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.