Dietary phytoestrogens and their role in hormonally dependent disease

Responsiveness of endometrial genes Connexin26, Connexin43, C3 and clusterin to primary estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulators, phyto- and xenoestrogens

“…Phytoestrogens constitute a diverse group of plant-derived compounds possessing estrogenic activity (Strauss et al 1998a) and revealing multiple biological effects, including beneficial effects on osteoporosis, breast cancer, prostate cancer and menopausal symptoms (Adlerkreutz & Mazur 1997, Barnes 1998, Clarkson et al 1998, and on the cardiovascular system (St Clair 1998). On the other hand, epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that the consumption of a phytoestrogen-rich diet may decrease the risk of estrogen-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer (Adlerkreutz 1995, Strauss et al 1998a. However, the causal relationship as well as the mechanisms of action still remain to be demonstrated, and there is only sparse evidence of an antiestrogenic effect of phytoestrogens (Mäkelä et al 1994, Ruh et al 1995.…”

“…Exposure to such substances has been associated with an increased incidence of hormone-dependent tumorigenesis like testicular, endometrial and breast cancer (Davis et al 1993, Cotton 1994, Safe 1995, Thierfelder et al 1995, disorders of the male reproductive tract (Sharpe & Skakkebaek 1993, Cooper & Kavlock 1997, and interference with reproductive physiology (Auger 1995, Safe 1995, Strauss et al 1998a. A remarkable diversity of naturally occurring and synthetic compounds has been shown to mimic the biological effects of 17 -estradiol.…”

Environmental Toxicants Induced Male Reproductive Disorders: Identification and Mechanism of Action

“…Coumestrol and genistein, two phytoestrogens, exhibit a higher affinity for ERß than for ER (Whitten & Naftolin, 1998). Some phytoestrogens exert an inhibitory action on steroidogenic enzymes (Strauss et al, 1998). For example, isoflavonoids and lignans inhibit 5 -reductase activity, thereby reducing the conversion of testosterone to the active form DHT.…”

Dietary phytoestrogen intake—lignans and isoflavones—and breast cancer risk (Canada)

“…The implication of this difference in binding preference remains unclear. Phytoestrogens may alter estrogen synthesis/ metabolism by inhibiting/modulating enzymes, such as aromatase/17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/CYPs, or stimulating SHBG production to reduce free estrogen available [82,91,95,97,[104][105][106][107]. In addition, phytoestrogens have been shown to lengthen the menstrual follicular phase reducing endogenous estradiol thus possibly reducing breast cell proliferation [82,95,[108][109][110].…”