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Screening for Phytoestrogens using a Cell-based Estrogen Receptor β Reporter Assay
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Androgen receptor expression in the rat prostate is down-regulated by dietary phytoestrogens

Trent D Lund1, Daniel J Munson, Herman Adlercreutz

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. tlund@colostate.edu

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E
|January 20, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dietary phytoestrogens reduce prostate growth and androgen receptor expression in male rats. This suggests soy phytoestrogens may impact prostate health by influencing hormone-dependent growth pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Prostate gland growth is regulated by androgens and estrogens.
  • Estrogen receptor beta (ER-beta) plays a role in prostate cell proliferation.
  • Phytoestrogens, plant compounds, bind ER-beta and may inhibit prostate cell growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of dietary phytoestrogens on prostate weight and androgen receptor (AR) expression in male rats.
  • To determine if phytoestrogens can modulate hormone-dependent prostate growth.

Main Methods:

  • Male Long-Evans rats were fed either a high-phytoestrogen diet (Phyto-600) or a phytoestrogen-free diet (Phyto-free).
  • Prostate weight and AR expression were analyzed using in situ hybridization.

Main Results:

  • Rats fed the high-phytoestrogen diet exhibited significantly reduced post-pubertal prostate weight gain compared to the phytoestrogen-free group.
  • Dietary phytoestrogens led to decreased AR expression in the prostate.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary soy phytoestrogens influence prostate growth.
  • Phytoestrogens likely exert their effects by binding to ER-beta, subsequently reducing AR expression in the prostate.

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