Biotherapy of B-cell precursor leukemia by targeting genistein to CD19-associated tyrosine kinases

Molecular pharmacology of the onco-TRP channel TRPV6

TRPV6, a representative of the vanilloid subfamily of TRP channels, serves as the principal calcium uptake channel in the gut. Dysregulation of TRPV6 results in disturbed calcium homeostasis leading to a variety of human diseases, including many forms of cancer. Inhibitors of this oncochannel are therefore particularly needed. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in structural pharmacology that uncovered the molecular mechanisms of TRPV6 inhibition by a variety of small molecules, including synthetic and natural, plant-derived compounds as well as some prospective and clinically approved drugs.

The influence of COVID-19 on colorectal cancer was investigated using bioinformatics and systems biology techniques

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic and highly contagious, posing a serious threat to human health. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a risk factor for COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is vital to investigate the intrinsic link between these two diseases.

Methods

In this work, bioinformatics and systems biology techniques were used to detect the mutual pathways, molecular biomarkers, and potential drugs between COVID-19 and CRC.

Results

A total of 161 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on the RNA sequencing datasets of the two diseases. Functional analysis was performed using ontology keywords, and pathway analysis was also performed. The common DEGs were further utilized to create a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and to identify hub genes and key modules. The datasets revealed transcription factors-gene interactions, co-regulatory networks with DEGs-miRNAs of common DEGs, and predicted possible drugs as well. The ten predicted drugs include troglitazone, estradiol, progesterone, calcitriol, genistein, dexamethasone, lucanthone, resveratrol, retinoic acid, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, some of which have been investigated as potential CRC and COVID-19 therapies.

Discussion

By clarifying the relationship between COVID-19 and CRC, we hope to provide novel clues and promising therapeutic drugs to treat these two illnesses.

Structural mechanism of human oncochannel TRPV6 inhibition by the natural phytoestrogen genistein

Calcium-selective oncochannel TRPV6 is the major driver of cell proliferation in human cancers. While significant effort has been invested in the development of synthetic TRPV6 inhibitors, natural channel blockers have been largely neglected. Here we report the structure of human TRPV6 in complex with the plant-derived phytoestrogen genistein, extracted from Styphnolobium japonicum, that was shown to inhibit cell invasion and metastasis in cancer clinical trials. Despite the pharmacological value, the molecular mechanism of TRPV6 inhibition by genistein has remained enigmatic. We use cryo-EM combined with electrophysiology, calcium imaging, mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics simulations to show that genistein binds in the intracellular half of the TRPV6 pore and acts as an ion channel blocker and gating modifier. Genistein binding to the open channel causes pore closure and a two-fold symmetrical conformational rearrangement in the S4-S5 and S6-TRP helix regions. The unprecedented mechanism of TRPV6 inhibition by genistein uncovers new possibilities in structure-based drug design.

Discovery of genistein derivatives as potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors by virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations and ADMET analysis

Background: Due to the constant mutation of virus and the lack of specific therapeutic drugs, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still poses a huge threat to the health of people, especially those with underlying diseases. Therefore, drug discovery against the SARS-CoV-2 remains of great significance.

Methods: With the main protease of virus as the inhibitor target, 9,614 genistein derivatives were virtually screened by LeDock and AutoDock Vina, and the top 20 compounds with highest normalized scores were obtained. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for studying interactions between these 20 compounds and the target protein. The drug-like properties, activity, and ADMET of these compounds were also evaluated by DruLiTo software or online server.

Results: Twenty compounds, including compound 11, were screened by normalized molecular docking, which could bind to the target through multiple non-bonding interactions. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that compounds 2, 4, 5, 11, 13, 14, 17, and 18 had the best binding force with the target protein of SARS-CoV-2, and the absolute values of binding free energies all exceeded 50 kJ/mol. The drug-likeness properties indicated that a variety of compounds including compound 11 were worthy of further study. The results of bioactivity score prediction found that compounds 11 and 12 had high inhibitory activities against protease, which indicated that these two compounds had the potential to be further developed as COVID-19 inhibitors. Finally, compound 11 showed excellent predictive ADMET properties including high absorption and low toxicity.

Conclusion: These in silico work results show that the preferred compound 11 (ZINC000111282222), which exhibited strong binding to SARS-CoV-2 main protease, acceptable drug-like properties, protease inhibitory activity and ADMET properties, has great promise for further research as a potential therapeutic agent against COVID-19.

Genistein: Therapeutic and Preventive Effects, Mechanisms, and Clinical Application in Digestive Tract Tumor

Genistein is one of the numerous recognized isoflavones that may be found in a variety of soybeans and soy products, including tofu and tofu products. The chemical name for genistein is 4', 5, 7-trihydroxyisoflavone, and it is found in plants. In recent years, the scientific world has become more interested in genistein because of its possible therapeutic effects on many forms of cancer. It has been widely investigated for its anticancer properties. The discovery of genistein's mechanism of action indicates its potential for apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in gastrointestinal cancer, especially gastric and colorectal cancer. Genistein's pharmacological activities as determined by the experimental studies presented in this review lend support to its use in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer; however, additional research is needed in the future to determine its efficacy, safety, and the potential for using nanotechnology to increase bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

The role of isoflavones in augmenting the effects of radiotherapy

Cancer is one of the major health problems and the second cause of death worldwide behind heart disease. The traditional soy diet containing isoflavones, consumed by the Asian population in China and Japan has been identified as a protective factor from hormone-related cancers. Over the years the research focus has shifted from emphasizing the preventive effect of isoflavones from cancer initiation and promotion to their efficacy against established tumors along with chemo- and radiopotentiating effects. Studies performed in mouse models and results of clinical trials emphasize that genistein or a mixture of isoflavones, containing in traditional soy diet, could be utilized to both potentiate the response of cancer cells to radiotherapy and reduce radiation-induced toxicity in normal tissues. Currently ongoing clinical research explores a potential of another significant isoflavone, idronoxil, also known as phenoxodiol, as radiation enhancing agent. In the light of the recent clinical findings, this article reviews the accumulated evidence which support the clinically desirable interactions of soy isoflavones with radiation therapy resulting in improved tumor treatment. This review discusses important aspects of the development of isoflavones as anticancer agents, and mechanisms potentially relevant to their activity in combination with radiation therapy of cancer. It gives a critical overview of studies characterizing isoflavone targets such as topoisomerases, ENOX2/PMET, tyrosine kinases and ER receptor signaling, and cellular effects on the cell cycle, DNA damage, cell death, and immune responses.

