Effects of soy isoflavone extracts on the growth of estrogen-dependent human breast cancer (MCF-7) tumors implanted in ovariectomized nude mice

In this study, we explored the effects of soy isoflavone extracts on the growth of estrogen-dependent human breast cancer (MCF-7) tumors implanted in ovariectomized athymic mice. The ovariectomized athymic mice were implanted with MCF-7 cells. They were fed with low, moderate and high doses of soy isoflavone extracts, at dietary concentrations of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 g/kg, respectively. The expression of ki-67 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The pS ₂ expression in tumors was analyzed by real-time PCR. Estrogen level in the serum was measured by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. Compared with the control group, dietary soy isoflavone extracts had a significant stimulatory effect on MCF-7 tumor growth in mice (P < 0.05). The ki-67 and pS ₂ mRNA expressions in tumors were significantly increased by 6.25 and 12.5 g/kg dose of soy isoflavone extracts (P < 0.05). And, estrogen level in serum of 6.25 and 12.5 g/kg dose groups was higher than that of control group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, in the tested dietary concentration range soy isoflavone extracts had a stimulatory effect on tumor growth. 6.25 and 12.5 g/kg doses of soy isoflavone extracts can increase the cell proliferation in tumors and induce estrogen-responsive pS2 expression. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30572133)