RESUMEN
<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the effects of soy isoflavones (SI) on the expression of Bax mRNA and Ca(2+) -ATPase activity in ovaries of perimenopause rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The animal model of perimenopause rats was established by unforced aging. 12 month-old presenilins female Wistar rats were administered by intragastric (ig) with low (500 mg/kg), middle (158 mg/kg) and high (500 mg/kg) does of SI for 8 weeks. The expression of Bax mRNA in ovaries were detected by RT-PCR. Ca(2+) -ATPase activity in ovaries and MDA content and SOD activity in serum were detected by chemi-chromatometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Intervention of SI could significantly decrease the expression of Bax mRNA in ovaries and MDA content in serum, increase Ca(2+) -ATPase activity in ovaries and SOD activity in serum of presenilins rats (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Soy isoflavones could down-regulate the expression of Bax mRNA and increase Ca(2+) -ATPase activity in aged ovaries. It is probably one of the mechanisms to improve the function of aged ovaries in perimenopause rats.</p>