The history and basic science development of soy isoflavones

Promotion of Healthy Aging Through the Nexus of Gut Microbiota and Dietary Phytochemicals

Aging is associated with the decline of tissue and cellular functions, which can promote the development of age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and disorders of the musculoskeletal and immune systems. Healthspan is the length of time an individual is in good health and free from chronic diseases and disabilities associated with aging. Two modifiable factors that can influence healthspan, promote healthy aging, and prevent the development of age-related diseases, are diet and microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract (gut microbiota). This review will discuss how dietary phytochemicals and gut microbiota can work in concert to promote a healthy gut and healthy aging. First, an overview is provided of how the gut microbiota influences healthy aging through its impact on gut barrier integrity, immune function, mitochondria function, and oxidative stress. Next, the mechanisms by which phytochemicals effect gut health, inflammation, and nurture a diverse and healthy microbial composition are discussed. Lastly, we discuss how the gut microbiota can directly influence health by producing bioactive metabolites from phytochemicals in food like urolithin A, equol, hesperetin, and sulforaphane. These and other phytochemical-derived microbial metabolites that may promote healthspan are discussed. Importantly, an individual's capacity to produce health-promoting microbial metabolites from cruciferous vegetables, berries, nuts, citrus, and soy products will be dependent on the specific bacteria present in the individual's gut.

Dietary isoflavone intake among breast cancer survivors and cancer-free women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Isoflavones are estrogen-like compounds found in plants and their health effects remain equivocal. We investigated dietary isoflavone intake and its associated factors in Korean breast cancer survivors, with a comparison to cancer-free women.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The usual dietary intake of breast cancer survivors (n = 981, mean age 52 yrs) in 9 hospitals between 2012 and 2019 was assessed using 3-day food records or food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). They were age-matched to 2,943 cancer-free women who completed FFQs as part of a nationwide study conducted between 2012 and 2016. We used the flavonoid database of common Korean foods and the Phenol-Explorer database to estimate isoflavone intake. The contribution of each food or food group to the total isoflavone intake was calculated. The adjusted least-squares means of dietary isoflavone intake according to lifestyle and clinical factors were calculated using generalized linear models.

RESULTS

Breast cancer survivors had a higher mean dietary isoflavone intake (23.59 mg/day) than cancer-free women (17.81 mg/day). Major food sources, including tofu, soybeans, and doenjang, contributed to over 70% of the isoflavone intake in both groups. When we estimated dietary isoflavone intake according to lifestyle characteristics, isoflavone intake increased with higher scores of adherence to the American Cancer Society dietary guidelines but decreased with increasing body mass index in both groups. Among cancer-free women, dietary isoflavone intake was higher among those who had never smoked and among dietary supplement users. Among breast cancer survivors, dietary isoflavone intakes did not vary with clinical characteristics, including time since surgery and estrogen receptor status.

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer survivors were more likely to consume isoflavones than age-matched cancer-free women. Dietary isoflavone intake was associated with healthy lifestyle characteristics in women both with and without breast cancer. Further research is needed to understand the role of the higher isoflavone intake among breast cancer survivors compared to cancer-free women on their prognosis.

Flavonoids: the use in mental health and related diseases

Given the current increase in mental and neurological disorders, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatments for patients. Flavonoids exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective, and has been considered potential therapies for central nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, drug addiction, and stroke. Studies have shown that flavonoids protect neurons from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, improve brain blood flow and enhance cognitive function. Moreover, its modulation of neurotransmission, such as GABAergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and noradrenergic, has been studied for the treatment of mental disorders that require sedative effects, antidepressants, sleep inducers and anxiety reduction. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and potential benefits of these compounds, the use of flavonoids for neurological diseases is a promising avenue for future research and development. This review focuses on major flavonoid subclasses and their applications in central nervous system disorders.

