[Mechanism of growth inhibition by genistein of human breast carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To study the mecnanism of inhibition of breast carcinoma cells by genistein.


METHODS
Human breast cancer cell lines were treated in vitro with genistein. Northern blot, Western blot, plasmid transfection and apoptosis assay were used to evaluate the mechanism of cell growth inhibition.


RESULTS
Genistein could inhibit proliferation of human breast carcinoma cells with different ER status and p53 status. This inhibition was associated with induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 mRNA and protein expression. Exposure of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells to genistein resulted in statistically significant increased p21WAF1/CIP1 mRNA stability, accompanied with increased p21WAF1/CIP1 protein expression. This increase in p21WAF1/CIP1 was subsequently followed by the onset of apoptosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The inhibitory effect of genistein on cell proliferation of breast cancer appears to be due to p21WAF1/CIP1 expression and apoptosis through mechanism independent of ER and p53. The results provide evidence for the potential usefulness of genistein in the prevention and treatment of human breast cancer.
Shao
Z
Z
Department of Surgery, Molecular Biology Laborafory, Cancer Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai 200032.
Shen
Z
Z
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D050759:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; D016213:Cyclins / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000502:physiology; D019833:Genistein / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; C493956:CDKN1A protein, human; D050759:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; D016213:Cyclins; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D019833:Genistein