Enhanced Secretion of Beta-Defensins in Endometrial Tissues and Epithelial Cells by Soy Isoflavones

This study aimed to investigate whether endometrial tissues and endometrial epithelial cells were capable of secreting beta-defensin (BD)-1 and -2, and soy isoflavones genistein or daidzein could promote these BD secretions. The effect of genistein on Cl- secretion in correlation with the BD secretion was also examined.

Endometrial tissues or glandular epithelial cell monolayer were mounted in Ussing chamber for measurement of electrical parameters. The sample solutions from apical and basolateral compartments were collected before and after genistein or daidzein addition for the measurement of BD-1 and-2 levels by using ELISA technique.

Endometrial tissues and epithelial cells constitutively secreted both BD-1 and -2 mostly at the apical compartment. Both genistein and daidzein induced BDs secretion which reached a peak at 5-15 min. The apical secretion of BDs was coincidence with increased Cl- secretion induced by genistein.

Endometrial tissues and epithelial cells contributes to basal host defense against infection by secretion of BD-1 and -2, which could be enhanced by genistein or daidzein. This finding implies that these potent constituents of soy isoflavones may be useful to promote the innate immune function of human endometrium.