The essential role of the aromatase/p450arom.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review describing aromatase genetics, physiology, and deficiency syndromes without primary clinical trial data
PubMed 12428207 · doi:10.1055/s-2002-35374
What was done
This narrative review describes the molecular genetics of the human CYP19 gene encoding aromatase (P450arom), its tissue-specific promoter regulation, the clinical manifestations of aromatase deficiency across sexes and age groups, and the broader metabolic and extragonadal roles of estrogens.
What was found
The abstract reports no clinical trial or experimental numbers. It details genetic characteristics: the human CYP19 gene is located on chromosome 15q21.1, spans roughly 123 kb, contains a ~30 kb coding region across 9 exons (exons II to X), and utilizes nine different transcriptional start sites with tissue-specific promoters. It notes that aromatase deficiency disrupts male and female pubertal development and bone maturation, and outlines estrogen's involvement in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, vascular function, atherosclerosis, breast cancer, and endometriosis.
Why it matters
The paper outlines how estrogen biosynthesis is vital for male pubertal skeletal development and general metabolic health, establishing that estrogens serve essential functions far beyond female reproduction.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without systematic search methodology, quantitative outcome metrics, statistical comparisons, or specified sample sizes.
Cited by
- supports Estrogen in the female body is synthesized from testosterone.