Study on anti-proliferation effects of genistein on MCF-7 and its selective effects on different cells

Objective To explore the possible coordinated effect of genistein and irradiation on tumor cells and the toxic effect of the agent. Methods The IC 50 values of MCF 7, MDA MB 231, IEC 6,CFU F and CFU GM after the treatment of genistein were measured with MTT and colony forming assay. Furthermore, cell counting, flow cytometry, cell cycle, 3H TdR incooperation were used to study the possible coordinated effects of genistein combined with 60 Co γ radiation on cultured MCF 7 cells, and further explore possible molecular mechanisms. Results ① The selective inhibitory effects of genistein on the proliferation of different cells were as follows: MDA MB 231MCF 7 IEC 6CFU GMCFU F. ② Genistein(20 μmol/L) or 60 Co irradiation(18 Gy) alone exerted inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and inhibited DNA synthesis. Compared with other groups, the group treated with genistein after 60 Co γ irradiation showed significantly tumor growth inhibition. Furthermore, flow cytometry showed G 2/M arrest and a great deal of apoptotic cells in this group. Genistein after irradiation exerted much higher anti tumor effect than the agent alone or being giving before irradiation. Conclusion Genistein has an inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation and may be an effective anti cancer drug with very low toxicity. Genistein treatment after irradiation may have coodanated effects with 60 Co γ radiotherapy. G 2/M arrest and cell apoptosis induced by genistein after irradiation are much stronger and it may be one of its possible molecular mechanisms.