AIM AND SETTING: To test the effects of crude extracts from flax (Linum usitatissimum) on progesterone and estradiol and ERα and β/PR production in choriocarcinoma cell lines Jeg 3 and BeWo. Tumor trophoblast cells (Jeg 3 and BeWo) were incubated in the presence of different concentrations of the flax crude extracts. Estradiol and progesterone production was measured. Estrogen receptor α and β as well as progesterone receptor expressions were also assessed.

RESULTS

In Jeg 3 cells, progesterone production was downregulated by flax root and leaves extract, while in BeWo cells only flax root extract did manage to downregulate progesterone production. ERβ expression was significantly downregulated by flax root and flax leaves extract in both cell lines; on the contrary, ERα expression was increased by flax leaves extract in BeWo cells. PR expression was downregulated by flax leaves extract in Jeg 3 and by flax root extract in BeWo cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Flax extracts derived from leaves and especially from roots can modify progesterone and possibly estradiol production, while at the same time they seem to alter ERβ expression. Further studies on animal models and adequately designed retrospective epidemiological studies are imperative to clarify this role upon progesterone.