Dimethylstilbestrol: Difference between revisions

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'''Dimethylstilbestrol''' ('''DES''') is a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen. It was first synthesized in 1938 and was widely prescribed from the 1940s through the 1970s for pregnant women to prevent miscarriages, premature labor, and related complications of pregnancy. However, it was later discovered that DES did not effectively prevent these complications and was linked to a rare form of vaginal tumor among girls and women who had been exposed to the drug in utero. Consequently, the use of DES was discontinued, and it has been banned in many countries.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Dimethylstilbestrol}}


==Medical Uses==
== Dimethylstilbestrol ==
Initially, '''Dimethylstilbestrol''' was used to support pregnancy by supplementing estrogen levels, which was believed to prevent miscarriage and preterm labor. It was also used in various other medical conditions, including breast and prostate cancer treatment.
[[File:Dimethylstilbestrol.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Dimethylstilbestrol]]
'''Dimethylstilbestrol''' (DMS) is a synthetic nonsteroidal [[estrogen]] of the [[stilbestrol]] group. It is chemically related to [[diethylstilbestrol]] (DES), which is more widely known and studied. DMS was developed in the early 20th century and has been used in various medical applications, although its use has declined due to safety concerns.


==Adverse Effects==
== Chemical Properties ==
The adverse effects of DES exposure are significant and have led to changes in medical practice and drug regulation. Women who were prescribed DES during pregnancy have an increased risk of breast cancer. Their offspring, known as "DES daughters" and "DES sons," face various health issues. DES daughters have an increased risk of clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) of the vagina and cervix, reproductive tract abnormalities, infertility, and pregnancy complications. DES sons may experience non-cancerous epididymal cysts and other genital abnormalities.
Dimethylstilbestrol is a [[stilbene]] derivative, characterized by its two phenyl rings connected by a carbon-carbon double bond. The chemical formula of DMS is C<sub>18</sub>H<sub>20</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. It is a crystalline solid at room temperature and is soluble in organic solvents.


==Mechanism of Action==
== Mechanism of Action ==
DES functions as an agonist of the estrogen receptor, mimicking the effects of natural estrogen in the body. Its estrogenic activity is responsible for both its intended therapeutic effects and its adverse outcomes.
As an estrogen, DMS binds to and activates the [[estrogen receptor]]s in the body. This activation leads to the transcription of estrogen-responsive genes, which can influence a variety of physiological processes, including the regulation of the [[menstrual cycle]], maintenance of [[bone density]], and modulation of [[lipid metabolism]].


==History==
== Medical Uses ==
The history of DES is a cautionary tale in the annals of pharmaceutical development. Its initial promise as a preventive measure for pregnancy complications was overshadowed by the tragic consequences for those exposed to the drug in utero. The discovery of the link between prenatal DES exposure and cancer in the early 1970s led to a reevaluation of drug safety and efficacy standards, contributing to the establishment of more rigorous testing requirements for drugs.
Historically, dimethylstilbestrol was used in the treatment of [[menopausal symptoms]], [[prostate cancer]], and as a component of [[hormone replacement therapy]]. However, its use has been largely discontinued due to the discovery of significant adverse effects associated with similar compounds like diethylstilbestrol.


==Regulation and Legacy==
== Adverse Effects ==
The regulatory response to the DES tragedy included the banning of the drug for pregnant women and the implementation of stricter drug testing and approval processes. The legacy of DES continues to influence public health policy, medical practice, and patient advocacy, particularly in the areas of drug safety and the long-term effects of pharmaceuticals.
The use of synthetic estrogens like DMS has been associated with an increased risk of [[thromboembolic events]], [[breast cancer]], and [[endometrial cancer]]. These risks have led to a reevaluation of the safety of such compounds, and they are now rarely used in clinical practice.


==See Also==
== Historical Context ==
Dimethylstilbestrol was developed during a period when synthetic estrogens were being explored for a variety of medical applications. The adverse effects observed with diethylstilbestrol, particularly its teratogenic effects when used during pregnancy, have overshadowed the use of DMS and similar compounds.
 
== Related Compounds ==
* [[Diethylstilbestrol]] (DES)
* [[Stilbestrol]]
* [[Estradiol]]
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Estrogen]]
* [[Estrogen]]
* [[Hormone replacement therapy]]
* [[Hormone replacement therapy]]
* [[Drug safety]]
* [[Prostate cancer]]
* [[Pharmaceutical drug]]
* [[Pregnancy complications]]


[[Category:Endocrine disruptors]]
[[Category:Estrogens]]
[[Category:Synthetic estrogens]]
[[Category:Endocrinology]]
[[Category:Drug safety]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 05:26, 16 February 2025


Dimethylstilbestrol[edit]

Chemical structure of Dimethylstilbestrol

Dimethylstilbestrol (DMS) is a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen of the stilbestrol group. It is chemically related to diethylstilbestrol (DES), which is more widely known and studied. DMS was developed in the early 20th century and has been used in various medical applications, although its use has declined due to safety concerns.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Dimethylstilbestrol is a stilbene derivative, characterized by its two phenyl rings connected by a carbon-carbon double bond. The chemical formula of DMS is C18H20O2. It is a crystalline solid at room temperature and is soluble in organic solvents.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

As an estrogen, DMS binds to and activates the estrogen receptors in the body. This activation leads to the transcription of estrogen-responsive genes, which can influence a variety of physiological processes, including the regulation of the menstrual cycle, maintenance of bone density, and modulation of lipid metabolism.

Medical Uses[edit]

Historically, dimethylstilbestrol was used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, prostate cancer, and as a component of hormone replacement therapy. However, its use has been largely discontinued due to the discovery of significant adverse effects associated with similar compounds like diethylstilbestrol.

Adverse Effects[edit]

The use of synthetic estrogens like DMS has been associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer. These risks have led to a reevaluation of the safety of such compounds, and they are now rarely used in clinical practice.

Historical Context[edit]

Dimethylstilbestrol was developed during a period when synthetic estrogens were being explored for a variety of medical applications. The adverse effects observed with diethylstilbestrol, particularly its teratogenic effects when used during pregnancy, have overshadowed the use of DMS and similar compounds.

Related Compounds[edit]

Related Pages[edit]