Effect of genistein on the proliferation of rabbit lens epithelial cells in culture

Objective To investigate the effect of genistei n on the proliferation of rabbit lens epithelial cells in culture. Methods The third passage of cells were used to be treated with different concentration of genistein; Then cell proliferation was assessed by c ell counting and MTT assay methods. Results There were no significant difference between those cont rol groups and groups treated with genistein at concentration of 12.5mg·L -1 (P0.05);Genistein significantly inhibited the proliferation of rabbit lens epithelial cells cultured at concentration above 25mg·L -1 (P0.0 5),and the effects of inhibition were shown to be dose dependent.Compared to t he untreated cells,treated cells proliferation was inhibited by 32.86%at concen t ration of 25 mg·L -1 ;49.24% at 50 mg·L -1 ;70.72% at 100 mg·L -1 . Conclusion Exposure of cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells to genistein at concentration above 25mg·L -1 can produce a dose dependent p roliferation.This indicates that genistein are helpful in treating postoperative capsular opacity.