Genistein Improves Barrier Function and Proliferation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells from Preeclampsia Patients

Preeclampsia (PE), which is characterized by hypertension in women who have normal blood pressure before pregnancy and accompanied proteinuria, edema, major organ damage, the cause of increased mortality pregnant perinatal fetuses. So far, genistein recognized as only safe effective natural phytoestrogen without estrogen-like adverse reactions. Recent studies show that may play a significant role controlling oxidative/nitrative stress during preeclampsia, indicating possible beneficial prevention preeclampsia. However, ability to prevent treat pregnancy-induced hypertension, especially unknown. To study effect on endothelial cell damage we isolated human umbilical vein cells (HUVEC) from 20 40 preeclampsia patients (half treated with other half untreated). We found HUVEC barrier function, proliferation, nitric oxide synthesis, glutathione peroxidase activity, Bcl-2 expression were significantly decreased PE group. Furthermore, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine levels Bax comparing control Genistein treatment reversed these changes group, suggesting reduces providing supporting use for treatment.