Estrogenic and Antiproliferative Properties
of Genistein and Other Flavonoids in
Human Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   Nutrition and Cancer 1997; 27 (1): 31-40

Zava DT, Duwe G

Aeron Biotechnology, Inc.,
San Leandro, CA 94577, USA

---

Experimental and epidemiologic studies support the view that soyfoods prevent cancer as well as diseases and symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency.   Recent research suggests that the isoflavonoid Genistein, a phytoestrogen found in abundance in soyfoods, may be one of the principal molecular components responsible for these health benefits.   In this study we investigated the effects of a broad physiologically relevant concentration range of Genistein on estrogen receptor (ER) binding, induction of the estrogen-regulated antigen pS2, and cell proliferation rate cells grown in vitro.   Dose response to genistein was compared with that of estradiol, tamoxifen, and several other structurally similar iso- and bioflavonoids (e.g., equol, kaempferol, and quercetin).   Our results revealed that genistein has potent estrogen agonist and cell growth- inhibitory actions over a physiologically achievable concentration range (10 nM-20 microM).   Other flavonoids over the same concentration range were good estrogen agonists and poor cell growth inhibitors (equol) or poor estrogen agonists and potent growth inhibitors (kaempferol and quercetin). The growth- inhibitory actions of flavonoids were distinctly different from those of triphenyl antiestrogens like tamoxifen.   In summary, our results reveal that genistein is unique among the flavonoids tested, in that it has potent estrogen agonist and cell growth-inhibitory actions over a physiologically relevant concentration range.

Return to SOY PROTEIN

Since 9-15-1999