Repressive effect of the phytoestrogen genistein on estradiol-induced uterine leiomyoma cell proliferation

Abstract

Objective. Uterine leiomyomas are the most common gynecological benign tumor and greatly affect reproductive health and well-being. They are the predominant indication for hysterectomy in premenopausal women. Current epidemiological study reported that soy products intake is inversely associated with diseases leading to hysterectomy. Genistein is a soy-derived phytoestrogen and its inhibitory effect on leiomyoma cell proliferation is reported. In this study, we investigated the siginificant inhibitory effect of genistein on estradiol (E₂)-induced leiomyoma cells proliferation.

Study design. The Eker rat-derived uterine leiomyoma cell line ELT-3 cells were used. Cell proliferation was assessed by counting the number of cells. The expression of estrogen receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

Results. PPARγ was expressed in ELT-3 cells and genistein acted as PPARγ ligand. This inhibitory effect of genistein was attenuated by the treatment of cells with PPARγ antagonist bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) or GW9662.

Conclusion. These experimental findings in vitro show that the repressive effect of genistein on E₂-induced ELT-3 cell proliferation is through the activation of PPARγ. Genistein may be useful as an alternative therapy for leiomyoma.

Keywords:

• Genistein
• PPARγ
• signal transduction
• BADGE
• uterine leiomyoma