Genistein Inhibited Estradiol-Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Downregulating the FAK/Focal Adhesion Pathway

Abstract

Background/Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of genistein on the focal adhesion signaling pathway through its regulation of FAK. Genistein ultimately restored and alleviated estradiol-induced vascular endothelial injury. Methods: Microarray analysis was used to select differentially expressed genes. MTT assay was performed to detect the cell activity, and ROS test and NO test were performed to detect the degree of damage to HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells). The relative mRNA expression levels and protein expression levels of FAK were tested by western blot and qRT-PCR. GO functional analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were applied to predict the possible relationship between functions and related pathways, and transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion and migration. Results: FAK was highly expressed in the HUVECs treated with estradiol (HU-ESTs). Cell viability and NO level decreased, whereas ROS level increased in the HU-ESTs. Effective knockdown of FAK in HU-ESTs elevated cell viability and NO levels while suppressing ROS levels. In addition, inhibition of FAK greatly decreased cell invasion and migration, while the overexpression of FAK enhanced cell invasion and migration. KEGG further indicated focal adhesion pathways were activated. Genistein elevated HU-EST viability, and NO and ROS level increased in a concentration dependent manner. Transwell and western blot assays revealed that genistein could reduce the FAK expression levels and alleviate the damage to the HU-ESTs. Conclusion: FAK overexpression promoted invasion and migration of the HU-ESTs. However, genistein greatly suppressed FAK and estradiol-induced vascular endothelial cell injury.