Protective effect of genistein on hippocampus neurons in ovariectomized rats

Objective To investigate the effects of genistein on hippocampus neurons in ovariectomized rats. Methods Seventy-five Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomized into five groups as follows:sham group,ovariectomized(OVX)group,nilestriol(E2)group,14 mg/kg genistein group and 7 mg/kg genistein group.The OVX rats were subcutaneously injected with nilestriol at a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg once a week in E2 group.The OVX rats were given 14.0 mg/kg and 7.0 mg/kg genistein once a day in genistein groups,respec-tively.The level of nNOS,the relative expression of nNOS gene and protein were determined after treatment for 4 weeks. Results Compared with OVX group,the level of nNOS,the relative expression of nNOS gene and protein increased significantly in genistein groups and E2 group(P0.01),but there was no significant difference between genistein groups and E2group. Conclusion Genistein could protect the hippocampus neurons in ovariectomized rats.