4-Methoxyestradiol (4-ME2) is an
endogenous
Endogeny, in biology, refers to the property of originating or developing from within an organism, tissue, or cell.
For example, ''endogenous substances'', and ''endogenous processes'' are those that originate within a living system (e.g. an ...
,
naturally occurring
A natural product is a natural compound or substance produced by a living organism—that is, found in nature. In the broadest sense, natural products include any substance produced by life. Natural products can also be prepared by chemical ...
methoxyl
In organic chemistry, a methoxy group is the functional group consisting of a methyl group bound to oxygen. This alkoxy group has the formula .
On a benzene ring, the Hammett equation classifies a methoxy substituent at the ''para'' position as ...
ated
catechol estrogen
A catechol estrogen is a steroidal estrogen that contains catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) within its structure. The catechol estrogens are endogenous metabolites of estradiol and estrone and include the following compounds:
* 2-Hydroxylated:
** ...
and
metabolite
In biochemistry, a metabolite is an intermediate or end product of metabolism.
The term is usually used for small molecules. Metabolites have various functions, including fuel, structure, signaling, stimulatory and inhibitory effects on enzymes, c ...
of
estradiol
Estradiol (E2), also called oestrogen, oestradiol, is an estrogen steroid hormone and the major female sex hormone. It is involved in the regulation of female reproductive cycles such as estrous and menstrual cycles. Estradiol is responsible ...
that is formed by
catechol O-methyltransferase
Catechol-''O''-methyltransferase (COMT; ) is one of several enzymes that degrade catecholamines (neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), catecholestrogens, and various drugs and substances having a catechol struct ...
via the
intermediate 4-hydroxyestradiol.
It has
estrogen
Estrogen (also spelled oestrogen in British English; see spelling differences) is a category of sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. There are three ...
ic activity similarly to
estrone
Estrone (E1), also spelled oestrone, is a steroid, a weak estrogen, and a minor female sex hormone. It is one of three major endogenous estrogens, the others being estradiol and estriol. Estrone, as well as the other estrogens, are synthesized ...
and
4-hydroxyestrone.
See also
*
2-Methoxyestradiol
2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME2, 2-MeO-E2) is a natural metabolite of estradiol and 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2). It is specifically the 2-methyl ether of 2-hydroxyestradiol. 2-Methoxyestradiol prevents the formation of new blood vessels that tumors ...
*
2-Methoxyestriol
*
2-Methoxyestrone
*
4-Methoxyestrone
References
External links
Metabocard for 4-Methoxyestradiol - Human Metabolome Database
Secondary alcohols
Estranes
Estrogens
Ethers
Human metabolites
Steroid hormones
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