Soy phytoestrogens modify DNA methylation of GSTP1, RASSF1A, EPH2 and BRCA1 promoter in prostate cancer cells.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of soy phytoestrogens on the methylation of promoter genes in prostate tumors. The incidence of prostate cancer in Asia is thirty percent lower than in Western countries. Since soy phytoestrogens represent a large portion of the Asian diet, evidence suggests their protective effect against prostate cancer.