Genistein Research Articles

Metabolomic tool to identify soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] germplasms with a high level of shade tolerance at the seedling stage

The isoflavone profiles of seeds of various soybean genotypes with different levels of shade tolerance at the seedling stage were investigated. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify 12 isoflavones, and the data were analyzed using a multivariate statistical analysis. Combined with field experimental data and an orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), several aglycones (genistein (GE), daidzein (DE), and glycitein (GLE)) were selected and identified as key compounds involved in the shade tolerance of soybean seedlings. Additional correlation analysis and laboratory shading stress experiments with soybean seedlings also confirmed the function of these selected isoflavones, especially GE, in the discrimination of soybean seedlings with different levels of shade tolerance. Furthermore, the structure–antioxidant activity relationships between a range of isoflavones and the plant shade-tolerance mechanism are discussed. Targeted metabolomic analyses of isoflavones could reveal the diversity of shade tolerance in soybean seedlings, thus contributing to the breeding of excellent soybean varieties.

Early postnatal genistein administration permanently affects nitrergic and vasopressinergic systems in a sex-specific way

Genistein (GEN) is a natural xenoestrogen (isoflavonoid) that may interfere with the development of estrogen-sensitive neural circuits. Due to the large and increasing use of soy-based formulas for babies (characterized by a high content of GEN), there are some concerns that this could result in an impairment of some estrogen-sensitive neural circuits and behaviors. In a previous study, we demonstrated that its oral administration to female mice during late pregnancy and early lactation induced a significant decrease of nitric oxide synthase-positive cells in the amygdala of their male offspring. In the present study, we have used a different experimental protocol mimicking, in mice, the direct precocious exposure to GEN. Mice pups of both sexes were fed either with oil, estradiol or GEN from birth to postnatal day 8. Nitric oxide synthase and vasopressin neural systems were analyzed in adult mice. Interestingly, we observed that GEN effect was time specific (when compared to our previous study), sex specific, and not always comparable to the effects of estradiol. This last observation suggests that GEN may act through different intracellular pathways.Present results indicate that the effect of natural xenoestrogens on the development of the brain may be highly variable: a plethora of neuronal circuits may be affected depending on sex, time of exposure, intracellular pathway involved, and target cells. This raises concern on the possible long-term effects of the use of soy-based formulas for babies, which may be currently underestimated.

Systematic characterization of Pluronic® micelles and their application for solubilization and in vitro release of some hydrophobic anticancer drugs

Abstract The utilization of polymeric micelles in oncology in the last few decades has progressed by leaps and bounds from the advances in polymer chemistry, in drug formulation and delivery (in vitro and in vivo biological models). Commercially available linear (A-B-A type) ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (EO-PO) block copolymers, Pluronics® have acquired added attention by virtue of their capability to load therapeutics, execute the delivery of the consignment to the site of action, improve the pharmacokinetics of the loaded drugs and reduce off-target cytotoxicity. The size of the hydrophobic (middle) and hydrophilic (end) blocks in copolymer molecule plays a decisive role for the drug loading capabilities. Hence, with this objective, we have examined the role of six different Pluronics® with varying molecular characteristics in the solubilization of three widely used hydrophobic anticancer drugs genistein (GEN), paclitaxel (PCL), and quercetin (QCT). Stable micelles (apparent hydrodynamic diameter ~ 15–20nm) form in case of moderately hydrophobic copolymers viz. P103 and P123 at ambient temperature while very hydrophilic F88 forms micelles at elevated temperatures due to much higher critical micelle temperature (CMT). All the three drugs showed enhanced solubility in copolymer micelles with the increase in temperature and salt concentration. The drug loading, stability and in vitro release profiles from the micelles were examined using reversed phase HPLC. Release profile demonstrated slower and sustained release. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the drug loaded micelles was investigated on MCF-7 breast cancer cells which showed higher anticancer activity as compared to free drugs. PCL loaded P123 micelles exhibited the best anticancer activity. The results of the current work will be highly commodious for the application of Pluronics® in anticancer therapeutics.

