Beneficial roleof the phytoestrogen Genistein on vascular calcification

CEPEDA SB; SANDOVAL MJ; RAUSCHEMBERGER MB; MASSHEIMER VL

JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY

ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

Año: 2017

0955-2863

Although soy phytoestrogen (PE) are proposed to prevent or improve postmenopausal vascular and bone diseases, the currently available data are controversial and unclear. In this study we evaluated the molecular and biochemical action of Genistein (Gen) on the cellular events involved in vascular calcification. Rat monocytes, aortic vascular cell and osteoblasts cultures in vitro exposed to Gen were employed. Gen down regulated the expression of cell adhesion molecules involved in stable leukocyte attachment. Using flow cytometry we found that the PE significantly diminished monocyte integrins CD11b, CD11c and CD18 expression either under basal and pro-inflammatory environment. At endothelial level, Gen also reduced ICAM-1 mRNA expression. On vascular muscle cells, the PE markedly reduced cell proliferation and migration. When vascular calcification was studied, muscle cells transdifferentiation into osteoblasts like cells was evaluated. Cells were cultured in osteogenic medium for 21 days. The expression alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the presence of calcified nodules in the extracellular matrix were selected as features of muscle transdifferentiation. Calcified muscle cells exhibited higher levels of ALP activity (osteoblastic marker) and enhanced deposition of calcium nodules respect to native cells. Both markers were significantly reduced after Gen treatment. In contrast to this anti-osteogenic action, on bone cells Gen promoted osteoblasts growth, enhanced ALP activity and increased matrix mineralization. Its mitogenic action on osteoblasts depends directly on nitric oxide endothelial production stimulated by the PE. The data presented suppose a beneficial role of Gen on bone and vascular cells, with a cross link between both systems.