Abstract:
The idea that susceptibility to breast cancer is determined not only through inherited germline mutations but also by epigenetic changes induced by alterations in hormonal environment during fetal development is gaining increasing support. Using findings obtained in human and animal studies, this review addresses the mechanisms that may explain why daughters of mothers who took synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy have two times higher breast cancer risk than women who were not exposed to it. The mechanisms likely involve epigenetic alterations, such as increased DNA methylation and modifications in histones and microRNA expression.Further, these alterations may target genes that regulate stem cells and prevent differentiation of their daughter cells. Recent findings in a preclinical model suggest that not only are women exposed to DES in utero at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, but this risk may extend to their daughters and granddaughters as well. It is critical, therefore, to determine if the increased risk is driven by epigenetic alterations in genes that increase susceptibility to breast cancer and if these alterations are reversible.
Sources:
- Maternal exposure to diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy and increased breast cancer risk in daughters,NCBI, PMID: 25032259 PMCID: PMC4053091, 2014/10/30. Full study PMC4053091.
More DES DiEthylStilbestrol Resources
- DES studies on cancers and screening.
- DES studies on epigenetics and transgenerational effects.
- DES studies on fertility and pregnancy.
- DES studies on gender identity and psychological health.
- DES studies on in-utero exposure to DES and side-effects.
- DES studies on the genital tract.
- Papers on DES lawsuits.
- DES videos and posts tagged DES, the DES-exposed, DES victims.
A DES Daughter's Blog 
This only states “breast cancer” and not a specific kind listed, like E+ or -, P+ or -,
HER2+ or -, TN, A+or-, or any combination there of. If someone is researching this aspect, it would be very helpful to have the specific kind/s of breast cancer included in the information given. Thank you.
There are another ten more DES and breast cancer studies.
Hopefully, you might find the information over there… Thanks