Maternal soybean genistein on prevention of later-life breast cancer through inherited epigenetic regulations

Mechanism of action of genistein on breast cancer and differential effects of different age stages

CONTEXT

Genistein, a soy-derived isoflavone, exhibits structural similarities with 17β-estradiol and demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic properties. Despite its low bioavailability limiting its clinical application, it shows potential for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to summarize the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of genistein in breast cancer, focusing on its therapeutic potential, strategies to overcome bioavailability limitations, and its role in personalized medicine. Differential impacts among population subgroups are also discussed.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Studies were selected based on their focus on genistein's mechanisms of action, strategies to enhance its bioavailability, and interactions with other therapies.

RESULTS

Genistein exerted anticancer effects by modulating estrogen receptor β (ERβ), inhibiting angiogenesis, arresting the cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis. Its antioxidant properties help mitigate tumor-associated oxidative stress. Bioavailability enhancement strategies, such as nanoparticle and lipid-based formulations, show promise. Age-dependent effects were evident, with distinct responses observed in prepubertal, menopausal, and postmenopausal populations, underscoring its potential for personalized therapies. Furthermore, genistein influences epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and miRNA expression, bolstering its anticancer efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Genistein is a promising candidate for breast cancer therapy, particularly for personalized treatment. Strategies to enhance bioavailability and further clinical research are essential to optimize its therapeutic potential and evaluate its efficacy in combination therapies.

Unleashing the potential of Genistein and its derivatives as effective therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Genistein (Gen), a phytoestrogen soy isoflavone, has emerged as a promising agent in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer due to its ability to function as a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). This review explores the multifaceted mechanisms through which Gen and its derivatives exert their anticancer effects, including modulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, regulation of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and impacts on DNA methylation and enzyme functions. We discuss the dual roles of Gen in both enhancing and inhibiting estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent pathways., highlighting its complex interactions with ERα and ERβ. Furthermore, the review examines the synergistic effect of combining Gen with conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, and selenium, as well as other natural compounds like lycopene. Clinical studies suggest that while isoflavones may not significantly influence breast cancer progression in general, the high consumption of soy isoflavones is associated with reduced recurrence rates in breast cancer survivors. Importantly, Gen's ability to modulate key signaling pathways and enhance the efficacy of existing treatments improves its potential as a valuable adjunct in breast cancer therapy. In conclusion, Gen and its derivatives offer a novel and promising approach for treatment of breast cancer. Continued research into their mechanisms of action and clinical applications will be essential in optimizing their therapeutic potential and translating these findings into effective clinical interventions.

Exploring the Complex Mechanisms of Isoflavones: From Cell Bioavailability, to Cell Dynamics and Breast Cancer

In Western countries, the increase in the consumption of soy-derived products raises the population's exposure to isoflavones. These molecules, present in many foods, have numerous effects on the body's cells, including regulation of the transcription and epigenetics, cell signaling, cell cycle, cell growth, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. However, despite the multitude of studies conducted, on these compounds, it remains difficult to draw definitive conclusions regarding their safety or dangerousness in the diet. Indeed, some epidemiological studies highlight health benefits in consuming isoflavone-rich foods, notably by reducing the risk of certain cancers. However, several studies conducted on cell models show that these molecules can have negative effects on cell fate, particularly with regard to proliferation and survival of mammary tumor cells. Isoflavones are mainly genistein, daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin A. These molecules belong to the family of phytoestrogens, which are capable of interacting with both nuclear estrogen receptor, ERα and ERβ, to trigger agonistic and antagonistic effects. Due to their estrogenic properties, isoflavones are suspected to promote hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. This suspicion is based primarily on their ability to bind to ERα in breast cells, thereby altering the signaling pathways that control cell growth. However, study results are sometimes contradictory. Some studies suggest that isoflavones may protect against breast cancer by acting as selective estrogen receptor modulators, while others highlight their potential role in stimulating tumor growth. This review explores the literature on the effects of isoflavones, focusing on their influence on ERα-dependent signaling in breast tumor cells.

Pharmacodynamics and safety in relation to dose and response of plant flavonoids in treatment of cancers

Despite the recent advancements in developing bioactive nutraceuticals as anticancer modalities, their pharmacodynamics, safety profiles, and tolerability remain elusive, limiting their success in clinical trials. The failure of anticancer drugs in clinical trials can be attributed to the changes in drug clearance, absorption, and cellular responses, which alter the dose-response efficacy, causing adverse health effects. Flavonoids demonstrate a biphasic dose-response phenomenon exerting a stimulatory or inhibitory effect and often follow a U-shaped curve in different preclinical cancer models. A double-edged sword, bioflavonoids' antioxidant or prooxidant properties contribute to their hormetic behavior and facilitate redox homeostasis by regulating the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. Emerging reports suggest a need to discuss the pharmacodynamic broad-spectrum of plant flavonoids to improve their therapeutic efficacy, primarily to determine the ideal dose for treating cancer. This review discusses the dose-response effects of a few common plant flavonoids against some types of cancers and assesses their safety and tolerability when administered to patients. Moreover, we have emphasized the role of dietary-rich plant flavonoids as nutraceuticals in cancer treatment and prevention.

