Genistein, the major isoflavone from soy, has been shown to have cancer preventive activity, but the mechanisms are not clearly understood. Fang et al. demonstrate that treatment of human esophageal cancer cells with genistein (2–20 mmol/L) caused the reversal of hypermethylation and reactivation of retinoic acid receptor β, p16INK4a, and O6-methylguanine methyltransferase genes. Similar activity is also observed with human prostate cancer cells.

Greater extent of reactivation is observed when genistein is combined with low concentrations of trichostatin, sulforaphane, or 2’-deoxy-5-aza-cytidine. Reversal or prevention of the hypermethylation of key genes by genistein may contribute to its cancer prevention activity.

Source: October 1 Clinical Cancer Research Highlights | American Association for Cancer Research

Note: Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous veggies (brassica) like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, bok choy, kale, collards, cauliflower, cauliflower sprouts, arugula, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, red radish and watercress, brussel sprouts and cabbage.