Natural Products for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system. Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) are the common neurodegenerative diseases, which typically occur in people over the age of 60. With the rapid development of an aged society, over 60 million people worldwide are suffering from these uncurable diseases. Therefore, the search for new drugs and therapeutic methods has become an increasingly important research topic. Natural products especially those from the Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), are the most important sources of drugs, and have received extensive interest among pharmacist. In this review, in order to facilitate further chemical modification of those useful natural products by pharmacists, we will bring together recent studies in single natural compound from TCMs with neuroprotective effect.

Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of in vitro cultured Nidularium procerum, a bromeliad vulnerable to extinction

This study reports the first phytochemical and biological characterization in treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma cells (H295R) of extracts from Nidularium procerum, an endemic bromeliad of Atlantic Forest vulnerable to extinction. Extracts of dry leaves obtained from in vitro-grown plants were recovered by different extraction methods, viz., hexanoic, ethanolic, and hot and cold aqueous. Chromatography-based metabolite profiling and chemical reaction methods revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, lipids, vitamins, among other antioxidant and antitumor biomolecules. Eicosanoic and tricosanoic acids, α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) and scutellarein were, for the first time, described in the Nidularium group. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts contained the highest phenolic content (107.3 mg of GAE.100 g-1) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, respectively. The immunomodulatory and antitumoral activities of aqueous extracts were assessed using specific tests of murine macrophages modulation (RAW 264.7) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against adrenocortical carcinoma cell line, respectively. The aqueous extract improved cell adhesion and phagocytic activities and phagolysossomal formation of murine macrophages. This constitutes new data on the Bromeliaceae family, which should be better exploited to the production of new phytomedicines for pharmacological uses.

Oligonucleotide Aptamer-Mediated Precision Therapy of Hematological Malignancies

Precision medicine has recently emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy because it not only specifically targets cancer cells but it also does not have adverse effects on normal cells. Oligonucleotide aptamers are a class of small molecule ligands that can specifically bind to their targets on cell surfaces with high affinity. Aptamers have great potential in precision cancer therapy due to their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Therefore, aptamer technology has been widely investigated for biomedical and clinical applications. This review focuses on the potential applications of aptamer technology as a new tool for precision treatment of hematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Genistein inhibits Aβ25-35 -induced SH-SY5Y cell damage by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and Ca2+ influx through ionotropic glutamate receptors

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of genistein against SH-SY5Y cell damage induced by β-amyloid 25-35 peptide (Aβ_25-35 ) and the underlying mechanisms. Aβ-induced neuronal death, apoptosis, glutamate receptor subunit expression, Ca²⁺ ion concentration, amino acid transmitter concentration, and apoptosis-related factor expression were evaluated to determine the effects of genistein on Aβ-induced neuronal death and apoptosis. The results showed that genistein increased the survival of SH-SY5Y cells and decreased the level of apoptosis induced by Aβ_25-35 . In addition, genistein reversed the Aβ_25-35 -induced changes in amino acid transmitters, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors, and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits in SH-SY5Y cells. Aβ_25-35 -induced changes in Ca²⁺ and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) protein and gene levels in cells were also reversed by genistein. Our data suggest that genistein protects against Aβ_25-35 -induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells, possibly by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and Ca²⁺ influx through ionotropic glutamate receptors.

Soy-Derived Phytochemical Genistein Modifies Chromatome Topology to Restrict Cancer Cell Proliferation

Epidemiological data indicate that human cancer risk is significantly reduced by the consumption of soy-based foods containing the "phytoestrogen" genistein, which can signal via host cell estrogen receptors. While additional chemoprotective effects of genistein induced by epigenetic factors have also been reported, the key molecules and mechanisms involved are poorly defined. We therefore investigated genistein effects on chromatin-bound proteins in the estrogen receptor-deficient cell line MDA-MB-231 which is insensitive to phytoestrogen signaling. After exposure to low-dose genistein for >1 month, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited stable epigenetic alterations that are analyzed via partial MNase digestion and TMT-based quantitative proteomics. 3177 chromatin-bound proteins are identified with high confidence, including 882 molecules that displayed altered binding topology after cell conditioning with genistein. Prolonged phytochemical exposure conferred heritable changes in the binding topology of key epigenetic regulators including ATRX, SUV39H1/H2, and HP1BP3 that are preserved in untreated progeny, resulting in sustained downregulation of proliferation genes and reduced cell growth. These data indicate that soy derivative genistein exerts complex estrogen receptor-independent effects on the epigenome likely to influence tumorigenesis by restricting cell growth.

