Phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein affect immunity in the nematode <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> via alterations of vitellogenin expression

Abstract

Our studies show that induction of estrogen-responsive vitellogenin(s) by the phytoestrogen daidzein potently increases resistance of C. elegans versus pathogenic bacteria and heat whereas genistein acts in an antiestrogenic manner.