Dietary Isoflavone Intake and Breast Cancer Prognosis: A Prospective Analysis and Meta-Analysis

We aimed to examine the association between dietary isoflavone intake and the risk of breast cancer recurrence and summarize evidence on the role of dietary isoflavone intake in breast cancer prognosis. This prospective study included 592 breast cancer survivors who completed a dietary assessment. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Of the studies published until May 31, 2023, that were searched in PUBMED and EMBASE databases, 14 studies were selected. Adjusted HRs were combined using fixed- or random-effects models. During the median follow-up of 4.3 years, 47 recurrences were identified. The HR (95% CI) for recurrence comparing the highest versus the lowest tertile of isoflavones intake was 1.29 (0.60-2.78). In a meta-analysis of previously published data and ours, dietary isoflavone intake was associated with a better breast cancer prognosis. The combined HRs (95% CIs) comparing the extreme categories were 0.81 (0.67-0.98) for recurrence and 0.85 (0.76-0.96) for all-cause mortality. A nonlinear inverse association was observed between isoflavone intake and the risk of recurrence and all-cause mortality. Our study suggests that dietary isoflavone intake is associated with a favorable prognosis in breast cancer survivors and warrants further investigation.

The Role of Choline, Soy Isoflavones, and Probiotics as Adjuvant Treatments in the Prevention and Management of NAFLD in Postmenopausal Women

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women that can lead to severe liver dysfunction and increased mortality. In recent years, research has focused on identifying potential lifestyle dietary interventions that may prevent or treat NAFLD in this population. Due to the complex and multifactorial nature of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, the disease can present as different subtypes, with varying levels of clinical presentation and variable treatment responses. By recognizing the significant heterogeneity of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, it may be possible to identify specific subsets of individuals who may benefit from targeted nutritional interventions. The purpose of this review was to examine the current evidence supporting the role of three specific nutritional factors-choline, soy isoflavones, and probiotics-as potential nutritional adjuvants in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD in postmenopausal women. There is promising evidence supporting the potential benefits of these nutritional factors for NAFLD prevention and treatment, particularly in postmenopausal women, and further research is warranted to confirm their effectiveness in alleviating hepatic steatosis in this population.

Consumption of soy isoflavones during the prepubertal phase delays puberty and causes hypergonadotropic hypogonadism with disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary gonadotropins regulation in male rats

Isoflavones are phytoestrogens with recognized estrogenic activity but may also affect testosterone, corticosterone and thyroid hormone levels in experimental models. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these alterations are still unclear. Isoflavones are present in soy-based infant formula, in breast milk after the consumption of soy by the mother and are widely used for the preparation of beverages consumed by toddlers and teenagers. In this sense, we proposed to investigate the effects of soy isoflavone exposure during the prepubertal period, a recognized window of sensitivity for endocrine disruption, over the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. For this, 42 3-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 5 or 50 mg of soy isoflavones/kg from postnatal day (PND) 23 to PND60. We evaluated body growth, age at puberty, serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradiol, and the expression of the transcripts (mRNA) of genes encoding key genes controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. In the hypothalamus, we observed an increase in Esr1 mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). In the pituitary, we observed an increase in Gnrhr mRNA expression (50 mg), a reduction in Lhb mRNA expression (0.5 mg), and a reduction in Ar mRNA expression. In the testis, we observed an increase in Lhcgr mRNA expression (50 mg) and a reduction in Star mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). The serum levels of LH (5 and 50 mg) and FSH (0.5 mg) were increased, while testosterone and estradiol were reduced. Puberty was delayed in all groups. Taken together, these results suggest that prepubertal consumption of relevant levels of soy isoflavones disrupts the HPT axis, causing hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and altered expression levels of key genes regulating the axis.

Evaluation of the binding performance of flavonoids to estrogen receptor alpha by Autodock, Autodock Vina and Surflex-Dock

Molecular docking is a widely used method to predict the binding modes of small-molecule ligands to the target binding site. However, it remains a challenge to identify the correct binding conformation and the corresponding binding affinity for a series of structurally similar ligands, especially those with weak binding. An understanding of the various relative attributes of popular docking programs is required to ensure a successful docking outcome. In this study, we systematically compared the performance of three popular docking programs, Autodock, Autodock Vina, and Surflex-Dock for a series of structurally similar weekly binding flavonoids (22) binding to the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). For these flavonoids-ERα interactions, Surflex-Dock showed higher accuracy than Autodock and Autodock Vina. The hydrogen bond overweighting by Autodock and Autodock Vina led to incorrect binding results, while Surflex-Dock effectively balanced both hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the selection of initial receptor structure is critical as it influences the docking conformations of flavonoids-ERα complexes. The flexible docking method failed to further improve the docking accuracy of the semi-flexible docking method for such chemicals. In addition, binding interaction analysis revealed that 8 residues, including Ala350, Glu353, Leu387, Arg394, Phe404, Gly521, His524, and Leu525, are the key residues in ERα-flavonoids complexes. This work provides reference for assessing molecular interactions between ERα and flavonoid-like chemicals and provides instructive information for other environmental chemicals.

