Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genistein on the level of cholesterol, oxysterols, and composition of fatty acids, as well as enzymatic activity of desaturases, in rats with breast cancer. The animals were supplemented with nano-, micro-, and macrogenistein. Rats were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene to induce mammary adenocarcinoma. In the case of animals supplemented with genistein, an increase in the intensity of the carcinogenesis process was observed. Genistein supplementation also affected the cholesterol and oxysterols levels, as well as the composition of fatty acids, in the serum of rats with neoplastic disease. Dietary supplementation with nanogenistein significantly increased the level of cholesterol (p = 0.02) and cholesterol oxidation products (p = 0.02), which may have significant impacts on cancer development and progression.
Highlights
Genistein is an isoflavone with variable biological activity [1,2]
The following compounds were purchased to carry out the micronization process: poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA), purity > 98.0%, Tokyo Chemical Industries (Portland, OR, USA); genistein, purity > 98.0%, Tokyo Chemical Industries (Portland, OR, USA); ethyl acetate was purchased from Avantor Performance Materials Poland S.A. (Gliwice, Poland)
Differentiated tumor cells, characteristic of grade 2 adenocarcinoma, were found in both the control group and the group supplemented with genistein macroparticles
Summary
Genistein is an isoflavone with variable biological activity [1,2]. The prophylactic and therapeutic effect of genistein on various types of neoplasms has been proven and confirmed in numerous clinical studies [3]. Genistein inhibits the activity of tyrosine kinases responsible for transmitting the signal of cell growth and topoisomerase II, a DNA stabilizing protein [4]. The described properties mean that genistein has cytotoxic properties on cancer cells, but it can affect healthy cells the same way, causing mutations [4]. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that genistein can stimulate the growth of some types of cancer, in particular hormone-dependent types of cancer, such as cancer of the cervix, breast, or ovary, which is due to its structure similar to 17-β-estradiol [5,6,7,8]. In our earlier study, the reduction of genistein particles to nanosized particles had the opposite effect to the desired therapeutic effect [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