Effects of Genistein and Synergistic Action in Combination with Tamoxifen on the HepG2 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line

Introduction:The flavonoids comprise a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity that is present in edible plants like soybeans and soy products. In vivo studies have concentrated on the effects of flavonoids on cancer and genistein (GE), a soy-derived isoflavone, has been reported to reduce prostate, colon, hepatic and breast adenocarcinoma risk. Tamoxifen (TAM) is an important drug for cancer treatment worldwide, which can induce apoptosis in various cancers, including examples in the liver, breast and ovaries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GE and TAM, alone and in combination, on proliferation and apoptosis in the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cell line.Materials and Methods:HepG 2 cells were treated with GE, TAM and GE/TAM and then MTT and flow cytometry assays were conducted to determine effects on viability and apoptosis, respectively.Results:GE and TAM inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in the HepG 2 cell lines.Discussion:Our findings clearly indicated that GE and TAM may exert inhibitory and apoptotic effects in liver cancer cells.Conclusion:GE and TAM can significantly inhibit growth of HCC cells and play a significant role in apoptosis.

Genistein and Trichostatin A Induction of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Gene Expression, Apoptosis and Cell Growth Inhibition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG 2 Cells

Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation play important roles in determining gene expression. Hypermethylation of CpG islands of the promoter region of tumor suppressor genes can greatly influence carcinogenesis through transcriptional silencing. Acetylation of lysine in histone tails causes relaxation of chromatin, which facilitates gene transcription, while deacetylation is associated with condensed chromatin resulting in gene silencing. DNA demethylating agents such as genistein (GE) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) such as trichostatin A (TSA) may strongly reactivate silenced genes and exposure to these two agents in combination is reported to enhance estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) reactivation and induction of apoptosis. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of these compounds on ERα gene expression, cell viability and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Hep G2 cells. GE exerted biphasic effects; it stimulated cell growth at a low concentration (1 μM) but inhibitory influence was noted with high concentrations (10, 20 and 40 μM). In contrast, TSA demonstrated inhibitory effects on growth at all of concentrations tested. Furthermore, GE and GE/TSA significantly induced apoptosis at all concentrations, but TSA only after 72 h. GE induced ERα re-expression and this was maximal in combined treatment groups treated with GE/TSA for 72 h.Discussion:Our finding clearly indicates that GE and TSA have an inhibitory cell growth, induce apoptosis and reactivate the ERα gene expression.Conclusion:GE and TSA can significantly inhibit the growth of HCC cells and play a significant role in apoptosis and reactivation of ERα gene.

THE POTENTIAL OF DIETHYLHEXYL-PHTHALATE AND GENISTEIN TO INDUCE TESTICULAR CHANGES IN RAT'S OFFSPRING.

To study the effect of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) alone or in combination with genistein (GEN) on the reproductive system of offspring rats, focus on the induction of reproductive outcomes. 180 Wistar rats were divided in 6 groups (30 animals per group): DEHP 250 mg/kg/day group, DEHP 1000 mg/kg/day group, DEHP 2500 mg/kg/day group treated with DEHP 2500 mg/kg/day, DEHP (2500 mg/kg) + GEN (50 mg/kg) group, DEHP (2500 mg/kg) + GEN (500 mg/kg) group and control group treated with the same quantity of corn oil. The differences in sperm quality and reproductive organs were observed. After DEHP administration we observed an increase in rat's abestrus, metaestrus and all estrus cycle (P < 0.05), a decrease in rat testicle's organ coefficient and relative energy of testis Sertoli cells and an increase in the early, late and total apoptotic rate of testicular Sertoli cells in a dose dependent manner (P < 0.05). When combine DEHP with GEN the sperm density, sperm quality, the cell activity rate and testis tissue's changes will decrease compared with the group that receive only DEHP in a dose dependent manner. DEHP exposure induces cryptorchidism in offspring rats and this is aggravated by adding GEN.

Effect of Genistein and 17-β Estradiol on the Viability and Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 cell line.

