Genistein suppresses leptin-induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells and neointima formation

Obesity is a strong risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and is associated with a marked increase in circulating leptin concentration. Leptin is a peptide hormone mainly produced by adipose tissue and is regulated by energy level, hormones and various inflammatory mediators. Genistein is an isoflavone that exhibits diverse health-promoting effects. Here, we investigated whether genistein suppressed the atherogenic effect induced by leptin. The A10 cells were treated with leptin and/or genistein, and then the cell proliferation and migration were analysed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proteins levels were also measured, such as p44/42MAPK, cell cycle-related protein (cyclin D1 and p21) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis were used for the neointima formation in a rat carotid artery injury model. Genistein (5 μM) significantly inhibited both the proliferation and migration of leptin (10 ng/ml)-stimulated A10 cells. In accordance with these finding, genistein decreased the leptin-stimulated ROS production and phosphorylation of the p44/42MAPK signal transduction pathway. Meanwhile, genistein reversed the leptin-induced expression of cyclin D1, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21. Genistein attenuated leptin-induced A10 cell migration by inhibiting MMP-2 activity. Furthermore, the leptin (0.25 mg/kg)-augmented neointima formation in a rat carotid artery injury model was attenuated in the genistein (5 mg/kg body weight)-treated group when compared with the balloon injury plus leptin group. Genistein was capable of suppressing the atherogenic effects of leptin in vitro and in vivo, and may be a promising candidate drug in the clinical setting.