[en] Objective: To study the effects of genistein on cell cycle, proliferation and expression of bcl-2 gene in bone marrow hematopoietic cells (BMHCs) of normal and irradiated mice in order to explore mechanisms for protection of genistein from radiation-induced hematopoietic system injury. Methods: Adult male BALB/c mice were orally administered with genistein (160 mg/kg b.w.) 24 h before irradiation. Cell cycles in BMHCs of the normal and irradiated mice were measured by flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA expressions of bcl-2 gene in BMHCs were analyzed by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. Results: a) Transitory and significant changes occurred in the cell cycle of BMHCs in the normal mice after administration of genistein: first, the proliferation suppression of BMHCs was observed and most cells were arrested in G₀/G₁ phase on day 1; second, progression of cells from G₀/G₁ phase into S phase was observed, accumulation of cells in S phase on day 2, and back to the normal level on day 4. b) Genistein, administration 24 h before irradiation, decreased the percentage of BMHCs in G₀/G₁ phase and increased cell proliferation. Moreover, genistein up-regulated the protein and mRNA expressions of bcl-2 in BMHCs in the irradiated mice. Conclusions: It was shown that changing with cell cycle, strengthening of radioresistant, suppressing of radiation-induced apoptosis, and enhancing of proliferation and differentiation of BMHCs maybe the underlying mechanisms for genistein protection of hematopoietic system against radiation damage. (authors)