Genistein Enhances Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling Pathway in Human Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells

Physiological concentration of genistein, a natural isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, stimulates human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells proliferation. In this study, we hypothesize that low concentration of genistein mimics the action of 17β-estradiol in stimulation of MCF-7 cell growth by enhancement of IGF-I signaling pathway. Genistein, at 1 μm, stimulated the growth of MCF-7 cells. Cell cycle analysis showed that 1 μm genistein significantly increased...