Profile of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children Under 2 Years of Age

Context: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) shows substantial differences in clinical and laboratory features and treatment responsiveness in different subgroups. Pediatric ALL <2 years is associated with worse outcome. Infantile ALL is characterized by high white blood cell (WBC) counts, bulky extramedullary disease, translocations of 11q23 locus. There is paucity of data on ALL under 2 years of age. Aims: This study aims to analyze clinical, hematological, biochemical, immunophenotypical parameters, and treatment responsiveness of ALL under 2 years. Settings and Designs: It is a retrospective data analysis conducted at a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre in South India. The study population includes all pediatric ALL, registered at this institute during January 2009 to December 2013, who were under 2 years at the time of presentation. Materials and Methods: There were 122 cases of ALL under 2 years of age of whom 48 refused treatment, and four were lost to follow-up. Thus, 70 cases are eligible for analysis. Details on clinical, hematological, biochemical, radiological, immunophenotypical, and cytogenetic features were collected from case records, hospital cancer registry, and analysis done using SPSS version 20. Kaplan–Meier curves plotted for survival analysis. Results:: Male:female ratio was 1.26:1 (infants - 1:1; 1–2 years group - 1.3:1). The most common clinical features were hepatomegaly (95%) and fever (89%). Hemoglobin level >11 gm% was seen in 12%, WBC counts above 50,000 in 26% and platelets below 20,000 in 20%. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase presents in 64% and uric acid in 12%. Immunophenotype done in 44 children; precursor-B ALL-41, precursor-T ALL-3. Central nervous system -positive disease and 11q23 translocation were noted in one infant each. Conclusions: Infants with ALL are associated with poor prognosis. Children in the 1–2 years are associated with significantly better outcome. WBC counts >50,000 are associated with poor prognosis among infants. Treatment refusal/abandonment rate is 43% in the study population which is comparable to that in literature.

Understanding genistein in cancer: The "good" and the "bad" effects: A review

Nowadays, diet and specific dietary supplements are seen as potential adjuvants to prevent different chronic diseases, including cancer, or to ameliorate pharmacological therapies. Soybean is one of the most important food components in Asian diet. A plethora of evidence supports the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of genistein, a soybean isoflavone. Major tumors affected by genistein here reviewed are breast, prostate, colon, liver, ovarian, bladder, gastric, brain cancers, neuroblastoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, it is not always clear if and when genistein is beneficial against tumors (the "good" effects), or the opposite, when the same molecule exerts adverse effects (the "bad" effects), favouring cancer cell proliferation. This review will critically evaluate this concept in the light of the different molecular mechanisms of genistein which occur when the molecule is administered at low doses (chemopreventive effects), or at high doses (pharmacological effects).

Sustained proliferation in cancer: Mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets

Proliferation is an important part of cancer development and progression. This is manifest by altered expression and/or activity of cell cycle related proteins. Constitutive activation of many signal transduction pathways also stimulates cell growth. Early steps in tumor development are associated with a fibrogenic response and the development of a hypoxic environment which favors the survival and proliferation of cancer stem cells. Part of the survival strategy of cancer stem cells may manifested by alterations in cell metabolism. Once tumors appear, growth and metastasis may be supported by overproduction of appropriate hormones (in hormonally dependent cancers), by promoting angiogenesis, by undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition, by triggering autophagy, and by taking cues from surrounding stromal cells. A number of natural compounds (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, indole-3-carbinol, brassinin, sulforaphane, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein, ellagitannins, lycopene and quercetin) have been found to inhibit one or more pathways that contribute to proliferation (e.g., hypoxia inducible factor 1, nuclear factor kappa B, phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt, insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, Wnt, cell cycle associated proteins, as well as androgen and estrogen receptor signaling). These data, in combination with bioinformatics analyses, will be very important for identifying signaling pathways and molecular targets that may provide early diagnostic markers and/or critical targets for the development of new drugs or drug combinations that block tumor formation and progression.

CD19-antigen specific nanoscale liposomal formulation of a SYK P-site inhibitor causes apoptotic destruction of human B-precursor leukemia cells

We report the anti-leukemic potency of a unique biotargeted nanoscale liposomal nanoparticle (LNP) formulation of the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) P-site inhibitor C61. C61-loaded LNP were decorated with a murine CD19-specific monoclonal antibody directed against radiation-resistant CD19-receptor positive aggressive B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells. The biotargeted C61-LNP were more potent than untargeted C61-LNP and consistently caused apoptosis in B-precursor ALL cells. The CD19-directed C61-LNP also destroyed B-precursor ALL xenograft cells and their leukemia-initiating in vivo clonogenic fraction. This unique nanostructural therapeutic modality targeting the SYK-dependent anti-apoptotic blast cell survival machinery shows promise for overcoming the clinical radiochemotherapy resistance of B-precursor ALL cells.

Signaling proteins and pathways affected by flavonoids in leukemia cells

Flavonoids are a class of plant secondary metabolites that are found ubiquitously in plants and in the human diet. Our objective is to investigate the antiproliferative effects of flavonoids (baicalein, luteolin, genistein, apigenin, scutellarin, galangin, chrysin, and naringenin) toward leukemia cells (HL-60, NB4, U937, K562, Jurkat) as well as the relationship between their antileukemic potencies and molecular structures. At the proteomic level, we evaluate the effects of different flavonoids on the expression levels of various proteins using Protein Pathway Array (PPA) technology. Our results showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity of flavonoids toward various types of leukemia cells. The results of PPA illustrated that flavonoids, such as baicalein, genistein, and scutellarin affected different proteins in different leukemia cell lines. Cell cycle regulatory proteins, such as CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin D1, Cyclin B1, p-CDC2, and p-RB were affected in different leukemia cells. Furthermore, we found that baicalein suppresses CDK4 and activates p-ERK in most leukemia cells; genistein mainly affects CDK4, p-ERK, p-CDC2, while scutellarin dysregulated the proteins, cell division control protein 42, Notch4, and XIAP. Collectively, a wide variety of dysregulation of key signaling proteins related to apoptosis and cell-cycle regulation contributes to the antileukemic properties of these flavonoids.