Background:One of the most lethal cancers is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genistein (GE) is a choice compound for treatment of certain types of cancer. Phytoestrogens are plant derivatives that bear a structural similarity to 17-β estradiol (E2) and act in a similar manner. They are a group of lipophillic plant compounds with tumorigenic and antitumorigenic effects. E2 has stimulatory and inhibitory effects on cancer cell lines. This study was designed to investigate the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of GE and E2 on the HCC HepG2 cell line.Materials and Methods:HepG2 cells were cultured and treated with various concentrations of GE and E2 and then 3-[4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromideand flow cytometry assay were performed to determine cell viability and apoptosis.Results:GE and E2 induced apoptosis and inhibited cell growth significantly. Reduction of cell viability by 50% required 20 μM E2 for E2-treatment groups and 20 μMGE for GE-treatment groups. The percentage of the GE-treated apoptotic cells was reduced by about 35%, 42%, and 47% (P < 0.001) and that of E2-treated groups 34%, 39%, and 42% (P < 0.001) after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively.Conclusions:Our experimental work clearly demonstrated that GE and E2 exhibited significant antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on human HCC HepG2 cells.

Genistein: A Novel Anthocyanin Synthesis Promoter that Directly Regulates Biosynthetic Genes in Red Cabbage in a Light-Dependent Way.

Genistein (GNT), an isoflavone, is used in the clinical treatment of various health disorders. GNT is found in primary food source plants and some medical plants. However, studies on the functions of GNT in plants are rarely reported. In this study, we demonstrated that GNT plays an important role in promoting anthocyanin accumulation in red cabbage. GNT solutions (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/L) as foliar fertilizers were applied to red cabbage. Consequently, anthocyanin accumulation in red cabbage increased in a light-dependent manner. GNT solution at 30 mg/L exhibited the optimal effect on anthocyanin accumulation, which was twice that of the control. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that GNT application upregulated the expression of all structural genes, contributing to anthocyanin biosynthesis under light conditions. Under dark conditions, GNT exerted no significant promotive effect on anthocyanin accumulation; only early biosynthetic genes of anthocyanin biosynthesis responded to GNT. The promotive effect of GNT on anthocyanin biosynthesis is directly attributable to the regulation of structural gene expression. Transcription factors exhibited no response to GNT. The levels of anthocyanin in red cabbage positively correlated with the enzyme activities of antioxidant systems. This finding correlation suggested that the promotive effect of GNT on anthocyanin levels was correlated with improved antioxidant activity in the red cabbage.

Quaternary ammonium salt assisted removal of genistein and bisphenol S from aqueous solution by nanozeolite NaY: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

In this work, nanozeolite NaY (NZY) was synthesized with an assistance of quaternary ammonium salt and applied as an adsorbent for the removal of two endocrine disrupting compounds genistein (GSN) and bisphenol S (BPS). The successful synthesis of NZY was confirmed by XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, FT-IR and BET. The batch adsorption process was used to study various parameters such as pH (2−12), temperature (20–45°C), adsorbent dose (0.1–2g/L), stirring time (15–420min) and initial adsorbate concentration (10–30mg/L) for GSN and BPS removal by NZY. Results revealed that the maximum adsorption was achieved in approximate 5h at pH2 and 4 for GSN and BPS, respectively. The adsorption behavior was analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich models and probable mechanisms involved in adsorption of GSN, BPS onto NZY were also investigated. The kinetic study shows that adsorption process of GSN and BPS follows pseudo-second order and intra-particle diffusion models respectively. The thermodynamic parameters such as changes in Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), entropy (ΔS°) and enthalpy (ΔH°) in the current adsorption process indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The comparative study shows that the synthesized NZY exhibited very high adsorption capacity than commercial zeolite NaY.

Effects of neonatal treatment with two phytoestrogens on male rat sexual behavior and partner preference.

