Comparative effects of estradiol and daidzein on the expression of endometrial cancer-related genes and histopathological parameters in the uterus of ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the effects of daidzein (DZD) and 17-β-estradiol (E2) on uterine histopathology, expression of endometrial cancer-related genes, and anti-oxidant status in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Sham, OVX, OVX+E2 (10 μg/kg/day), OVX+DZD (20 mg/kg/day), and DZD-only. After 50 days of treatment, uterine tissues were analyzed for histopathological changes, mRNA expression of ERα, ERβ, PTEN, EZH2, and Ki67, and oxidative stress markers (TAC, SOD, CAT, and MDA).

RESULTS

Ovariectomy induced endometrial atrophy, significantly downregulated the expression of all target genes (ERα, ERβ, PTEN, EZH2, and Ki67), decreased SOD and CAT activity and TAC level, and increased MDA. E2 treatment reversed these changes but induced hyperplastic effects. DZD administration significantly increased CAT and SOD activity and elevated ERβ and Ki67 expression compared with the OVX group. Crucially, DZD prevented uterine atrophy without inducing hyperplasia.

CONCLUSION

DZD demonstrated a potentially beneficial effect by improving uterine anti-oxidant capacity and preventing atrophy, but without the hyperplastic changes associated with estradiol. These findings suggest that DZD may be a safer alternative for managing hypoestrogenic conditions, warranting further investigation.