Genistein in 1:1 inclusion complexes with ramified cyclodextrins: theoretical, physicochemical and biological evaluation

Genistein is one of the most studied phytocompound in the class of isoflavones, presenting a notable estrogenic activity and in vitro and/or in vivo benefits in different types of cancer such as those of the bladder, kidney, lung, pancreatic, skin and endometrial cancer. A big inconvenience for drug development is low water solubility, which can be solved by using hydrophilic cyclodextrins. The aim of this study is to theoretically analyze, based on the interaction energy, the possibility of a complex formation between genistein (Gen) and three different ramified cyclodextrins (CD), using a 1:1 molar ratio Gen:CD. Theoretical data were correlated with a screening of both in vitro and in vivo activity. Proliferation of different human cancer cell lines, antimicrobial activity and angiogenesis behavior was analyzed in order to see if complexation has a beneficial effect for any of the above mentioned activities and if so, which of the three CDs is the most suitable for the incorporation of genistein, and which may lead to future improved pharmaceutical formulations. Results showed antiproliferative activity with different IC50 values for all tested cell lines, remarkable antimicrobial activity on Bacillus subtilis and antiangiogenic activity as revealed by CAM assay. Differences regarding the intensity of the activity for pure and the three Gen complexes were noticed as explained in the text. The data represent a proof that the three CDs can be used for furtherer research towards practical use in the pharmaceutical and medical field.

Application of HPLC coupled with ultraviolet-photodiode array detection for the analysis of phytoestrogens in biological samples

HPLC/PDA methodology was developed for phytoestrogen analysis in human blood, urine, and breast milk. Applications of this technique in four different observational studies showed that urinary excretion rates of isoflavonoids reflects soy consumption reliably. A case-control study in Shanghai showed a decrease in risk to develop breast cancer for women with high urinary isoflavone excretion. These findings support a potential breast cancer preventive effect achieved by soy consumption in populations that eat soy foods habitually.

Equol enhances tamoxifen's anti-tumor activity by induction of caspase-mediated apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Soy phytoestrogens, such as daidzein and its metabolite equol, have been proposed to be responsible for the low breast cancer rate in Asian women. Since the majority of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients are treated with tamoxifen, the basic objective of this study is to determine whether equol enhances tamoxifen's anti-tumor effect, and to identify the molecular mechanisms involved.

METHODS

For this purpose, we examined the individual and combined effects of equol and tamoxifen on the estrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cells using viability assays, annexin-V/PI staining, cell cycle and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

We found that equol (>50 μM) and 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (4-OHT; >100 nM) significantly reduced the MCF-7 cell viability. Furthermore, the combination of equol (100 μM) and 4-OHT (10 μM) induced apoptosis more effectively than each compound alone. Subsequent treatment of MCF-7 cells with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK inhibited equol- and 4-OHT-mediated apoptosis, which was accompanied by PARP and α-fodrin cleavage, indicating that apoptosis is mainly caspase-mediated. These compounds also induced a marked reduction in the bcl-2:bax ratio, which was accompanied by caspase-9 and caspase-7 activation and cytochrome-c release to the cytosol. Taken together, these data support the notion that the combination of equol and tamoxifen activates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway more efficiently than each compound alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Consequently, equol may be used therapeutically in combination treatments and clinical studies to enhance tamoxifen's effect by providing additional protection against estrogen-responsive breast cancers.

The anti-CD19 antibody-drug conjugate SAR3419 prevents hematolymphoid relapse postinduction therapy in preclinical models of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

PURPOSE

Relapsed or refractory pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a major cause of death from cancer in children. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of SAR3419, an antibody-drug conjugate of the maytansinoid DM4 and a humanized anti-CD19 antibody, against B-cell precursor (BCP)-ALL and infant mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) xenografts.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

ALL xenografts were established as systemic disease in immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice from direct patient explants. SAR3419 was administered as a single agent and in combination with an induction-type regimen of vincristine/dexamethasone/l-asparaginase (VXL). Leukemia progression and response to treatment were assessed in real-time, and responses were evaluated using strict criteria modeled after the clinical setting.

RESULTS

SAR3419 significantly delayed the progression of 4 of 4 CD19(+) BCP-ALL and 3 of 3 MLL-ALL xenografts, induced objective responses in all but one xenograft but was ineffective against T-lineage ALL xenografts. Relative surface CD19 expression across the xenograft panel significantly correlated with leukemia progression delay and objective response measure scores. SAR3419 also exerted significant efficacy against chemoresistant BCP-ALL xenografts over a large (10-fold) dose range and significantly enhanced VXL-induced leukemia progression delay in two highly chemoresistant xenografts by up to 82 days. When administered as protracted therapy following remission induction with VXL, SAR3419 prevented disease recurrence into hematolymphoid and other major organs with the notable exception of central nervous system involvement.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that incorporation of SAR3419 into remission induction protocols may improve the outcome for high-risk pediatric and adult CD19(+) ALL.

Rational design of an immunoconjugate for selective knock-down of leukemia-specific E2A-PBX1 fusion gene expression in human Pre-B leukemia

The t(1;19)(q23;p13) is one of the most common chromosomal translocations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and results in production of the transforming oncoprotein E2A-PBX1. Here we first report a novel, biomarker-guided biotherapy strategy for personalized treatment of t(1;19)(+) ALL. A supervised interrogation of the gene expression profiles of primary leukemic cells from a cohort of 207 children with high risk B-lineage ALL identified up-regulated CD19 gene expression as a biomarker for t(1;19)(+) ALL. A disulfide-linked immunoconjugate of a 5-amino-modified 24 mer phosphorothioate anti-sense E2A-PBX1 oligonucleotide (AON) with a mAb specific for a CD19 receptor (αCD19-AON) was prepared as a CD19-directed and leukemia-specific biotherapeutic agent against E2A-PBX1(+) B-lineage ALL. Treatment of E2A-PBX1(+) leukemia cells with low nanomolar concentrations of αCD19-AON resulted in selective depletion of E2A-PBX1 transcripts and caused apoptotic destruction and abrogation of clonogenic growth. Subcutaneously administered αCD19-AON at a total dose level of 93 nmol kg(-1) delivered over 14 days using a micro-osmotic pump more than doubled the leukemia-free survival time of SCID mice in a xenograft model of E2A-PBX1(+) human B-lineage ALL (82.0 ± 1.9 days vs. 37.0 ± 0.1 days, P < 0.0001). Both the AON moiety and the targeting CD19-specific mAb moiety were required for the in vitro as well as in vivo anti-leukemic activity of αCD19-AON. The observed in vitro and in vivo anti-leukemic potency of the αCD19-AON immunoconjugate provides the first preclinical proof-of-principle that t(1;19)(+) high risk B-lineage ALL can be treated with leukemia-specific biotherapeutic agents that knock-down E2A-PBX1 expression.

