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A nonisotopic estrogen receptor-based assay to detect estrogenic compounds
S D Garrett1, H A Lee, M R Morgan
1Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UA, United Kingdom.
Nature Biotechnology
|December 10, 1999
Summary
A new nonisotopic assay detects estrogenic compounds using the human estrogen receptor (hER). This method identifies plant-derived estrogenic compounds like flavonoids in common foods.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and biochemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Food science
Background:
- Estrogenic compounds can disrupt endocrine systems.
- Accurate detection methods are crucial for food safety and environmental monitoring.
- Flavonoids are plant polyphenols with potential estrogenic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, nonisotopic assay for detecting estrogenic compounds.
- To utilize the ligand-binding domain of the recombinant human estrogen receptor (hER) for assay development.
- To identify and quantify estrogenic compounds, particularly flavonoids, in dietary sources.
Main Methods:
- Development of a competitive binding assay using recombinant hER.
- The assay relies on the displacement of 17beta-estradiol by unknown estrogenic compounds.
- Detection involves a series of antibody-based steps and enzyme-linked detection.
Main Results:
- The assay successfully detected estrogenic compounds.
- Estrogenic activity was identified in various commonly consumed plant foods.
- Flavonoids were confirmed as significant contributors to the detected estrogenicity.
Conclusions:
- The developed nonisotopic assay is effective for detecting estrogenic compounds.
- Dietary plant foods contain significant estrogenic compounds, including flavonoids.
- This assay provides a valuable tool for assessing estrogenic potential in food and environmental samples.