Combinatory effects of phytoestrogens and 17β-estradiol on proliferation and apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Simone Schmidt, Horst Michna, Patrick Diel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Phytoestrogens have been described to be weak estrogens, SERMs or exhibit antiestrogenic properties. However, information about their activity in presence of estrogens is limited. Therefore, we have analysed the dose dependent combinatory activity of the phytoestrogens genistein (Gen), daidzein (Dai) and coumestrol (Cou), and 17ß-estradiol (E2) on cell proliferation and apoptosis induction in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Neither additive nor antagonistic effects on proliferation could be observed, but in contrast all phytoestrogens possessed the ability to inhibit apoptosis in the presence of 17ß-estradiol. In summary, our in vitro results demonstrate that Gen does not exhibit any antiestrogenic properties. The additive growth stimulatory effects of Gen, Dai and Cou in the presence of E2 are not the result of a stimulation of proliferation; these phytoestrogens, at least in MCF-7 cells, could be characterised as inhibitors of apoptosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)445-449
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volume94
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2005

Keywords

  • Combinatory effect
  • Coumestrol
  • Daidzein
  • Genistein
  • Phytoestrogen

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