An isotope dilution gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous assay of estrogens and phytoestrogens in urine.

The metabolism of endogenous estrogens is complicated and certain metabolic patterns may reflect an individual risk of estrogen-dependent diseases such as breast cancer. Since the 1960s we have been constantly involved in developing estrogen profiling methods, in the beginning using gas chromatography and later gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) and finally utilizing isotope dilution (ID-GC-MS-SIM). The addition of the dietary phytoestrogens to the profile rendered the method even more complicated.

Deuterated phytoestrogen flavonoids and isoflavonoids for quantitation.

Isotopically and isomerically pure polydeuterated flavonoids and isoflavonoids have been prepared for quantitation of these compounds in biological matrices. Various deutero-labeling techniques are presented and methods for establishing the isotopical and isomerical purity of deuterated products are discussed.

Phytoestrogens and inhibition of angiogenesis.

The consumption of a plant-based diet can prevent the development and progression of chronic diseases associated with extensive neovascularization, including the progression and growth of solid malignant tumours. We have previously shown that the plant-derived isoflavonoid genistein is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis. Moreover, the concentration of genistein in the urine of subjects consuming a plant-based diet is 30-fold higher than that in subjects consuming a traditional Western diet.

Synthesis of deuterated plant lignans for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.

Stabile deuterated plant lignans D(6)-matairesinol, D(8)-secoisolariciresinol, and D(8)-anhydrosecoisolariciresinol are synthesized to be used as internal standards in isotope dilution technique of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode.

Lignan and isoflavonoid concentrations in tea and coffee.

Tea is a beverage consumed widely throughout the world. The existence in tea of chemopreventing compounds possessing antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic and antioxidative properties has been reported. High intakes of tea and foods containing flavonoids have recently been shown to be negatively correlated to the occurrence of CHD.

2,6-Bis((3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-methylene)cyclohexanone (BDHPC)-induced apoptosis and p53-independent growth inhibition: synergism with genistein.

Estrogen binds to two classes of proteins in the cells, the high-affinity estrogen receptor (ER) as well as a low affinity estrogen type II binding site (EBS-II). Methyl p-hydroxyphenyllactate (MeHPLA) is an endogenous ligand for EBS-II. Binding of MeHPLA to EBS-II has a growth regulatory effect in estrogen-responsive cells, and levels of MeHPLA are decreased in breast cancer due to degradation by a specific esterase.

Flavonoids, dietary-derived inhibitors of cell proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis.

Consumption of a plant-based diet can prevent the development and progression of chronic diseases associated with extensive neovascularization, including solid malignant tumors. In previous studies, we have shown that the plant-derived isoflavonoid genistein is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis. In the present study, we report that certain structurally related flavonoids are more potent inhibitors than genistein.