# Comparative effects of estradiol and daidzein on the expression of endometrial cancer-related genes and histopathological parameters in the uterus of ovariectomized rats

## TL;DR

This study compares how estradiol and daidzein affect the uterus in rats that had their ovaries removed, focusing on cancer-related genes and tissue changes.

## Contribution

The study reveals that daidzein improves antioxidant status and prevents uterine atrophy without causing hyperplasia, unlike estradiol.

## Key findings

- Daidzein increased antioxidant enzyme activity and prevented uterine atrophy in ovariectomized rats.
- Daidzein elevated ERβ and Ki67 gene expression without inducing hyperplasia.
- Estradiol reversed ovariectomy-induced changes but caused hyperplastic effects.

## Abstract

This study compared the effects of daidzein (DZD) and 17-β-estradiol (E2) on uterine histopathology, expression of endometrial cancer-related genes, and anti-oxidant status in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Thirty rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Sham, OVX, OVX+E2 (10 μg/kg/day), OVX+DZD (20 mg/kg/day), and DZD-only. After 50 days of treatment, uterine tissues were analyzed for histopathological changes, mRNA expression of ERα, ERβ, PTEN, EZH2, and Ki67, and oxidative stress markers (TAC, SOD, CAT, and MDA).

Ovariectomy induced endometrial atrophy, significantly downregulated the expression of all target genes (ERα, ERβ, PTEN, EZH2, and Ki67), decreased SOD and CAT activity and TAC level, and increased MDA. E2 treatment reversed these changes but induced hyperplastic effects. DZD administration significantly increased CAT and SOD activity and elevated ERβ and Ki67 expression compared with the OVX group. Crucially, DZD prevented uterine atrophy without inducing hyperplasia.

DZD demonstrated a potentially beneficial effect by improving uterine anti-oxidant capacity and preventing atrophy, but without the hyperplastic changes associated with estradiol. These findings suggest that DZD may be a safer alternative for managing hypoestrogenic conditions, warranting further investigation.