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[Effects of phytoestrogens on gap junctional intercellular communication]
Ji-cheng Yan1, Ji-yan Zheng, Yi-fan Zheng
1Department of Toxicology, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310031, China.
Summary
Certain phytoestrogens like Genistein (GEN), coumestrol (COM), and enterolactone (ENL) inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in skin cells. Quercetin (QC) showed no effect, suggesting caution with GEN, COM, and ENL as supplements.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Context:
- Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activity.
- Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is crucial for cell homeostasis and function.
- HaCaT cells serve as a model for keratinocyte research.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of four phytoestrogens—quercetin (QC), Genistein (GEN), coumestrol (COM), and enterolactone (ENL)—on GJIC.
- To determine the effects of these compounds on HaCaT cell GJIC at varying concentrations.
Summary:
- HaCaT cells were treated with QC, GEN, COM, and ENL (0.1–100.0 µmol/L for 24 hours).
- GJIC was assessed using the fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP) technique.
- GEN, COM, and ENL significantly inhibited GJIC (31.77–37.06% fluorescence recovery) without cytotoxicity, while QC had no effect.
Impact:
- GEN, COM, and ENL inhibit GJIC in HaCaT cells at potentially relevant human serum concentrations.
- This inhibition suggests a potential role for these phytoestrogens as cancer promoters under specific conditions.
- Prudent use of GEN, COM, and ENL as pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements is recommended.