Genistein binding mode to doubly nicked dumbbell DNA. Dynamic and diffusion ordered NMR study

New genistein derivatives were synthesized, which are fairly well soluble in water, with respect to parent genistein, and thus facilitate study of the interaction with dumbbell DNA dodecamer, mimicking the biological target for topoisomerase II inhibitors. A pulsed field gradient spin echo NMR experiment was used to check the binding and to estimate the association constants and its pH dependence of genistein with dumbbell DNA. Experimental restraints based on nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy spectra were used to calculate the NMR structure in solution in case of 6,8-disubstituted genistein with dimethylaminomethyl groups and were used in molecular modeling calculations. The structure is dynamic, and 10 molecular dynamics runs yield a family of conformations that essentially differ in a depth of inclusion of genistein into a nick. The paper experimentally shows evidence for binding, intercalation in the nick is proposed as a mode of genistein binding, and a model of the event is provided.

Inducing apoptosis in chemotherapy-resistant B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells by targeting HSPA5, a master regulator of the anti-apoptotic unfolded protein response signalling network

We present previously unknown evidence that the immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein BIP/HSPA5, also known as glucose regulated protein (GRP)78, serving as a pivotal component of the pro-survival axis of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signalling network, is abundantly expressed in relapsed B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and contributes to chemotherapy resistance of leukaemic B-cell precursors. The resistance of B-lineage ALL cells to the standard anti-leukaemic drug vincristine was overcome by the HSPA5 inhibitor epigallocatechin gallate, which inhibits the anti-apoptotic function of HSPA5 by targeting its ATP-binding domain. Notably, chemotherapy-resistant B-lineage ALL cells underwent apoptosis within 48 h of exposure to a doxorubicin-conjugated cell-penetrating cyclic anti-HSPA5 peptide targeting surface-expressed HSPA5 molecules on leukaemia cells. The identification of the HSPA5 as a chemoresistance biomarker and molecular target for B-lineage ALL may lead to new anti-leukaemic treatment strategies that are much needed.

Recombinant human CD19-ligand protein as a potent anti-leukaemic agent

We report the cloning and characterization of a novel 54-kDa high-mobility group (HMG)-box protein as the ligand for the human pan-B cell co-receptor CD19 (CD19-L), which interacts with the extracellular domain of CD19 in trans. CD19-L is the first CD19-specific recombinant human protein with potent anti-leukaemic activity against B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer and the second most common form of acute leukaemia in adults. Soluble recombinant CD19-L protein exhibited exquisite specificity for the extracellular domain of CD19 and strong binding to the surface of B-lineage leukaemia/lymphoma cells. Engagement of CD19 co-receptor on B-lineage ALL cells with CD19-L perturbed the CD19-associated signalling network, altering the expression levels of multiple genes directly involved in regulation of apoptosis, and triggered rapid apoptotic cell death in a CD19-specific manner. The identification of human CD19-L may lead to therapeutic innovation for B-lineage ALL and other B-lineage lymphoid malignancies as well as B-cell lymphoproliferative states and systemic autoimmunity.

Phytochemicals in cancer prevention and therapy: truth or dare?

A voluminous literature suggests that an increase in consumption of fruit and vegetables is a relatively easy and practical strategy to reduce significantly the incidence of cancer. The beneficial effect is mostly associated with the presence of phytochemicals in the diet. This review focuses on a group of them, namely isothiocyanate, curcumin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, lycopene and resveratrol, largely studied as chemopreventive agents and with potential clinical applications. Cellular and animal studies suggest that these molecules induce apoptosis and arrest cell growth by pleiotropic mechanisms. The anticancer efficacy of these compounds may result from their use in monotherapy or in association with chemotherapeutic drugs. This latter approach may represent a new pharmacological strategy against several types of cancers. However, despite the promising results from experimental studies, only a limited number of clinical trials are ongoing to assess the therapeutic efficacy of these molecules. Nevertheless, the preliminary results are promising and raise solid foundations for future investigations.

Effects of some natural 5-hydroxy-isoflavones on cultured human endothelial cells in presence and absence of hydrogen peroxide

Due to their biological activity, it has been suggested that consumption of isoflavone-rich diets may prevent prostate and breast cancers, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Preventive effects of isoflavones on cancer and cardiovascular diseases have been associated with their oestrogenic and antioxidant properties. However, concerns still exist about the potential dangers of consuming high levels of these compounds, since it is known that some of them have cytostatic or cytotoxic properties, depending on the concentration. To evaluate the potential cytotoxic risk and antioxidant benefit of natural 5-hydroxy-isoflavones (5-OH-isoflavones) for human vascular endothelium, the effect of some natural 5-OH-isoflavones was evaluated on cultured human endothelial cells, in the presence and absence of H2O2 (3 mm for 4 h). None of the isoflavones tested were able to prevent oxidative damage to endothelial cells at maximal extracellular concentrations of 1 mm. The low antioxidant capacity of these compounds was also shown by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) method. On the other hand, genistein and biochanin A, having a free 7-OH group, were toxic to the human endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner, at concentrations ≥300 μm and ≥ 100 μm, respectively. These results indicate that the non-specific cytotoxic effect of 5-OH-isoflavones is associated with the free 7-OH group. In conclusion, we were not able to show that 5-OH-isoflavones are beneficial to human endothelial cells when the cells were exposed to oxidative stress caused by 3 mm of H2O2, but it can be concluded that consumption of 5-OH-isoflavones is of no direct cytotoxic risk to the human vascular endothelium since toxic concentrations are believed to be unreachable in-vivo.