Epigenetics, Microbiota, and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. According to recent studies, alterations in the microbiota and epigenetic modulations are risk factors for this disease. This systematic review aims to determine the possible associations between the intestinal and mammary microbial populations, epigenetic modifications, and breast cancer. To achieve this objective, we conducted a literature search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Although no results are yet available in humans, studies in mice suggest a protective effect of maternal dietary interventions with bioactive compounds on the development of breast tumors in offspring. These dietary interventions also modified the gut microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa and preventing mammary carcinogenesis. In addition, short-chain fatty acids produced by the microbiota act as epigenetic modulators. Furthermore, some authors indicate that stress alters the gut microbiota, promoting breast tumor growth through epigenetic and gene expression changes in the breast tumor microenvironment. Taken together, these findings show the ability of epigenetic modifications and alterations of the microbiota associated with environmental factors to modulate the development, aggressiveness, and progression of breast cancer.

Paternal Combined Botanicals Contribute to the Prevention of Estrogen Receptor-Negative Mammary Cancer in Transgenic Mice

BACKGROUND

Parental nutritional interventions have considerably affected gametogenesis and embryogenesis, leading to the differential susceptibility of offspring to chronic diseases such as cancer. Moreover, combinatorial bioactive diets are more efficacious in ameliorating epigenetic aberrations in tumorigenesis.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate the transgenerational influence and epigenetic regulation of paternal sulforaphane (SFN)-rich broccoli sprouts (BSp) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-rich green tea polyphenols (GTPs) consumption in the prevention of estrogen receptor-negative [ER(-)] mammary cancer in transgenic mice.

METHODS

Human breast cancer cells were used to detect cell viability and epigenetic-related gene expression after treatment with EGCG and/or SFN. Twenty-four C3 or HER2/neu males were randomly assigned into 4 groups and treated with control, 26% BSp (w/w) in food, 0.5% GTPs (w/v) in drinking water or combined BSp and GTPs for 7 wk before mating. Tumor growth of nontreated female pups was monitored weekly for 19 wk (C3) and 25 wk (HER2/neu). Tumor- and epigenetic-related protein expression and enzyme activities in mammary tumors were measured. Sperms were isolated from treated males for RNA sequencing and reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing analysis. Data were analyzed with a 2-factor or 3-factor analysis of variance.

RESULTS

EGCG and SFN inhibited breast cancer cell growth via epigenetic regulation. Combined BSp and GTPs synergistically (combination index < 1) suppressed tumor growth over time (P < 0.001) in 2 mouse models. Key tumor-related proteins were found differentially expressed (P < 0.05) along with epigenetic regulations in offspring mammary tumors. The transcriptome profile of sperm derived from dietary-treated males revealed differentially expressed genes correlated with spermatogenesis and breast cancer progression. DNA methylomes of the sperm and further integrated analysis with transcriptomes indicate that DNA methylation alone may not contribute to sufficient regulation in dietary-treated sperm pronucleus, leading to offspring tumor suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, paternal consumption of combined BSp and GTPs shows potential for preventing ER(-) mammary cancer through transgenerational effects. J Nutr 2023;xx:xx-xx.

Decoding the transcriptome of muscular dystrophy due to Ptrf deficiency using single-nucleus RNA sequencing

