Estrogenic Activity of Glycosides from Cistanche deserticola as an Estrogen Receptors Adjuvant in vitro

Objective: The objective of the study is to study estrogenic activity and the mechanism about estrogen receptors (ERs) of GCs. Materials and Methods: Cell proliferation was measured using the 3‑[4,5‑dimethyl‑2‑thiazolyl]‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay for MCF‑7 cells. The cell cycle was detected using flow cytometry, and proliferation index was calculated. The mRNA and protein expressions of ERα and ERβ were detected by reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) and western blot analysis as the reported method with minor modifications. Results: GCs group at the concentrations of 1.75, 17.5, and 175 µg/mg could enhance proliferation of the MCF‑7 cell lines with a time and dosage‑dependent manner. Combined medication group (fulvestrant with estradiol [E2] or GCs) could lead to the incline of proliferation rate compared with the individual medication group (P < 0.01). Flow cytometry analysis indicated that GCs could advance MCF‑7 cell lines from G0/G1 phase cells to S and G2/M phase, which could promote cell DNA synthesis. The mechanism of GCs on MCF‑7 was similar to that of E2. RT‑PCR and western blot analysis indicated that after treatment with GCs for 48 h, contents of ERα and ERβ mRNA and proteins in MCF‑7 increased as a dosage‑dependent manner with that of GCs. GCs can play a role of estrogenic activity according upregulated mRNA and proteins of ERα and ERβ. Conclusion: This study indicated the estrogenic activity of GCs, and also, ER is the target of GCs. GCs can play a role of estrogenic activity according upregulated mRNA and proteins of ERα and ERβ.