Molecular docking of genistein on estrogen receptors, promoter region of BCLX, caspase-3, Ki-67, cyclin D1, and telomere activity

Characterization of flavonoids with potent and subtype-selective actions on estrogen receptors alpha and beta

The initial step in estrogen-regulated transcription is the binding of a ligand to its cognate receptors, named estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Phytochemicals present in foods and environment can compete with endogenous hormones to alter physiological responses. We screened 224 flavonoids in our engineered biosensor ERα and ERβ PRL-array cell lines to characterize their activity on several steps of the estrogen signaling pathway. We identified 83 and 96 flavonoids that can activate ERα or ERβ, respectively. While most act on both receptors, many appear to be subtype-selective, including potent flavonoids that activate ER at sub-micromolar concentrations. We employed an orthogonal assay using a transgenic zebrafish in vivo model that validated the estrogenic potential of these compounds. To our knowledge, this is the largest study thus far on flavonoids and the ER pathway, facilitating the identification of a new set of potential endocrine disruptors acting on both ERα and ERβ.

Future Prospective of Radiopharmaceuticals from Natural Compounds Using Iodine Radioisotopes as Theranostic Agents

Natural compounds provide precursors with various pharmacological activities and play an important role in discovering new chemical entities, including radiopharmaceuticals. In the development of new radiopharmaceuticals, iodine radioisotopes are widely used and interact with complex compounds including natural products. However, the development of radiopharmaceuticals from natural compounds with iodine radioisotopes has not been widely explored. This review summarizes the development of radiopharmaceuticals from natural compounds using iodine radioisotopes in the last 10 years, as well as discusses the challenges and strategies to improve future discovery of radiopharmaceuticals from natural resources. Literature research was conducted via PubMed, from which 32 research articles related to the development of natural compounds labeled with iodine radioisotopes were reported. From the literature, the challenges in developing radiopharmaceuticals from natural compounds were the purity and biodistribution. Despite the challenges, the development of radiopharmaceuticals from natural compounds is a golden opportunity for nuclear medicine advancement.

Protective Effect of Genistein on Cyclin D1 Expression in Malignant Ocular Melanoma Cells

Background:

Ocular melanoma is a disorder that is rarely found but is deadly. Four tissues in the eye that can be attacked by melanoma include the uveal tract, conjunctiva, eyelids, and orbit. Uveal melanoma is the most common case, while melanoma conjunctiva is very rare.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of giving genistein on cyclin D1 expression in malignant melanoma.

Methods:

When confluent, CRL1872 malignant melanoma cells will be divided into treatment groups, the group giving genistein dose 25 μM, the group giving genistein a dose of 50 μM, and the group giving genistein a dose of 100 μM. Cyclin D1 analysis was measured by immunofluorescence using confocal laser scan microscopy.

Results:

There was a significant increase in the expression of cyclin D1, in the group given genistein 25 μM and 50 μM (p < 0.05). For the administration of the genistein dose of 100 μM, cyclin D1 expression decreased significantly compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

It was concluded that genistein had a biphasic effect on cyclin D1 expression in malignant melanoma cells. Thus, genistein at the right dose can be a treatment of malignant melanoma.

Poly(chitosan-ester-ether-urethane) Hydrogels as Highly Controlled Genistein Release Systems

Polymeric hydrogels play an increasingly important role in medicine, pharmacy and cosmetology. They appear to be one of the most promising groups of biomaterials due to their favorable physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The objective of the presented study was to synthesize new poly(chitosan-ester-ether-urethane) hydrogels and to study the kinetic release of genistein (GEN) from these biomaterials. In view of the above, six non-toxic hydrogels were synthesized via the Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) and polyaddition processes. The poly(ester-ether) components of the hydrogels have been produced in the presence of the enzyme as a biocatalyst. In some cases, the in vitro release rate of GEN from the obtained hydrogels was characterized by near-zero-order kinetics, without "burst release" and with non-Fickian transport. It is important to note that developed hydrogels have been shown to possess the desired safety profile due to lack of cytotoxicity to skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts). Taking into account the non-toxicity of hydrogels and the relatively highly controlled release profile of GEN, these results may provide fresh insight into polymeric hydrogels as an effective dermatological and/or cosmetological tool.

Iodine-131 labeled genistein as a potential radiotracer for breast cancer

Objective

Genistein is an isoflavone compound that has been proven to have anticancer activity and is capable of binding to estrogen β receptors with Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) properties, and has a strong affinity to inhibit the development of cancer cells. This study is to determine the optimum conditions of the reaction in the synthesis process of compounds labeled ¹³¹I-genestein which can be potential for application of breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Synthesis of ¹³¹I-Genistein compound labeling using the Chloramine-T iodination method. This method uses several parameter optimizations, including: pH conditions, the amount of chloramine-T oxidizer and sodium metabisulfite reducing agent. The radiochemical purity of the ¹³¹I-Genistein compound was determined using thin layer chromatography TLC-SG F₂₅₄, and measured by SCA (Single Channel Analyzer). The radiochemical purity of labeled compounds must fulfill the requirements of the United States of Pharmacopeia.

Results

Optimization of the synthesis conditions of the ¹³¹I-Genistein compound was obtained at pH 8, the amount of chloramine-T 0.225 mg, and the amount of Na-Metabisulfite 0.342 mg, with 30 min reaction time. This optimum condition produces radiochemical purity of 95.02 ± 0.76%.

Conclusion

Products labeled ¹³¹I-Genistein meet radiochemical purity requirements according to USP requirements. The labeled compound is expected to be able to be used to detect breast cancer through a binding mechanism with estrogen receptors β.

Application of Various Molecular Modelling Methods in the Study of Estrogens and Xenoestrogens

In this review, applications of various molecular modelling methods in the study of estrogens and xenoestrogens are summarized. Selected biomolecules that are the most commonly chosen as molecular modelling objects in this field are presented. In most of the reviewed works, ligand docking using solely force field methods was performed, employing various molecular targets involved in metabolism and action of estrogens. Other molecular modelling methods such as molecular dynamics and combined quantum mechanics with molecular mechanics have also been successfully used to predict the properties of estrogens and xenoestrogens. Among published works, a great number also focused on the application of different types of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses to examine estrogen's structures and activities. Although the interactions between estrogens and xenoestrogens with various proteins are the most commonly studied, other aspects such as penetration of estrogens through lipid bilayers or their ability to adsorb on different materials are also explored using theoretical calculations. Apart from molecular mechanics and statistical methods, quantum mechanics calculations are also employed in the studies of estrogens and xenoestrogens. Their applications include computation of spectroscopic properties, both vibrational and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and also in quantum molecular dynamics simulations and crystal structure prediction. The main aim of this review is to present the great potential and versatility of various molecular modelling methods in the studies on estrogens and xenoestrogens.