Targeting SYK kinase-dependent anti-apoptotic resistance pathway in B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) cells with a potent SYK inhibitory pentapeptide mimic

The present study found that the pentapeptide mimic C-61, targeting the substrate binding P-site of SYK tyrosine kinase acted as a potent inducer of apoptosis in chemotherapy-resistant SYK-expressing primary leukemic B-cell precursors taken directly from relapsed B-precursor leukaemia (BPL) patients (but not SYK-deficient infant pro-B leukaemia cells), exhibited favourable pharmacokinetics in mice and non-human primates, and eradicated in vivo clonogenic leukaemia cells in severe combined immunodeficient mouse xenograft models of chemotherapy-resistant human BPL at dose levels non-toxic to mice and non-human primates. These in vitro and in vivo findings provide proof of principle for effective treatment of chemotherapy-resistant BPL by targeting SYK-dependent anti-apoptotic blast cell survival machinery with a SYK P-Site inhibitor. Further development of C-61 may provide the foundation for therapeutic innovation against chemotherapy-resistant BPL.

Harnessing the fruits of nature for the development of multi-targeted cancer therapeutics

Cancer cells exhibit deregulation in multiple cellular signaling pathways. Therefore, treatments using specific agents that target only one pathway usually fail in cancer therapy. The combination treatments using chemotherapeutic agents with distinct molecular mechanisms are considered more promising for higher efficacy; however, using multiple agents contributes to added toxicity. Emerging evidence has shown that some "natural products" such as isoflavones, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its in vivo dimeric product 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), and curcumin among many others, have growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effects on human and animal cancer cells mediated by targeting multiple cellular signaling pathways in vitro without causing unwanted toxicity in normal cells. Therefore, these non-toxic "natural products" from natural resources could be useful in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of human malignancies with lower toxicity and higher efficacy. In fact, recently increasing evidence from pre-clinical in vivo studies and clinical trials have shown some success in support of the use of rational design of multi-targeted therapies for the treatment of cancers using conventional chemotherapeutic agents in combination with "natural products". These studies have provided promising results and further opened-up newer avenues for cancer therapy. In this review article, we have succinctly summarized the known effects of "natural products" especially by focusing on isoflavones, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its in vivo dimeric product 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), and curcumin, and provided a comprehensive view on the molecular mechanisms underlying the principle of cancer therapy using combination of "natural products" with conventional therapeutics.

Oral antibiotics decrease urinary isoflavonoid excretion in children after soy consumption

How oral antibiotics (OABX) alter isoflavones (IFLs) in soy-consuming children is unknown. We evaluated OABX effects on urinary IFL excretion rates (UIERs) in 17 children, ages 4 to 17 yr, who provided 2 urine collections in pairs of a baseline urine and an overnight urine collection after consuming a body-weight-adjusted dose of soy nuts. The first collection was during OABX treatment for a bacterial infection and the second when healthy and off antibiotics. IFL food levels and UIERs were measured for nonmetabolites (NM), namely, daidzein, genistein (GE), and glycitein, and the metabolites (M) dihydrodaidzein, dihydrogenistein, equol, and O-desmethylangolensin (DMA), by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Urinary IFLs were hypothesized to change after OABX due to intestinal microflora alterations. A total of 11 children completed the study correctly. During OABX use, UIER (nmol/h/kg) for GE (6.4 +/- 1.0 vs. 10.1 +/- 1.6), all NM (27.5 +/- 4.8 vs. 36.2 +/- 4.7), and total IFLs (all NM + all M; 29.4 +/- 5.0 vs. 38.8 +/- 4.8) was reduced (P < 0.05) vs. when healthy. In contrast, a trend toward more DMA production during OABX was observed (1.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.3, P = 0.13). The reduction in urinary IFL appearance could be due to the changes of intestinal bacteria by OABX and/or due to processes related to the infection.

Multi-targeted therapy of cancer by genistein

Soy isoflavones have been identified as dietary components having an important role in reducing the incidence of breast and prostate cancers in Asian countries. Genistein, the predominant isoflavone found in soy products, has been shown to inhibit the carcinogenesis in animal models. There is a growing body of experimental evidence showing that the inhibition of human cancer cell growth by genistein is mediated via the modulation of genes that are related to the control of cell cycle and apoptosis. It has been shown that genistein inhibits the activation of NF-kappaB and Akt signaling pathways, both of which are known to maintain a homeostatic balance between cell survival and apoptosis. Moreover, genistein antagonizes estrogen- and androgen-mediated signaling pathways in the processes of carcinogenesis. Furthermore, genistein has been found to have antioxidant properties, and shown to be a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and metastasis. Taken together, both in vivo and in vitro studies have clearly shown that genistein, one of the major soy isoflavones is a promising agent for cancer chemoprevention and further suggest that it could be an adjunct to cancer therapy by virtue of its effects on reversing radioresistance and chemoresistance. In this review, we attempt to provide evidence for these preventive and therapeutic effects of genistein in a succinct manner highlighting comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge regarding its multi-targeted biological and molecular effects in cancer cells.

Miniaturized system of neurotrophin patterning for guided regeneration

Understanding the fundamentals of cell behaviour is imperative for designing and improving engineering strategies for regenerative medicine. By combining the precision of confocal microscopy with photochemistry, nerve growth factor (NGF) was chemically immobilized on chitosan films either in distinct areas or as concentration gradients. Using rhodamine as a proxy for NGF, a series of immobilized concentration gradients were created, using the number of rastering scans within a defined area and the distance between each area as a way to control the resulting gradient. The same photochemistry was applied to create NGF patterns on chitosan films which were visualized by immunostaining, and the immobilized NGF remained bioactive as demonstrated with a neuron survival assay. Neuron survival was 73.2+/-1.3% after 3 days of culture on chitosan films with 30 ng/cm(2) of homogenously immobilized NGF, which was comparable to 74.8+/-3.4% neuron survival on chitosan with 50 ng/ml of soluble NGF present. Interestingly, when neurons were plated on a chitosan film that had distinct immobilized NGF-patterned areas surrounded by unmodified chitosan, the neurons remained predominantly as single cells in the NGF-patterned regions, but formed aggregates outside of these patterns on the plain chitosan film. Thus, the immobilized NGF pattern influenced neuron behaviour and can be used to further probe mechanisms of other neuron behaviour such as axon guidance. Importantly, the versatility of the confocal laser patterning technique reported here can be extended to other factors to elucidate fundamental cell functions, and hence design strategies in regenerative medicine.

