients with mammary dysplasia (17 patients) and controls (6 patients) were treated in a double-blind study with alpha-tocopherol acetate (600 units/day). Determination of serum alpha-tocopherol, estradiol, estriol., and progesterone were made from blood samples collected on Day 21 of the menstrual cycle before and during therapy. Eight-eight % of patients showed clinical response to therapy. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations rose after therapy in patients and controls. Serum estradiol and progesterone concentration were not statistically different in patients or controls after therapy, although patients showed a trend toward increased serum progesterone concentration. However, the ratio of progesterone to estradiol, which is abnormal in mammary dysplasia patients, rose from 30 +/- 7 (S.E.) to 53 +/- 11 in patients after alpha-tocopherol therapy (p less than 0.05). Control patients showed no significant change in progesterone/estradiol ratio. Results of this study indicate that alpha-tocopherol therapy may correct an abnormal progesterone/estradiol ratio in patients with mammary dysplasia, with implications on reducing future risk for malignant breast disease.

• Authors: R S London, G S Sundaram, M Schultz, P P Nair, P J Goldstein
• Journal: Cancer research (Cancer Res) Vol. 41 Issue 9 Pt 2 Pg. 3811-3 (Sep 1981) ISSN: 0008-5472 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7020937 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Vitamin E
• Progesterone
• Estradiol
• Estriol

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Breast Diseases (drug therapy)
• Breast Neoplasms (prevention & control)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Endocrine Glands (drug effects, metabolism)
• Estradiol (blood)
• Estriol (blood)
• Female
• Humans
• Menstruation
• Precancerous Conditions (drug therapy)
• Progesterone (blood)
• Vitamin E (blood, therapeutic use)