Enhanced Expression of Sodium Hydrogen Exchanger (NHE)-1, 2 and 4 in the Cervix of Ovariectomised Rats by Phytoestrogen Genistein |
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Authors: | Nurain Ismail Nelli Giribabu Sekaran Muniandy Naguib Salleh |
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Affiliation: | 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. |
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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. |
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Keywords: | genistein NHE-1 2 and 4 cervix |
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