In Vitro Effects of Combining Genistein with Aromatase Inhibitors: Concerns Regarding Its Consumption during Breast Cancer Treatment

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Bezerra, PHA (Author) Other; Amaral, C (Author) Other; Almeida, CF (Author) Other; Georgina Correia da Silva (Author) FFUP; Torqueti, MR (Author) Other; Teixeira, N (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 49

Final page: 4893

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-QSS

DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134893

Abstract (EN): Introduction: The third-generation of aromatase inhibitors (AIs)-Exemestane (Exe), Letrozole (Let), and Anastrozole (Ana)-is the main therapeutic approach applied for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC), the most common neoplasm in women worldwide. Despite their success, the development of resistance limits their efficacy. Genistein (G), a phytoestrogen present in soybean, has promising anticancer properties in ER+ BC cells, even when combined with anticancer drugs. Thus, the potential beneficial effects of combining G with AIs were investigated in sensitive (MCF7-aro) and resistant (LTEDaro) BC cells. Methods: The effects on cell proliferation and expression of aromatase, ER & alpha;/ER & beta;, and AR receptors were evaluated. Results: Unlike the combination of G with Ana or Let, which negatively affects the Ais' therapeutic efficacy, G enhanced the anticancer properties of the steroidal AI Exe, increasing the antiproliferative effect and apoptosis relative to Exe. The hormone targets studied were not affected by this combination when compared with Exe. Conclusions: This is the first in vitro study that highlights the potential benefit of G as an adjuvant therapy with Exe, emphasizing, however, that soy derivatives widely used in the diet or applied as auxiliary medicines may increase the risk of adverse interactions with nonsteroidal AIs used in therapy.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14