RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Genistein, a naturally occurring soy isoflavone, attracts interest as an effective and safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal problems. The aim of the current study was to compare between the effect of genistein and oestradiol on the adrenal cortex of the ovariectomised adult female albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty rats were used in the current study and divided into four groups, 5 rats in each group; group 1 (control non-ovariectomised), group 2 (ovariectomised), group 3 (ovariectomised + genistein) and group 4 (ovariectomised + oestradiol). The rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks. Both adrenal glands were removed for light microscope using haematoxylin and eosin stain, ultrastructural study and immunohistochemical examination using proliferating cell nuclear antigen, caspase-3, and oestrogen receptor-b. RESULTS: Ovariectomised rats showed signs of degeneration in all zones of adrenal cortex. On the other hand, treatment with genistein showed restoration of the adrenal cortex with less proliferative effect than oestradiol. CONCLUSIONS: So, genistein can be used as effective therapy to decrease the symptoms of menopause without fear of cancer development.