Isoflavones in children and adults consuming soy

Soy and their isoflavones (IFLs) are believed to protect against breast cancer, particularly when exposure occurs during childhood. Little is known about the bioavailability of IFLs in children and how this is affected by oral antibiotics (OABX). We measured IFLs by LC/MS and found that the urinary IFL excretion rate (UIER) reflects circulating IFLs accurately when area-under-curve (AUC) and identical time intervals are used (r=0.93; p<0.001). UIER in children and adults was determined when healthy and when on OABX by collecting urine in pairs of baseline and overnight specimen before and after consuming soy nuts, respectively. Compared to when healthy, children on OABX showed significantly decreased UIER but adults on OABX showed increased UIER (p<0.05). All 37 healthy children showed significantly higher UIERs compared to all 34 healthy adults. UIER is an adequate surrogate for determining IFL bioavailability and for measuring soy or IFL exposure in epidemiologic and other studies.

Urinary isoflavones are increased in adults, but decreased in children, consuming soy when on oral antibiotic therapy

The goal of this study was to evaluate how oral antibiotics (OABX) change the appearance of isoflavones (IFLs) in adults and children after soy consumption. The urinary IFL excretion rate (UIER) known to reflect circulating IFLs was hypothesized to change due to intestinal microflora changes by OABX. Subjects provided urine collections in pairs of a baseline urine and an overnight urine before and after consuming soy nuts first during OABX treatment and then again when healthy. During OABX versus when healthy, UIER (nmol/h/kg) in adults (n = 12) was increased (P < 0.05) for daidzein (35.2 +/- 7.2 vs. 18.9 +/- 2.4), daidzein + genistein + glycitein [nonmetabolites (NM); 42.6 +/- 8.0 vs. 23.6 +/- 2.9), and total isoflavonoids (Total IFLs; daidzein + genistein + glycitein + dihydrodaidzein + dihydrogenistein + equol + O-desmethylangolensin) (51.5 +/- 10.3 versus 29.6 +/- 4.7). In contrast, children (n = 7) showed reduced UIER (P < 0.05) when on OABX versus when healthy for daidzein (36.3 +/- 6.4 vs. 46.8 +/- 4.7), dihydrodaidzein (1.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 3.0 +/-1.1), NM (46.3 +/- 8.2 vs. 59.5 +/- 6.0), dihydrodaidzein + dihydrogenistein + equol + O-desmethylangolensin (1.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 4.3 +/- 1.3), and Total IFLs (48.2 +/- 8.5 vs. 63.8 +/- 6.4).

Xenograft models for the preclinical evaluation of new therapies in acute leukemia

Major advances in understanding the pathophysiology of acute leukemia have resulted in a dramatic increase in the availability of novel compounds for clinical trials. However, since the number of new drugs far exceeds the number of clinical trials that can be conducted because of the availability of eligible patients, there is an urgent need to utilize reliable preclinical models for the prioritization of the most promising potential therapies for those clinical trials. The most widely used preclinical models for the acute leukemias are human tumor xenografts established in immune-deficient mice, and genetically engineered mouse strains. This review summarizes the recent developments and considerations in the use of xenograft models of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and acute promyelocytic leukemia for the preclinical testing of new therapies.

Isoflavones from soya foods are more bioavailable in children than adults

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether children experience a higher systemic exposure to isoflavonoids when consuming a body weight-adjusted dose of soya compared with adults. Forty study participants were recruited from a local Waldorf school, including twenty-one children and nineteen adults. Participants collected a baseline urine sample and ate immediately thereafter a body weight-adjusted dose of soya nuts (15 g/54.4 kg equivalent to 0.615 (SD 0.036) mg total isoflavones/kg) followed by a 12 h urine collection. Nineteen children and eighteen adults completed the protocol correctly (fourteen child-parent pairs). Children, compared with adults, showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05 by unpaired t test) higher urinary isoflavone excretion rate for daidzein (+39%), genistein (+44%), all non-metabolites (daidzein + genistein + glycitein; +41%) and total isoflavonoids (+32%). Isoflavones are more bioavailable in children v. adults. Urine is an excellent medium to determine systemic isoflavone exposure in children due to its non-invasiveness and high compliance, in particular when collected overnight; it also allows evaluation of completeness of specimen collection.

Src kinase signaling in leukaemia

Role of Src kinases in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia has been recently demonstrated in leukaemia mouse model. Retained activation of Src kinases by the BCR-ABL oncoprotein in leukaemic cells following inhibition of BCR-ABL kinase activity by imatinib indicates that Src activation by BCR-ABL is independent of BCR-ABL kinase activity and provides an explanation for reduced effectiveness of the BCR-ABL kinase activity inhibitors in Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Simultaneous inhibition of kinase activity of both BCR-ABL and Src kinases results in long-term survival of mice with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Leukaemic stem cells exist in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and complete eradication of this group of cells would provide a curative therapy for this disease.

Database of traditional Chinese medicine and its application to studies of mechanism and to prescription validation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely practised and is viewed as an attractive alternative to conventional medicine. Quantitative information about TCM prescriptions, constituent herbs and herbal ingredients is necessary for studying and exploring TCM.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We manually collected information on TCM in books and other printed sources in Medline. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database TCM-ID, at http://tcm.cz3.nus.edu.sg/group/tcm-id/tcmid.asp, was introduced for providing comprehensive information about all aspects of TCM including prescriptions, constituent herbs, herbal ingredients, molecular structure and functional properties of active ingredients, therapeutic and side effects, clinical indication and application and related matters.

