Clur article -- iodine, T2, and estrogen receptors in breast cancer

[Guest guest]

This morning, I rediscovered a fascinating article by Clur on iodine, T2, rT3,

and estrogen receptors. To understand the article in depth would require a

stronger chemistry background than I have, but the main ideas are fascinating.

It is the first time I have read about possible uses for T2 (one of the iodine

products produced by the thyroid and found in Armour Thyroid).

It ties together a lot of research on iodine, thyroid hormones, estrogens,

melatonin, prolactin, receptors, and breast cancer.

I would love to get a PDF copy of this one so anyone interested could read the

whole article.

Di-iodothyronine as part of the oestradiol and catechol oestrogen receptor--the

role of iodine, thyroid hormones and melatonin in the aetiology of breast

cancer.

Clur A.

Med Hypotheses. 1988 Dec;27(4):303-11. Review.

[abstract only]

" Hypothyroidism and low iodine intake may be important aetiological factors in

oestrogen dependent tumours of the breast, uterus and ovary. They are

preventable risk factors. Iodine supplementation will hopefully lead to a

decreased incidence of these cancers in future generations.

" The present author proposes that the tyrosyl residue in the hydrophobic

oestrogen binding site of the oestrogen receptor is post translationally

modified to monoiodotyrosine and hence 3,3' di-iodothyronine monoamine (T2) by

peroxidase activity. He has previously proposed that various monoamine receptors

are also T2 based. The densities of these receptors are increased in

hypothyroidism and they exert control over release of prolactin and other

hormones, including melatonin at multiple sites in the hypothalamic--pituitary

axis. Melatonin is a metabolite of serotonin and hence melatonin receptors may

be T2 or rT3 based as well. These factors could be significant in the aetiology

of breast cancer as high prolactin and melatonin levels may be protective.

" Oestrogen receptor density may be increased in hypothyroidism as is certain

monoamine receptor density. This would amplify the effect of high circulation

oestrogen levels in hypothyroidism and may help explain why hypothyroidism and

low iodine intake are risk factors for breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. "

Zoe