Endoxifen Z-isomer is the most important Tamoxifen metabolite responsible for eliciting the anti-estrogenic effects of this drug in breast cancer cells expressing estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα). Endoxifen inhibits hERG tail currents at 50 mV in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 1.6 μM.IC50 value: 1.6 μM [1]Target: hERG Potassium Channel, Estrogen Receptor/ERREndoxifen Z-isomer is considered a prodrug, since it has a much higher potency for the estrogen receptor than its parent drug. Endoxifen inhibits the hERG channel protein trafficking to the plasma membrane in a concentration-dependent manner with Endoxifen being more potent than Tamoxifen. [1] Endoxifen is also shown to be a more potent inhibitor of estrogen target genes when ERβ is expressed. Additionally, low concentrations of Endoxifen Z-isomer observed in Tamoxifen treated patients with deficient CYP2D6 activity (20 to 40 nM) markedly inhibit estrogen-induced cell proliferation rates in the presence of ERβ, whereas much higher Endoxifen Z-isomer concentrations are needed when ERβ is absent.[2]
References:
[1]. Chae YJ, et al. Endoxifen, the active metabolite of tamoxifen, inhibits cloned hERG potassium channels. Eur J Pharmacol. 2015 Apr 5;752:1-7.
[2]. Wu X, et al. Estrogen receptor-beta sensitizes breast cancer cells to the anti-estrogenic actions of endoxifen. Breast Cancer Res. 2011 Mar 10;13(2):R27.