Anastrozole

Anastrazole (Arimidex®) lowers estrogenA steroid sex hormone. Estrogen's structure is closely related to cholesterol. Produced by the ovaries, estrogen has effects on the reproductive, cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Estrogen is also a growth factor for some types of cells, including breast cells. Inhibitors of estrogen function such as tamoxifen and arimidex are used to block the growth effects of estrogen. See also, estrogen receptor. levels in the body, particularly the form of estrogen known as estradiol. Many breast tumors display estrogen receptors on cell surfaces. When these receptors are bound to estrogen it is thought that cell growth and thus tumor growth are stimulated. Anastrazole inhibits the enzymeA protein that speeds up the process of chemical reactions in the body without becoming altered in the process. Almost every biological process is driven by the activity of enzymes. Without enzyme catalysts, the complex reactions that build and break down cell parts would not happen at a rate compatible with life. Enzyme names usually describe the reaction that is being catalyzed and all of them end in -ase. aromatase, which aids in the production of estrogen. By inhibiting estrogen synthesis anastrazole is able to lower estrogen levels in the body which can result in a decrease in tumor size or a delay in tumor growth.

The structure above shows the 3D conformer Anastrozole.