Previous studies suggest that soy isoflavone genistein intake is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Genistein has been shown to block cell metastasis of human prostate cancer cells in mice. Now for the first time, research reports the discovery of genistein's target in preventing the spread of prostate cancer.
The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, investigated the target for genistein in prostate cancer cells. Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago analyzed MMP-2 protein levels in normal prostate epithelial cells from a randomized trial of 24 patients with prostate cancer. MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) levels are increased in prostate cancer cells. The scientists also treated six prostate cell lines with MEK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 4), a cancer-promoting protein.
The researchers found that cancer-promoting MMP-2 levels were lower in the patients treated with genistein. They also discovered that genistein binds to MEK4 and inhibits MEK4 activity.
"We showed, to our knowledge for the first time, that genistein treatment, compared with no treatment, was associated with decreased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 transcripts in normal prostate cells from prostate cancer-containing tissue," the study authors conclude. "This finding supports the possibility that destabilization of a premalignant field can potentially be prevented by therapeutically targeting cell motility processes that are linked to cancer, as has been proposed previously."
Avistate Promotes Prostate Health
Prostate cancer is a common cancer for men in the US. Supplementing with natural nutrients like soy isoflavone genistein can help promote prostate health and lower the risk of prostate cancer.
Progressive Health's Avistate is a prostate support remedy featuring clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium. Avistate helps improve the symptoms of BPH (benign prostate hypertrophy), control the natural occurrence of prostate growth and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Genistein is a naturally occurring chemical present in soy. Genistein is a type of chemical called a phytoestrogen, an estrogen-like substance present in some plants. Soy is a staple food in many Asian countries. Genistein contains valuable constituents, including protein, isoflavones, saponins, and phytosterols.