The aim of this work was to compare the effect of neonatal treatment with the phytoestrogens coumestrol (COU) and genistein (GEN), administered in equimolecular doses, on the sexual behavior and partner preference of male rats. Four groups of male rats were injected daily from day 1 to 5 with 150 µg of GEN, an equivalent amount of COU, 1 µg of β-estradiol 3-benzoato (EB), or olive oil (VEH) (control). A fifth group remained intact. In the GEN group, intromission and ejaculation latencies decreased, whereas ejaculatory frequency increased. Contrasting results were observed in COU males. EB males could not ejaculate and their mount and intromission latencies increased significantly. To determine sexual-partner preferences, a multiple partner preference arena was used and two types of tests were performed, the first one without allowing contact test (CT) with the stimulus animals, followed by a CT. COU and GEN groups did not show preference for any stimulus animal, whereas the EB males preferred the expert male. When CT with the stimulus animals was allowed, GEN-males preferred the receptive female, unlike the COU and EB groups. It is concluded that neonatal treatment with COU and GEN induced opposite effects, the effects of COU being more estrogenic.

Genistein induces apoptosis by down-regulating thioredoxin-1 in human hepatocellular carcinoma SNU-449 cells

Genistein (GEN), a natural isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, has anti-cancer activity against various types of cancers. However, GEN has not been thoroughly investigated in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In this study, we evaluated the anti-cancer effects of GEN on SNU-449 cells. GEN inhibited the proliferation of SNU-449 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We observed the typical characteristics of apoptosis, such as DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. To identify proteins related to GEN-induced apoptosis, we performed two-dimensional electrophoresis and identified differentially expressed proteins. Proteomic analysis showed that the antioxidant protein thioredoxin-1 was associated with GEN-induced apoptosis. GEN treatment decreased thioredoxin-1 levels and increased intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, GEN activated apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38. We also observed that pretreatment with the JNK and p38 inhibitors (SP600125 and SB203580) decreased GEN-induced cell death. These results indicate that GEN has potential antitumor effects against SNU-449 cells through the down-regulation of thioredoxin-1.

English

The effects of exogenous genistein (GNT) on flavonoid content and antioxidase activity in Ginkgo biloba leaves were investigated. In particular, the flavonoids, chlorophyll, anthocyanins, and soluble sugar contents, as well as the enzymes included in flavonoid biosynthesis activities and antioxidant enzymes were measured. Leaves of one-year-old ginkgo seedlings were sprayed with 0 (control), 50, 100 and 150 μmol/L GNT. Results showed that 50, 100 and 150 μmol/L GNT significantly enhanced the intercellular CO2 concentration, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and chlorophyll, soluble sugar and titratable acid contents in G. biloba. The contents of flavonoid and anthocyanins in the leaves of G. biloba treated with 50, 100 and 150 μmol/L GNT were significantly higher than of control. The results indicated that the key enzymes included in namely phenylalanine ammonia lyase, flavonoid biosynthesis, chalcone isomerase and chalcone synthase activities were markedly increased by GNT treatment. Likewise, application of GNT significantly enhanced the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase in G. biloba. These results suggest that foliar treatment with GNT may be effective measure of improving flavonoid content and beneficial antioxidant activity in the leaves of G. biloba. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers

SIX1 Oncoprotein as a Biomarker in a Model of Hormonal Carcinogenesis and in Human Endometrial Cancer.

The oncofetal protein sine oculis-related homeobox 1 (SIX1) is a developmental transcription factor associated with carcinogenesis in several human cancer types but has not been investigated in human endometrial cancer. In a model of hormonal carcinogenesis, mice neonatally exposed to the soy phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) or the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) develop endometrial cancer as adults. Previously, we demonstrated that SIX1 becomes aberrantly expressed in the uteri of these mice. Here, we used this mouse model to investigate the role of SIX1 expression in endometrial carcinoma development and used human tissue microarrays to explore the utility of SIX1 as a biomarker in human endometrial cancer. In mice neonatally exposed to GEN or DES, the Six1 transcript level increased dramatically over time in uteri at 6, 12, and 18 months of age and was associated with development of endometrial carcinoma. SIX1 protein localized within abnormal basal cells and all atypical hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions. These findings indicate that developmental estrogenic chemical exposure induces persistent endometrial SIX1 expression that is strongly associated with abnormal cell differentiation and cancer development. In human endometrial tissue specimens, SIX1 was not present in normal endometrium but was expressed in a subset of endometrial cancers in patients who were also more likely to have late-stage disease. These findings identify SIX1 as a disease biomarker in a model of hormonal carcinogenesis and suggest that SIX1 plays a role in endometrial cancer development in both mice and women. The SIX1 oncoprotein is aberrantly expressed in the endometrium following developmental exposure to estrogenic chemicals, correlates with uterine cancer, and is a biomarker in human endometrial cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 14(9); 849-58. ©2016 AACR.

