Title:Genistein in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Review
Volume: 22
Issue: 14
Author(s): Paulina Sigowska, Michał Zimoch, Aleksandra Baska*, Jakub Kazik, Kamil Leis and Grzegorz Grześk
Affiliation:
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum
in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 75 Ujejskiego St., 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Keywords:
Genistein, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, isoflavones, natural compounds, phytoestrogen.
Abstract: Genistein, a natural compound belonging to the group of isoflavones has a confirmed
positive effect in such diseases as hormone-dependent cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular
diseases, including arterial and pulmonary hypertension. The multiway hypotensive effect is
based on vasodilation with simultaneous inhibition of vasoconstriction and RAA interference. It
impacts both vascular smooth muscles and endothelium due to its influence on many molecular
pathways and peptides; among them: protection against oxidative stress, RhoA/Rho pathway inhibition,
enhancing cAMP activation, modification of cellular calcium influx, and the increase of
eNOS concentrations. Despite little research on genistein effect on pulmonary hypertension, it
seems that the natural compound reduces harmful hypoxia effects and, consequently, inhibits
vessels remodelling. In our review, we present mechanisms of lowering blood pressure and juxtapose
in vivo research on both animal and human models. On the basis of our results, it might be
deduced that the abovementioned isoflavone seems to be a safe and effective hypotensive drug.
Its impact on arterial and pulmonary hypertension should be further estimated, both in monotherapy,
and in combination treatment.
