Combinatorial effects of genistein and sex-steroids on the level of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), adenylate cyclase (AC) and cAMP in the cervix of ovariectomised rats

- CFTR expression in endocervix was exaggerated under the combined effect of sex-steroids and genistein.
- Genistein enhances AC expression and cAMP levels in cervix.
- Interaction between genistein and AC might enhance CFTR functional activity.

The combinatorial effects of genistein and estrogen (E) or estrogen plus progesterone (E + P) on CFTR, AC and cAMP levels in cervix were investigated. Ovariectomised adult female rats received 50 or 100 mg/kg/day genistein with E or E followed by E + P [E + (E + P)] for seven consecutive days. Cervixes were harvested and analyzed for CFTR mRNA levels by Real-time PCR. Distribution of AC and CFTR proteins in endocervix were observed by immunohistochemistry. Levels of cAMP were measured by enzyme-immunoassay. Molecular docking predicted interaction between genistein and AC. Our results indicate that levels of CFTR, AC and cAMP in cervix of rats receiving genistein plus E were higher than E-only treatment (p < 0.05) while genistein plus [E + (E + P)] were higher than E + (E + P)-only treatment (p < 0.05). In conclusions, increased levels of CFTR, AC and cAMP in cervix of E and E + (E + P)-treated rats by genistein could affect the cervical secretory function which could influence the female reproductive processes.