#A102 Carotenoids protect from cancer promoting effects of estrogens and Phytoestrogens. Joseph Levy et al, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Shev, Israel. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is used in menopausal women significantly increases the risk for breast cancer. The recent general trend toward a more ‘natural’ lifestyle supports the replacement of synthetic hormones with ‘green estrogens’-phytoestrogens, which have been suggest to play a parting the low rates of breast, colon and prostate cancers in several countries. However, structural similarity of Phytoestrogens to estrogens, may also result in an increase in the risk of breast cancer. In light of the anticancer activity of lycopene and other carotenoids we aimed to show that these agents may protect mammary and endometrial cells from the growth promoting effects of both types of estrogen. Phytoestrogens (genistein, daidzein) and estradiol at physiological levels stimulated growth of hormone-dependent mammary and endometrial cancer cells . Lycopene inhibited the effects of both genistein and IFG-1 (an important risk factor for breast and other cancers) in hormone-dependent cancer cells as well as IGF-1 induced proliferation of hormone-dependent mammary cancer cells. Other carotenoids (beta-carotene, astaxanthin, phytoene, and phytofluene) also reduced estradiol-and-genistein-stimulated cell growth. Moreover, combinations of physiological concentrations of carotenoids synergistically inhibited genistein-induced cell growth. Lycopene suppression of the estradiol- and genistein-stimulated growth was associated with inhibition of cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. This effect was accompanied by attenuation and delay in the expression of cyclin D1, the key regulator of G1 to S transition, and in the levels and hyperphosphorylated state of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein. We conclude that diets rich in vegetables and fruits and/or supplementation with a natural mix of carotenoids may provide protection from the cancer promoting effects of estrogens and Phytoestrogens. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.