The mechanism of Genistein in the genesis and development of malignant tumor

Genistein, as a kind of natural inhibitor of tyrosine-specific protein kinases from soybean extracts, has been proved to be closely related to the development of various malignancy tumors such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. Studies in vivo and in vitro have indicated that Genistein can inhibit tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis, induce apoptosis and has the function of anti-angiogenesis by combining with estrogen receptor in order to play anti-cancer effect, which suggest that Genistein may become a new drug in clinical treatment of tumor in the future. Key words: Neoplasms; Molecular mechanisms of pharmacological action; Genistein

Self-emulsifying phospholipid pre-concentrates (SEPPs) for improved oral delivery of the anti-cancer genistein: Development, appraisal and ex-vivo intestinal permeation

Genistein (GEN), a potent anticancer agent, suffers from scanty oral bioavailability due to poor solubility and extensive metabolism. This work endeavored to enhance GEN solubility and intestinal permeability via fabrication of self-emulsifying phospholipid pre-concentrates (SEPPs) using some bioactive surfactants. Moreover, the potential of surfactant-free SEPP to address GEN obstacles was investigated. SEPPs were prepared from Phosal® 53MCT, oil/phosphatidylcholine mixture, alone or with only 30% of different surfactant/co-surfactant mixture (S/CO). In-vitro characterization encompassed globule size analysis, zeta potential (ZP), transmission electron microscopy, and in-vitro release. Ex-vivo intestinal permeation study was performed using non-everted rat intestinal sac technique. Upon aqueous dilution, SEPPs were easily dispersed with spherical globules within a nano-range size (from 165±15 to 425±20nm) and adequate negative ZP (>−30mV). SEPPs demonstrated a significant enhancement in GEN release compared to drug suspension without superior effect due to added S/CO. Permeation study revealed that at least 12.13% free GEN was permeated after 120min from SEPPs compared to only 3.7% from drug suspension. Among different SEPPs, SEPP containing 30% Tween 80/Transcutol HP mixture showed the highest GEN permeation (18.54%). Conclusively, SEPP might be a promising nanocarrier that enhances GEN bioavailability via improving dissolution and inhibition of pre-systemic clearance.

Ovario-protective effects of genistein against cyclophosphamide toxicity in rats: Role of anti-müllerian hormone and oestradiol

Cyclophosphamide (CP), the commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment, is proven to cause ovarian toxicity and infertility in women. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of genistein (GEN), a phytoestrogen found in the soy protein, against CP-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. Forty female adult rats were allocated into five groups. A normal control group received the vehicle; another group was injected with a single acute intraperitoneal dose of CP (200mg/kg). Three other groups were pretreated with GEN (0.5, 1 or 2mg/kg; s.c.) for 14 days. Sera and ovaries were obtained 48h after CP treatment. Serum levels of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and oestradiol (E2) were detected as well as the ovarian level of reduced glutathione (GSH), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical detection of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) were conducted. Results of the present study revealed that CP-induced severe ovarian toxicity via decreasing serum levels of AMH and E2 and elevating oxidative stress and inflammation in ovarian tissues. Histologically, CP caused increase in primordial follicles with less graafian follicles and corpora lutea in ovarian tissues as well as severe induction of iNOS. GEN inhibited the severe decrease in serum AMH and E2 with alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation significantly compared to CP-treated group. GEN improved ovarian histology and immunostaining of ovarian iNOS disrupted by CP. Finally, it can be concluded that GEN exerted protective effects against CP-induced ovarian toxicity.

Soy milk digestion extract inhibits progression of prostate cancer cell growth via regulation of prostate cancer‑specific antigen and cell cycle-regulatory genes in human LNCaP cancer cells.

