Inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis by genistein in colon cancer HT-29 cells

Genistein has multiple anticancer properties. However, its mechanisms of action and its molecular targets on human colon cells remain to be further elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that genistein reduced proliferation and induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptotic death in colon cancer HT-29 cells. We then investigated the effects of genistein on molecules that regulate apoptosis and cell cycle progress. Genistein increased expression of Bax and p21WAF1 and slightly decreased Bcl-2 level. Our results demonstrated that genistein inhibited the viability of human colon cancer HT-29 cell via induction of apoptosis mainly through regulation of p21WAF1 and Bax/Bcl-2 expression. These data suggested a role of genistein in prevention of colon tumor and might reduce colon tumor growth.