ISSN: 1449-1907International Journal of Medical Sciences
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Int J Med Sci 2015; 12(6):468-477. doi:10.7150/ijms.11210 This issue Cite
Research Paper
Enhanced Expression of Sodium Hydrogen Exchanger (NHE)-1, 2 and 4 in the Cervix of Ovariectomised Rats by Phytoestrogen Genistein
1. Dept of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
2. Dept of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract
Restoring the pH of cervicovaginal fluid is important for the cervicovaginal health after menopause. Genistein, which is a widely consumed dietary health supplement to overcome the post-menopausal complications could help to restore the cervicovaginal fluid pH. We hypothesized that genistien effect involves changes in expression of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs in the cervix. This study investigated effect of genistein on NHE-1, 2 and 4 protein and mRNA expression in the cervix in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying possible effect of this compound on cervicovaginal fluid pH after menopause. Methods: Ovariectomised adult female rats received 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day genistein for seven consecutive days. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed and cervix was harvested. Expression of Nhe-1, 2 and 4 mRNA were analyzed by Real-time PCR while distribution of NHE-1, 2 and 4 protein were observed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Treatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg/day genistein caused marked increase in the levels of expression and distribution of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins in the endocervical epithelia. Levels of Nhe-1, 2 and 4 mRNA in the cervix were also increased. Coadministration of ICI 182 780 and genistein reduced the expression levels of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs in the cervix. Conclusions: Enhanced expression of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs expression in cervix under genistein influence could help to restore the cervicovaginal fluid pH that might help to prevent cervicovaginal complications related to menopause.
Keywords: genistein, NHE-1, 2 and 4, cervix
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