Evaluation of the Biological Activity of Opuntia ficus indica as a Tissue- and Estrogen Receptor Subtype-Selective Modulator.
Byoung Ha AnHyesoo JeongWenmei ZhouXiyuan LiuSoolin KimChang Young JangHyun-Sook KimJohann SohnHye-Jin ParkNa-Hye SungCheol Yi HongMinsun ChangPublished in: Phytotherapy research : PTR (2016)
Phytoestrogens are selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) with potential for use in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve peri/postmenopausal symptoms. This study was aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the SERM properties of the extract of Korean-grown Opuntia ficus-indica (KOFI). The KOFI extract induced estrogen response element (ERE)-driven transcription in breast and endometrial cancer cell lines and the expression of endogenous estrogen-responsive genes in breast cancer cells. The flavonoid content of different KOFI preparations affected ERE-luciferase activities, implying that the flavonoid composition likely mediated the estrogenic activities in cells. Oral administration of KOFI decreased the weight gain and levels of both serum glucose and triglyceride in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Finally, KOFI had an inhibitory effect on the 17β-estradiol-induced proliferation of the endometrial epithelium in OVX rats. Our data demonstrate that KOFI exhibited SERM activity with no uterotrophic side effects. Therefore, KOFI alone or in combination with other botanical supplements, vitamins, or minerals may be an effective and safe alternative active ingredient to HRTs, for the management of postmenopausal symptoms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keyphrases
- estrogen receptor
- endometrial cancer
- weight gain
- replacement therapy
- breast cancer cells
- body mass index
- oxidative stress
- diabetic rats
- high glucose
- induced apoptosis
- poor prognosis
- birth weight
- drug induced
- signaling pathway
- metabolic syndrome
- sleep quality
- body composition
- smoking cessation
- endothelial cells
- blood glucose
- physical activity
- gene expression
- risk assessment
- weight loss
- cell death
- long non coding rna
- breast cancer risk
- human health
- pi k akt
- glycemic control