RESULTS

TCM-ID currently contains information for 1,588 prescriptions, 1,313 herbs, 5,669 herbal ingredients, and the 3D structure of 3,725 herbal ingredients. The value of the data in TCM-ID was illustrated by using some of the data for an in-silico study of molecular mechanism of the therapeutic effects of herbal ingredients and for developing a computer program to validate TCM multi-herb preparations.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The development of systems biology has led to a new design principle for therapeutic intervention strategy, the concept of 'magic shrapnel' (rather than the 'magic bullet'), involving many drugs against multiple targets, administered in a single treatment. TCM offers an extensive source of examples of this concept in which several active ingredients in one prescription are aimed at numerous targets and work together to provide therapeutic benefit. The database and its mining applications described here represent early efforts toward exploring TCM for new theories in drug discovery.

Flavonoid compounds in maintenance of prostate health and prevention and treatment of cancer

Compounds based on a flavonoid (di-phenolic) ring structure are emerging as a potentially important new class of pharmaceutical compounds with a broad range of biological activities, most prominent of which are their potential role as anticancer agents. These compounds exert a wide range of upregulating and downregulating effects on signal transduction processes within cells in both plants and animals. The observation that human communities, which consume large quantities of these compounds (legume-based vegetarian diets), have a lower incidence of many degenerative diseases and some cancers has led to the speculation that these compounds, or synthetic analogs, may be of therapeutic value. This article reviews the evidence supporting this hypothesis and provides some examples of attempts to develop new therapeutics based on dietary isoflavones or novel isoflavonoid structures in maintaining prostate health and in cancer treatment and management. One of these compounds, phenoxodiol, is now in human clinical trials and has shown promise in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer where the cancer is refractory or resistant to standard chemotherapy, and in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Anisotropic scaffolds facilitate enhanced neurite extension in vitro

Tissue engineering (TE) techniques to enhance nerve regeneration following nerve damage have had limited success in matching the performance of autografts across short nerve gaps (< 10 mm). For regeneration over longer nerve gaps, TE techniques have been less successful than autografts. Most engineered scaffolds do not present directional cues to the regenerating nerves. In our efforts to design a TE scaffold to replace the autograft, we hypothesize that anisotropic hydrogel scaffolds with gradients of a growth-promoting glycoprotein, laminin-1 (LN-1), may promote directional neurite extension and enhance regeneration. In this study we report the engineering of three-dimensional (3D) agarose scaffolds with photoimmobilized gradients of LN-1 of differing slopes. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from chicken embryos were cultured in the agarose scaffolds and their neurite extension rate was determined. DRG neurite extension rates were significantly higher in the anisotropic scaffolds, with a maximal growth rate in an anisotropic scaffold twice that of the maximal growth rate in isotropic scaffolds of LN-1. We suggest that these anisotropic scaffolds, presenting an optimal gradient of LN-1, may significantly impact nerve regeneration. Such anisotropic scaffolds may represent a new generation of tissue engineered materials with built-in directional cues for guided tissue or nerve regeneration.

Isoflavones in breastfed infants after mothers consume soy

BACKGROUND

The bioavailability of isoflavones in children after soy exposure is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare isoflavone patterns in infants exposed to isoflavone-containing breast milk (BF), in tofu-fed (TF) infants, and in mothers consuming a soy beverage.

DESIGN

Eighteen nursing mothers who were not feeding soy foods to their infants consumed one daily serving of a soy protein beverage for 2-4 d and collected their own milk and urine and infant urine. Plasma was collected from infants if venous blood draws were ordered by pediatricians. Blood and urine were collected from additional children after they consumed tofu. Isoflavones were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

In 7 subjects, isoflavone values increased significantly from baseline after mothers ate soy: in maternal urine (x +/- SEM) from 18.4 +/- 13.0 to 135.1 +/- 26.0 nmol/mg creatinine, in breast milk from 5.1 +/- 2.2 to 70.7 +/- 19.2 nmol/L, and in infant urine from 29.8 +/- 11.6 to 111.6 +/- 18.9 nmol/mg creatinine. The mean isoflavone concentration in plasma obtained from 11 BF infants was 19.7 +/- 13.2 nmol/L. TF infants had much higher mean isoflavone values (urine, 229 +/- 129 nmol/mg creatinine; plasma, 1049 +/- 403 nmol/L). Statistically significant correlations were observed between the types of fluids investigated within mothers, between mothers and infants, and within infants. Urinary isoflavone excretion per hour adjusted for dose per body weight was 81% lower for BF infants and 24% higher for TF infants than for their mothers after eating soy.

CONCLUSIONS

More isoflavones appear in children than in adults after adjustment for isoflavone intake. Systemic isoflavone exposure in infants can be determined by urinary analysis.

Isoflavonas en mujeres menopáusicas

Phytoestrogens are composed derivatives of vegetables. The 2 main classes of interest to human health are lignans and isoflavones. Isoflavones exist in at least 15 different chemical forms and their effect on human health has been investigated to some extent (particularly, genistein and daidzein as high levels of these compounds are present in soybean). Isoflavones have similar structure to oestrogen and have the capacity to exert both oestrogenic and anti oestrogenic effects. They may block the effects of oestrogen in some tissues (e. g., the breast and endometrium), but act like an oestrogen in providing possible protection against bone loss and heart disease. Lignans are much more widespread in plant foods but investigation has been limited due to the complexity of measurement. The increasing interest in the use of the soybean and the phytoestrogens derived from the soybean is due to the results published on experimental animal actions, and in human case-control studies. There are many observational and epidemiologists studies that suggest the potential benefit of isoflavones on the menopause symptoms, the cardiovascular system, the osteoporosis and the estrogen dependent cancers, but many open questions exist. We must be very strict with certain observational studies by the possible influences of collateral factors to the isoflavones (exercise, type of diet, etc.), and attribute the beneficial effects may be due to own treatment.