Genistein Supplementation Alters the Expression Levels of miR-155 and miR-181b in the Uterus of Estrogen-Deficient Rats

ABSTRACT

Objective: Estrogen deficiency in menopausehas been associated with several complications like dementia, diabetes, and sexual disturbances. Estrogen modulated microRNA (miR)-155 and miR-181b are involved in various inflammatory responses. Phytoestrogens have been suggested to modulate the expression levels of uterine miRs. The present work evaluated the effect of genistein treatment on the expression levels of miR-155 and miR-181b in the uterus of ovariectomized rats. Material and Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats (180-220 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10 in each group), viz., sham: Rats that underwent laparotomy without ovariectomies, OVX: Rats that underwent bilateral ovariectomy, and OVX.G: Ovariectomized rats with 8 weeks of genistein treatment (1 mg/kg, subcutaneous, daily). Later, the uterus tissue was removed, and the expression levels of miR-155 and miR-181b were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction in the experimental groups. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess histomorphological changes occurring in the uterus. Results: Genistein treatment decreased miR-155 and increased miR-181b expression levels in the uterus of estrogen-deficient rats. Moreover, genistein supplementation ameliorated histological changes in the uterus of ovariectomized rats. Conclusion: Genistein supplementation was responsible for partially ameliorating histological changes induced by estrogen deficiency and expression levels of miRNAs in the uterus of ovariectomized rats. Further investigations are warranted to investigate the inclusive effects of genistein treatment in menopausal women.