Phytoestrogens have a similar chemical structure to estrogen and can bind the estrogen receptor β. Thus, they have been investigated as potential anti-proliferative therapies in treating estrogen-responsive cancers. This project works to explore this hypothesis through the observation of ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3) following treatment with isoflavone rich soybean extracts and Phytoestrogen Solaray®, an over the counter commercial phytoestrogen product. Overall, cell counts from phytoestrogen assays showed mixed results of effectiveness for both treatments. Western blotting and immunoblotting were conducted to determine whether decreases in cell counts correlate positively with markers of apoptosis (Caspase-3) or negatively with markers of replication (PCNA). Due to the inconclusive results, further research and experiments need to be done to understand the true mechanism of action.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cenkollari, Vanessa
• Aspinwall, Sarah
• Touglo, Komlavi

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042424-150954
• 121538

Keyword

• Cancer
• Isoflavones
• Ovarian Cancer
• Phytoestrogen
• OVCAR-3
• Soy

Advisor

• Rulfs, Jill
• Buckholt, Michael Allan

Year

• 2024

Date created

• 2024-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Source

• E-project-042424-150954

Rights statement

• In Copyright