Genistein reverses diminished T-Cell signal transduction, induced by post-menopausal estrogen levels. - GreenMedInfo Summary

PROBLEM: This study addressed the ability of genistein to reverse the loss of T-cell signaling components, induced by estrogen deficiency associated with aging. METHOD OF STUDY: Using Jurkat 6.1 T cells, genistein regulation of CD3zeta, JAK3, and NFkappaB was analysed by Western immunoblotting at 4 or 40 pg/mL (post- and pre-menopausal levels, respectively) estradiol (E(2)). Corresponding gene expressions were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For functionality, levels of IL-2 were correlated with its transcription by RT-PCR. RESULTS: At 4 pg/mL E(2), signaling proteins were decreased compared with 40 pg/mL: CD3zeta, 1.58-fold; JAK3, 1.75-fold; and NFkappaB, 1.73-fold (P < 0.001). Genistein, at 0.5 and 5.0 microm, added to 4 pg/mL E(2) induced their expression to 40 pg/mL levels. While significantly diminished IL-2 mRNA levels were observed at 4 pg/mL E(2), genistein induced IL-2 mRNA to 40 pg/mL levels. CONCLUSION: Genistein restores CD3zeta, NFkappaB and JAK3 proteins and mRNAs at post-meonopausal estrogen levels, in vitro, with no significant effect at pre-menopausal estrogen levels.