Phytoestrogen genistein up-regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression via activation of cAMP response element-binding protein in human aortic endothelial cells.

ABSTRACT: We previously reported that genistein, a phytoestrogen, up-regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and prevents hypertension in rats that are independent of estrogen signaling machinery. However, how genistein regulates eNOS expression is unknown. In the present study, we show that genistein enhanced eNOS expression and NO synthesis in primary human aortic endothelial cells. Inhibition of extracellular signal regulated kinase, phosphoinositol-3 kinase, or protein kinase C did not affect genistein-enhanced eNOS expression and NO synthesis. However, chemical inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) or adenoviral transfer of the specific endogenous PKA inhibitor gene completely abolished PKA activity and genistein-stimulated eNOS expression and NO production. Accordingly, genistein ind

SUBMITTER: Si H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3791435 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature