Diethylstilbestrol Publisher



Nematbakhsh M^{1, 2} ; Derakhshani M^{1, 2} ; Abdollahi M^{1, 2} Show Affiliations
Source: Encyclopedia of Toxicology# Fourth Edition: Volume 1-9 Published:2023

Abstract

Diethylstilbestrol (DESB) has been given to a wide range of patients over the years, mainly pregnant women and older men with prostate cancer. DESB is a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen. This drug was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, premature birth, and pregnancy-related complications. Use of DESB declined after studies in the 1950s showed it was ineffective in preventing these problems, although it is still used to stop breastfeeding, emergency contraception, and to treat menopausal symptoms in women. In 1971, researchers linked prenatal DESB exposure (during pregnancy or in utero) to a type of cervical and vaginal cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma in a small group of women. DESB appears mainly in tissues enriched with estrogen receptors. It binds to the estrogen receptor with a very high affinity and forms a complex with the target tissue. Then this complex is internalized in the cell and transferred to the nucleus. DESB is now recognized as an endocrine disrupting chemical, one of several substances that interfere with the endocrine system and potentially cause cancer, birth defects, and other developmental abnormalities. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.