As an expert in the field of endocrinology, I can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the target of estrogen and its effects on the human body.

Step 1: English Answer

Estrogen is a critical hormone in the endocrine system, primarily produced by the ovaries in females, with additional production in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and adipose tissue. In males, it is produced by the testes and adipose tissue. The target of estrogen is any cell or tissue that has an estrogen receptor (ER), which is a protein that binds to estrogen and triggers specific responses within the cell.

There are two main types of estrogen receptors: ERα (estrogen receptor alpha) and ERβ (estrogen receptor beta). These receptors are found in various tissues throughout the body, including but not limited to the uterus, ovaries, breast, bone marrow, and brain. The presence of these receptors indicates that these tissues are potential targets for estrogen's effects.

The effects of estrogen are diverse and include:


1. Reproductive System: Estrogen plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It stimulates the growth and maintenance of the uterine lining (endometrium), which is shed during menstruation if fertilization does not occur. It also supports the growth of the mammary glands in preparation for lactation.


2. Skeletal System: Estrogen helps to maintain bone density by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone tissue. This protective effect is particularly important during and after menopause when bone loss can accelerate.


3. Cardiovascular System: Estrogen is thought to have a cardioprotective effect, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease by influencing lipid metabolism and vascular function.


4. Nervous System: It has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and is involved in cognitive function, mood regulation, and the regulation of body temperature.


5. Skin and Hair: Estrogen can influence skin thickness and elasticity, as well as hair growth patterns.


6. Muscular System: It may help to maintain muscle mass and strength.

7.
Other Effects: Estrogen also has immunomodulatory effects and plays a role in the regulation of body weight and fat distribution.

The process by which estrogen exerts its effects involves the following steps:

- Binding to Receptors: Estrogen molecules diffuse into target cells and bind to their specific receptors.
- Activation of Receptors: The binding of estrogen to its receptor triggers a conformational change in the receptor, activating it.
- Nuclear Translocation: The activated receptor-estrogen complex then moves to the cell nucleus.
- DNA Binding: The receptor binds to specific DNA sequences known as estrogen response elements (EREs), which are located near or within the genes that estrogen regulates.
- Transcription: This binding initiates the transcription of specific genes into mRNA.
- Translation: The mRNA is then translated into proteins, which can have various effects on cell function and growth.

It is important to note that not all of estrogen's effects are mediated through classical genomic mechanisms involving ERs. There are also non-genomic effects of estrogen, which occur rapidly and are thought to involve cell membrane-associated receptors or other signaling pathways.

In the context of the reference you provided, "Induction of the progesterone receptor gene in estrogen target cells monitored by branched DNA signal amplification," it highlights one of the many ways estrogen can influence cellular function. Progesterone receptors are proteins that bind to progesterone, another important hormone in the female reproductive system. The induction of these receptors by estrogen suggests a complex interplay between these hormones in regulating the growth and development of target tissues.

Step 2: Separator

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Induction of the progesterone receptor gene in estrogen target cells monitored by branched DNA signal amplification. ... Estrogens have multiple effects on the growth and development of cells in their target tissues, including the uterus, ovary, breast, bone marrow and brain.read more >>