Lacking PTRF (polymerase I and transcript release factor), an essential caveolae component, causes a secondary deficiency of caveolins resulting in muscular dystrophy. The transcriptome responses of different types of muscle fibers and mononuclear cells in skeletal muscle to muscular dystrophy caused by Ptrf deletion have not been explored. Here, we created muscular dystrophy mice by Ptrf knockout and applied single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to unveil the transcriptional changes of the skeletal muscle at single-nucleus resolution. 11 613 muscle nuclei (WT, 5838; Ptrf KO, 5775) were classified into 12 clusters corresponding to 11 nuclear types. Trajectory analysis revealed the potential transition between type IIb_1 and IIb_2 myonuclei upon muscular dystrophy. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that apoptotic signaling and enzyme-linked receptor protein signaling pathway were significantly enriched in type IIb_1 and IIb_2 myonuclei of Ptrf KO, respectively. The muscle structure development and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway were significantly enriched in type IIa and IIx myonuclei of Ptrf KO. Meanwhile, metabolic pathway analysis showed a decrease in overall metabolic pathway activity of myonuclei subtypes upon muscular dystrophy, with the most decrease in type IIb_1 myonuclei. Gene regulatory network analysis found that the activity of Mef2c, Mef2d, Myf5, and Pax3 regulons was enhanced in type II myonuclei of Ptrf KO, especially in type IIb_2 myonuclei. In addition, we investigated the transcriptome changes in adipocytes and found that muscular dystrophy enhanced the lipid metabolic capacity of adipocytes. Our findings provide a valuable resource for exploring the molecular mechanism of muscular dystrophy due to Ptrf deficiency.

Dietary Supplementation of Inulin Contributes to the Prevention of Estrogen Receptor-Negative Mammary Cancer by Alteration of Gut Microbial Communities and Epigenetic Regulations

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most frequently diagnosed malignant cancers in women in the United States. Diet and nutrition supplementation are closely related to BC onset and progression, and inulin is commercially available as a health supplement to improve gut health. However, little is known with respect to inulin intake for BC prevention. We investigated the effect of an inulin-supplemented diet on the prevention of estrogen receptor-negative mammary carcinoma in a transgenic mouse model. Plasma short-chain fatty acids were measured, the gut microbial composition was analyzed, and the expression of proteins related to cell cycle and epigenetics-related genes was measured. Inulin supplementation greatly inhibited tumor growth and significantly delayed tumor latency. The mice that consumed inulin had a distinct microbiome and higher diversity of gut microbial composition compared to the control. The concentration of propionic acid in plasma was significantly higher in the inulin-supplemented group. The protein expression of epigenetic-modulating histone deacetylase 2 (Hdac2), Hdac8, and DNA methyltransferase 3b decreased. The protein expression of factors related to tumor cell proliferation and survival, such as Akt, phospho-PI3K, and NF-kB, also decreased with inulin administration. Furthermore, sodium propionate showed BC prevention effect in vivo through epigenetic regulations. These studies suggest that modulating microbial composition through inulin consumption may be a promising strategy for BC prevention.

Dietary Impacts on Gestational Diabetes: Connection between Gut Microbiome and Epigenetic Mechanisms

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common obstetric complications due to an increased level of glucose intolerance during pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM increases due to the obesity epidemic. GDM is also associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia resulting in elevated maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Diet is one of the most important environmental factors associated with etiology of GDM. Studies have shown that the consumption of certain bioactive diets and nutrients before and during pregnancy might have preventive effects against GDM leading to a healthy pregnancy outcome as well as beneficial metabolic outcomes later in the offspring's life. Gut microbiome as a biological ecosystem bridges the gap between human health and diseases through diets. Maternal diets affect maternal and fetal gut microbiome and metabolomics profiles, which consequently regulate the host epigenome, thus contributing to later-life metabolic health in both mother and offspring. This review discusses the current knowledge regarding how epigenetic mechanisms mediate the interaction between maternal bioactive diets, the gut microbiome and the metabolome leading to improved metabolic health in both mother and offspring.

Maternal soybean diet on prevention of obesity-related breast cancer through early-life gut microbiome and epigenetic regulation

Overnutrition-induced obesity and metabolic dysregulation are considered major risk factors contributing to breast cancer. The origin of both obesity and breast cancer can retrospect to early development in human lifespan. Genistein (GE), a natural isoflavone enriched in soybean products, has been proposed to associate with a lower risk of breast cancer and various metabolic disorders. Our study aimed to determine the effects of maternal exposure to soybean dietary GE on prevention of overnutrition-induced breast cancer later in life and explore potential mechanisms in different mouse models. Our results showed that maternal dietary GE treatment improved offspring metabolic functions by significantly attenuating high-fat diet-induced body fat accumulation, lipid panel abnormalities and glucose intolerance in mice offspring. Importantly, maternal dietary GE exposure effectively delayed high-fat diet-simulated mammary tumor development in female offspring. Mechanistically, we found that maternal dietary GE may exert its chemopreventive effects through affecting essential regulatory gene expression in control of metabolism, inflammation and tumor development via, at least in part, regulation of offspring gut microbiome, bacterial metabolites and epigenetic profiles. Altogether, our findings indicate that maternal GE consumption is an effective intervention approach leading to early-life prevention of obesity-related metabolic disorders and breast cancer later in life through dynamically influencing the interplay between early-life gut microbiota, key microbial metabolite profiles and offspring epigenome.