Early induction of LDL receptor gene expression by genistein in DLD-1 colon cancer cell line

The phytoestrogen genistein has been demonstrated to possess anti-tumor properties by mechanisms not yet clearly established. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of isoflavone genistein exposure at concentrations ranging from 0.01 mu M to 50 mu M on the LDL receptor and HMGCoA reductase gene expression in the estrogen receptor positive DLD-1 human colon cancer cell line. LDL receptor and HMGCoA reductase gene expression were evaluated by reverse transcription followed by real-time PCR. Genistein induced an early increase of LDL receptor gene expression and later decreased HMGCoA reductase mRNA expression in DLD-1 cells. These findings provide direct evidence on the role of genistein in regulating LDL receptor and HMGCoA reductase gene expression it) colon cancer. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.