Effects of the isoflavone genistein on cardiac gene expression in ovariectomized mice

Objectives Instead of synthetic hormones phytoestrogens like the isoflavone genistein (Gen) are increasingly used to treat diseases related to low endogenous estradiol (E2) production. Despite the presence of both known types of estrogen receptors (ER) in the heart, little is known about putative actions of phytoestrogens in the heart. To assess effects of a long term treatment with Gen on cardiac expression of ERs and estrogen-regulated genes, ovariectomized mice were fed for 3 months with a Gen or E2-containing diet. Gene expression in the heart was determined by real time PCR. Serum concentrations of E2 and G…