Selective estrogen receptor modulators resveratrol, genistein, tamoxifen, pterostilbene and clomiphene downregulates the expression of minute‐double minute2 (MDM2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genes in SNB‐19 glioblastoma cells (1148.9)

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary neoplasm of the brain. Our studies using SNB‐19 glioma cells have shown that selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) at pharmacological concentrations modulate the expression of minute double minute (mdm2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genes. The SNB‐19 glioblastoma cells were treated with increasing concentrations of SERMs such as resveratrol, genistein, tamoxifen, pterostilbene and clomiphene, and their effects were studied using RNA and protein analyses. The cell viability studies on cells exposed to the above SERMs showed a concentration dependent cell growth arrest and cell death by apoptosis. Reverse‐Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) studies indicated decreased levels of transcription of mdm2 and VEGF mRNA. Western blot analysis showed a corresponding decrease in the expression of the VEGF protein. The above results show the down‐regulation of the mdm2 and VEGF expression and the induction of cell death in SNB‐19 glioma cells due to exposure to the above SERMs, indicating their potential use in causing the regression of glioblastomas.Grant Funding Source: Supported by science research funds from Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY