[Regulation of genistein on the levels of ERalpha, ERbeta mRNA in uterine endometrial cancer cells]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the mechanism of phytoestrogen (genistein) on uterine endometrial cancer cells and provide the theory foundation for using phytoestrogen in clinical practice.

Methods: Uterine endometrial cancer cell lines (ishikawa) were cultured in vitro at different genistein concentration, and the expressions of the two estrogen subtypes of endometrial cancer cells were observed by real-time PCR. And two treatment groups, estradiol and progestin, were used as positive controls.

Results: (1) Low concentration of genistein could enhance the expression level of ERalpha mRNA of endometrial cancer cells, which was obviously weaker than that of the estradiol group. On the other hand, low concentration of genistein could decrease the expression level of ERbeta mRNA of endometrial cancer cells, however estradiol had hardly any effect on this. (2) High concentration of genistein could decline the expression levels of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA of endometrial cancer cells, whose effect was weaker than that of progestin.

Conclusion: The expression levels of ERalpha mRNA and ERbeta mRNA of endometrial cancer cells vary with genistein concentrations. The experimental results suggest that genistein may act as estrogen receptor regulator.