Genistein suppresses the inflammation and GSK-3 pathway in an animal model of spontaneous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM Numerous studies show that cancer risk is reduced by consumption of soy-based foods containing genistein, but its effects on the glycogen synthase kinase-3 pathway (GSK-3) in ovarian cancer is unknown. Therefore, we tested the properties of genistein on inflammatory biomarkers and GSK-3 signaling pathways in the ovaries of old laying hens with ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 300 laying hens were distributed into 3 groups as follows: group 1, animals fed a standard diet (comprising 22.39 mg of genistein/kg of diet); groups 2 and 3, animals fed a standard diet reconstituted with supplementation of 400 mg or 800 mg of genistein/kg of diet, respectively. RESULTS Genistein modulated the inflammatory biomarkers by decreasing serum tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with control (P < 0.001). Moreover, genistein up-regulated insulin receptor substrate-1 (p-IRS-1) and protein kinase B (p-AKT), but down-regulated GSK-3? and s after treatment. Genistein acts in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Genistein exhibited an anticancer effect by reducing pro-inflammatory biomarkers levels and inhibiting GSK-3 expression in the ovaries of old laying hens. Genistein is a potential candidate in the chemoprevention and/or treatment of ovarian cancer.