Menopausal Symptom Relief Effect of SA-R Extracts via Estrogen Receptor α-Dependent Signaling Pathway
Menopausal women are at an elevated risk for osteoporosis and hot flashes due to decreased estrogen levels. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly employed to alleviate these symptoms, concerns regarding its long-term adverse effects have spurred interest in plant-derived phytoestrogens as potentially safer alternatives. SA-R is a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the estrogenic effects of SA-R in MCF-7 cells and investigated its influence on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and related intracellular signaling pathways. The E-Screen assay confirmed the estrogen-like proliferative effect of SA-R, and Western blot analysis demonstrated increased phosphorylation of ERα and its downstream signaling proteins, Akt and Erk. Additionally, SA-R treatment upregulated cell cycle regulators, including Cyclin E1, Cyclin D1, CDK2, and CDK4. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the translocation of ERα from the cytoplasm to the nucleus following SA-R treatment, suggesting its role in transcriptional regulation. These findings indicate that SA-R exerts estrogen-like activity through ERα-mediated signaling pathways and cell cycle regulation, supporting its potential as a natural alternative to HRT. This study presents SA-R as a candidate compound for enhancing menopausal health while mitigating the risks associated with conventional hormone therapy.
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