Soy milk, which is produced from whole soybeans, contains a variety of biologically active components. Isoflavones are a class of soy-derived phytoestrogens with beneficial effects, among which genistein (GEN) has been previously indicated to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The present study evaluated the effects of soy milk digestion extract (SMD) on the progression of prostate cancer via the estrogen receptor (ER)β in human LNCaP prostate cancer cells. To evaluate the effects of SMD (daizein, 1.988 mg/100g, glycitein, 23.537mg/100g and GEN, 0.685mg/100g) on cell proliferation, LNCaP cells were cultured in media containing vehicle (0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide), 17β‑estradiol (E2; 2.7x10‑7mg/ml), GEN (2.7x10-2mg/ml) of SMD (total aglycon concentration, 0.79mg/ml), after which the cell viability was examined using an MTT assay. The cell viability was significantly elevated by E2 (by 45±0.18%), while it was markedly reduced by GEN (73.2±0.03%) or SMD (74.8±0.09%). Semi‑quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to assess the mRNA expression levels of target genes, including ERβ, prostate cancer‑specific antigen (PSA) and cell cycle regulators p21, CyclinD1 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4. The expression of ERβ was almost completely diminished by E2, whereas it was significantly elevated by SMD. In addition, the expression levels of PSA were considerably reduced by SMD. The expression of p21 was significantly elevated by SMD, while it was markedly reduced by E2. Of note, the expression levels of CyclinD1 and CDK4 were considerably elevated by E2, while being significantly reduced by GEN and SMD. All of these results indicated that SMD may inhibit the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells via regulating the expression of ERβ, PSA, p21, CyclinD1 and CDK4 in an ER-dependent manner.

Effect of carbaryl on some biochemical changes in PC12 cells: the protective effect of soy isoflavone genistein, and daidzein, and their mixed solution

ABSTRACTWe planned to investigate the protective effect of soy isoflavone (SIF) genistein (GEN), and daidzein (DAI), and their mixed solution against carbaryl-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. PC12 cells were exposed to carbaryl, pretreated, co-treatment, or posttreatment with three different SIF solutions for indicated times. Exposure to SIF resulted a better survival and cell morphology which were subjected to carbaryl toxicity. Treatment with SIF was also found to reduce malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase inhibitory rate, reactive oxygen species generation, acetylcholine levels in medium, and maintain the integrity of mitochondrial membrane potential. It was also found to increase GSH level. In conclusion, SIF can effectively mitigate adverse effects induced by carbaryl. GEN and DAI have a combined effect that is greater than the effect obtained with each isoflavone alone, although they have different effects against carbaryl-induced damage. SIF enhances metabolism of choline and plays a role as both antioxidant and neuroprotectant.

Urine and serum biomonitoring of exposure to environmental estrogens II: Soy isoflavones and zearalenone in pregnant women

Urine and serum biomonitoring was used to measure internal exposure to selected dietary estrogens in a cohort of 30 pregnant women. Exposure was measured over a period comprising one-half day in the field (6 h) and one day in a clinic (24 h). Biomonitoring of the dietary phytoestrogens genistein (GEN), daidzein (DDZ) and equol (EQ), as well as the mycoestrogen, zearalenone (ZEN) and its congeners, was conducted using UPLC-MS/MS. Biomonitoring revealed evidence of internal exposure to naturally occurring dietary estrogens during pregnancy. Urinary concentrations of total GEN, DDZ and EQ were similar to levels reported for general adult U.S. population. Measurable concentrations of total (parent and metabolites) GEN, DDZ and EQ were present in 240, 207 and 2 of 270 serum samples, respectively. Six out of 30 subjects had measurable concentrations of unconjugated GEN and/or DDZ in serum between 0.6 and 7.1 nM. Urine to serum total isoflavone ratios for GEN, DDZ and EQ were 13, 47, and 180, respectively. ZEN and its reductive metabolite, α-zearalenol (α-ZEL), were present in pregnant women (11 out of 30 subjects) as conjugates at levels near the limit of quantification. The average total urinary concentration was 0.10 μg/L for ZEN and 0.11 μg/L for α-ZEL.

The Effect of Genistein on Spatial Memory in Ovariectomized Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease

The Effect of Genistein on Spatial Memory in Ovariectomized Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease