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Membrane Steroid Receptor-Mediated Action of Soy Isoflavones: Tip of the Iceberg

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Abstract

Soy isoflavone’s (genistein and daidzein in particular) biological significance has been thoroughly studied for decades, so we started from the premise that refreshed investigation approach in this field should consider identification of their new molecular targets. In addition to recently described epigenetic aspects of polyphenole action, the cell membrane constituents-mediated effects of soy isoflavones are worthy of special attention. Accordingly, the expanding concept of membrane steroid receptors and rapid signaling from the cell surface may include the prominent role of these steroid-like compounds. It was observed that daidzein strongly interacts with membrane estrogen receptors in adrenal medullary cells. At low doses, daidzein was found to stimulate catecholamine synthesis through extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 or protein kinase A pathways, but at high doses, it inhibited catecholamine synthesis and secretion induced by acetylcholine. Keeping in mind that catecholamine excess can contribute to the cardiovascular pathologies and that catecholamine lack may lead to depression, daidzein application promises to have a wide range of therapeutic effects. On the other hand, it was shown in vitro that genistein inhibits LNCaP prostate cancer cells invasiveness by decreasing the membrane fluidity along with immobilization of the androgen receptor containing membrane lipid rafts, with down regulation of the androgen receptors and Akt signaling. These data are promising in development of the molecular pharmacotherapy pertinent to balanced soy isoflavone treatment of cardiovascular, psychiatric, and steroid-related malignant diseases.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Education and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, Grant number 173009. We wish to express our gratitude to Ivan Spasojević PhD, Life Systems Department, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade, Serbia for the valuable assistance during manuscript preparation.

Conflict of interest

Vladimir Ajdžanović, Ivana Medigović, Jasmina Živanović, Marija Mojić and Verica Milošević declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia

    Vladimir Ajdžanović, Ivana Medigović, Jasmina Živanović & Verica Milošević

  2. Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia

    Marija Mojić

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  1. Vladimir Ajdžanović
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  2. Ivana Medigović
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  4. Marija Mojić
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  5. Verica Milošević
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Correspondence to Vladimir Ajdžanović.

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Ajdžanović, V., Medigović, I., Živanović, J. et al. Membrane Steroid Receptor-Mediated Action of Soy Isoflavones: Tip of the Iceberg. J Membrane Biol 248, 1–6 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00232-014-9745-x

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