Influence of Genistein and Daidzein on estrogen-related receptor-α in an endometrial carcinoma cell line

Objective To study the influence of two phytoestrogens(Genistein and Daidzein) on estrogen-related receptor-α in endometrial cancer cell line Ishkawa,and on the proliferation of the cells in this cell line.Methods Ishkawa cells were incubated with different concentrations of Genistein and Daidzein(40,20,10,5 μmol/L) for 24 h or 48 h,followed by Real-Time PCR for analyzing the expression of ERR-α mRNA in the cell line.MTT assay was then performed to evaluate the proliferation of Ishkawa cells.Results The expression level of ERR-α mRNA in Ishkawa cells was higher than that of the control group after being dealt for 24 h or 48 h with Genistein,and the concentration 20 μmol/L was most effective.Nevertheless,this up-regulation was blocked when the cells were treated with 40 μmol/L Genistein.Lower concentration(5,10 μmol/L) Genistein had depressant effect on proliferation of the cells,while higher concentrations(20,40 μmol/L) had stimulant effect.After being treated with different concentrations of Daidzein,the expression of ERR-α mRNA in all experimental groups was significantly higher than that in the control group.In the 24 h group,the concentration 40 μmol/L had most obvious effect;but in the 48 h group,the concentration 20 μmol/L had most obvious effect,and this up-regulation was blocked when the concentration was elevated to 40 μmol/L.Noticeably,all concentrations of Daidzein had depressant effect on the proliferation of Ishkawa cells in both 24 h and 48 h groups.In the 24 h group,lower concentrations were more effective,but in the 48 h group,concentration showed no significant effect.Conclusion In lower concentrations,both Genistein and Daidzein have up-regulation effect on the expression of ERR-α,and block the proliferation of Ishkawa cells;but in higher concentrations,the up-regulation effect on ERR-α mRNA expression by these two phytoestrogens is not obvious.Genistein stimulates the proliferation of Ishkawa cells in higher concentrations,while Daidzein suppresses the proliferation,especially in lower concentrations.