J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Jun;42(6):877-888.

Inhibitory Effect of Genistein on the Proliferation of Lens Epithelial Cells

• Byun KD
• Yun YS
• Oh JH

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objective of the present studies was to evaluate the effect of genistein on inhibiting growth factor-induced proliferation of lens epithelial cells.
METHODS
The effect of genistein on cell proliferation was assayed in cultured pig lens epithelial cells after combined treatment of genistein with several growth factors including bFGF, TGF-beta, EGF and PDGF. The analysis of cell proliferation was done using spectrophotometry. To verify the inhibitory influence of genistein on the proliferation of LECs from the molecular biologic level, we determined using western blotting(mRNA of fibronectin). Also, the present study was aimed to evaluate alterations of the function and the ultrastructure of rabbit corneal endothelium following perfusion of the anterior chamber with balanced salt solution(BSS) or genistein in vivo.
RESULTS
Each growth factor stimulated lens epithelial cell proliferation effectively after 24 hours of culture. Gradual reduction of lens epithelial cell density occurred as the concentration of genistein increased and the degree of reduction was the most prominent at 100 micrometer of genistein. Marked reduction of ERK phosphorylation and the expression of fibronectin were noted in the groups treated with bFGF and genistein compared with the groups treated with bFGF alone. There was no significant difference in corneal thickness between the BSS and the genistein treated groups in vivo.
CONCLUSIONS
Genistein at the concentration of 100 micrometer effectively suppressed the proliferating activity of growth factors on the LECs and showed no toxicity to the corneal endothelium.

Keyword

Lens epithelial cells; Genistein; Growth factors

MeSH Terms

Anterior Chamber
Cell Proliferation
Endothelium, Corneal
Epidermal Growth Factor
Epithelial Cells*
Fibronectins
Genistein*
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Perfusion
Phosphorylation
Spectrophotometry
Transforming Growth Factor beta
Epidermal Growth Factor
Fibronectins
Genistein
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Transforming Growth Factor beta