Phytoestrogens and breast cancer: a complex story

@article{Helferich2008PhytoestrogensAB,
  title={Phytoestrogens and breast cancer: a complex story},
  author={William G Helferich and Juan E. Andrade and Martin S. Hoagland},
  journal={Inflammopharmacology},
  year={2008},
  volume={16},
  pages={219-226}
}
Abstract.Genistein is an isoflavone with oestrogenic activity that is present in a variety of soy products as a constituent of complex mixtures of bioactive compounds, whose matrix profiles play an important role in determining the overall oestrogenic bioactivity of genistein. We review data on how the profile of soy bioactive compounds can modulate genistein-stimulated oestrogen-dependent tumour growth. Our research has focused on the effects of dietary genistein on the growth of oestrogen (E… 
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The role of soybean extracts and isoflavones in hormone-dependent breast cancer: aromatase activity and biological effects.
TLDR
It is demonstrated that the biotransformation increased the anti-aromatase activity and theAnti-tumoral efficacy of soybean extract in breast cancer cells and elucidated the potential use of soya in the prevention and/or treatment of ER+ breast cancer.
Targets for the Action of Phytoestrogens in Breast Cancer—Focus on Isoflavones and Resveratrol
TLDR
It is suggested that more experiments investigating low-dose mixtures of phytoestrogens and chronic exposure to phy toestrogens—a closer model of dietary intake—are required to substantiate claims that phyToestrogens can protect against breast cancer.
Phytoestrogens and prevention of breast cancer: The contentious debate.
TLDR
The effects of phytoestrogens on breast cancer may be mediated by their ability to inhibit local oestrogen synthesis and induce epigenetic changes, which are difficult to reconcile with epidemiological and experimental data.
Phytoestrogens as Novel Therapeutic Molecules Against Breast Cancer
Coexposure to phytoestrogens and bisphenol a mimics estrogenic effects in an additive manner.
TLDR
It is demonstrated that coexposure to BPA and genistein, or SF, results in increased functional and transcriptional estrogenic effects, and may contribute to estrogen-linked diseases, including breast cancer.
Mechanisms underlying the dualistic mode of action of major soy isoflavones in relation to cell proliferation and cancer risks.
TLDR
The overview presented reveals that the authors are only at the start of unraveling the complex underlying mode of action for effects of isoflavones, both beneficial or adverse, on cell proliferation and cancer risks, and that whatever model system will be applied, its relevance to human tissues with respect to ERα and ERβ levels, co-repressor and co-activator characteristics needs to be considered and defined.
Rapid effects of phytoestrogens on human colonic smooth muscle are mediated by oestrogen receptor β
Dual effects of isoflavonoids from Pueraria lobata roots on estrogenic activity and anti-proliferation of MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells.
Topoisomerase poisoning by genistein in the intestine of rats.
A CHEMOPREVENTIVE FACTOR IN PROSTATE CANCER
TLDR
Genistein intervention modulated the expression of several biomarkers which may be related to PCa prediction and progression, and supports genistein as a chemopreventive agent in PCa.
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References

SHOWING 1-10 OF 122 REFERENCES
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TLDR
The results reveal that genistein is unique among the flavonoids tested, in that it has potent estrogen agonist and cell growth-inhibitory actions over a physiologically relevant concentration range.
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TLDR
Evidence is presented that demonstrates conversion of genistin to its aglycone form genistein begins in the mouth and then continues in the small intestine, which can stimulate estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell growth in vivo.
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TLDR
A critical analysis of the early findings from supplementing the diet with soy protein has failed to confirm phytoestrogens as the responsible agent for beneficial cardiovascular effects, be it by way of lipid reduction, vasodilation or lipoprotein oxidation.
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TLDR
In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that genistein exerts multiple suppressive effects on breast carcinoma cells, suggesting that its mechanism of chemoprevention is pleiotropic.
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TLDR
It is hypothesize that soy isolates containing different concentrations of genistein will stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent cells in vivo in a dose-dependent manner and test this hypothesis by feeding soy protein isolates to athymic mice implanted with estrogen- dependent tumors.
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TLDR
Dietary genistein can act as an estrogen agonist in vivo and in vitro, resulting in the proliferation of cultured human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and the induction of pS2 gene expression.
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TLDR
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TLDR
Experimental data suggest that SSE could be not harmful for women with a history of or at high risk for breast cancer, at least for short treatment periods; however, further studies are needed to thoroughly characterize the activity profile of the extract in this specific setting of patients.
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TLDR
Genistein may represent a member of a new class of dietary-derived anti-angiogenic compounds that contribute to the preventive effect of a plant-based diet on chronic diseases, including solid tumors, by inhibiting neovascularization.
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TLDR
It is unlikely that the plasma concentration required to inhibit cancer cell growth in vivo can be achieved from a dietary dosage of genistein, according to the data presented.
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