Genistein Inhibits Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation Through the Induction of p27kip1

Diet is one of the most important factors that influence the risks for cardiovascular diseases. Genistein, an isoflavone found in soy, may benefit the cardiovascular system. Here, we investigated the effect of genistein on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB–induced proliferation of primary cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). Genistein significantly inhibited 25 ng/ml PDGF-BB–induced RASMC proliferation and [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA at 10, 20, and 40 μM. In accordance with these findings, genistein blocked the PDGF-BB–inducible progression through G0/G1 to S phase of the cell cycle in synchronized cells. Western blot analysis showed that genistein not only inhibited phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and expression of cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein, but also inhibited downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) p27kip1. However, genistein did not affect p21cip1, CDK4, and cyclin D1 expression or early signal transduction through PDGF beta-receptor, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), Akt, and phospholipase C (PLC) γ1 phosphorylation. These results suggest that genistein inhibits PDGF-BB–induced RASMC proliferation via G0/G1 arrest in association with induction of p27kip1, which may contribute to the beneficial effects of genistein on the cardiovascular system. Keywords:: genistein, rat aortic smooth muscle cell, cell cycle, p27kip1, cardiovascular disease