The isoflavone metabolite cis-tetrahydrodaidzein inhibits ERK-1 activation and proliferation in human vascular smooth muscle cells.

Phytoestrogens have recently been proposed as alternatives to estrogens for cardiovascular protection; however, the effect of their metabolites on vascular biology is unclear. We studied the effect of a red clover-derived isoflavone metabolite cis-tetrahydrodaidzein (cis-THD) on human vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Cis-THD significantly inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB-induced DNA synthesis (10% at 1 nmol/L, 17% at 10, 100 nmol/L; 17beta-estradiol: 27% inhibition at 1, 10 nmol/L, 33% at 100 nmol/L). Cis-THD reduced PDGF BB-induced increase in cell numbers. Cis-THD showed high binding affinity to estrogen receptors (ER) by ER competitor assays; its inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis was abolished by the ER antagonist ICI 182780 (100 nmol/L), indicating ER-mediation. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that cis-THD inhibited PDGF BB-stimulated activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase ERK-1 by 34% at 1 nmol/L, 58% at 10 nmol/L, and 81% at 100 nmol/L, while MAP kinase JNK and p38 activities were unaltered. Thus, the isoflavone metabolite cis-THD inhibits PDGF-induced ERK-1 activation and cell proliferation in human VSMC, suggesting a potential beneficial effect in cardiovascular protection.