Non-hormonal options for the relief of menopausal disorders

Woman’s nature is unique. Taking into account some historical milestones, it can be noted that the role of women in society has undergone large-scale changes. The woman took a confident position in society. Its main function remains unchanged and it consists in procreation and procreation. A woman’s activity is consistent with the work of her reproductive system (RS). The gradual decrease, and then the cessation of the work of the ovaries, contributes to the life order and health of the fair sex. Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, which corresponds to the peak of social self-realization. However, in some cases, hormonal changes characteristic of this period can serve as a favorable background for the formation of a number of pathological changes. The growing estrogen deficiency is becoming a pathogenetic impetus for the development of a wide range of climacteric disorders. Vasomotor symptoms and hyperhidrosis are the most frequent companions of women during the perimenopausal transition and early postmenopause. Maintaining optimal activity and the full quality of life of patients should be the goal of correcting the negative manifestations of estrogen deficiency and the complications associated with it. Compensating for estrogen deficiency with menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) is the benchmark for menopausal problems. However, there are a number of patients who have contraindications to prescribing HRT or who refuse to receive it for some reason. For this category of patients, alternative methods of diet correction. Combinations of plant extracts with vitamins and minerals have been successfully used in clinical practice for a long time. The article will provide information on the most studied phytoestrogens contained in soy.

A Short S-Equol Exposure Has a Long-Term Inhibitory Effect on Adipogenesis in Mouse 3T3-L1 Cells

In the search for new drugs against obesity, the chronic disease that threatens human health worldwide, several works have focused on the study of estrogen homologs because of the role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in adipocyte growth. The isoflavone equol, an ERβ agonist, has shown beneficial metabolic effects in in vivo and in vitro assays; however, additional studies are required to better characterize its potential for body weight control. Here, we showed that the treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with 10 μM of S-equol for the first three days of the adipocyte differentiation protocol was able to prevent cells becoming semi-rounded and having a lipid droplet formation until the seventh day of culture; moreover, lipid accumulation was reduced by about 50%. Congruently, S-equol induced a reduction in mRNA expression of the adipogenic markers C/EBPα and PPARγ, and adipokines secretion, mainly Adiponectin, Leptin, Resistin, and MCP-1, while the release of PAI-1 was augmented. Moreover, it also reduced the expression of ERα and attenuated the subexpression of ERβ associated with adipogenesis. Altogether, our data suggested that S-equol binding to ERβ affects the transcriptional program that regulates adipogenesis and alters adipocyte functions. Future efforts will focus on studying the impact of S-equol on ER signaling pathways.

Soy Isoflavones Inhibit Both GPIb-IX Signaling and αIIbβ3 Outside-In Signaling via 14-3-3ζ in Platelet

Soy diet is thought to help prevent cardiovascular diseases in humans. Isoflavone, which is abundant in soybean and other legumes, has been reported to possess antiplatelet activity and potential antithrombotic effect. Our study aims to elucidate the potential target of soy isoflavone in platelet. The anti-thrombosis formation effect of genistein and daidzein was evaluated in ex vivo perfusion chamber model under low (300 s-1) and high (1800 s-1) shear forces. The effect of genistein and daidzein on platelet aggregation and spreading was evaluated with platelets from both wildtype and GPIbα deficient mice. The interaction of these soy isoflavone with 14-3-3ζ was detected by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and co-immunoprecipitation, and the effect of αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signaling transduction was evaluated by western blot. We found both genistein and daidzein showed inhibitory effect on thrombosis formation in perfusion chamber, especially under high shear force (1800 s-1). These soy isoflavone interact with 14-3-3ζ and inhibited both GPIb-IX and αIIbβ3-mediated platelet aggregation, integrin-mediated platelet spreading and outside-in signaling transduction. Our findings indicate that 14-3-3ζ is a novel target of genistein and daidzein. 14-3-3ζ, an adaptor protein that regulates both GPIb-IX and αIIbβ3-mediated platelet activation is involved in soy isoflavone mediated platelet inhibition.

Soy and Frequent Dairy Consumption with Subsequent Equol Production Reveals Decreased Gut Health in a Cohort of Healthy Puerto Rican Women

The U.S. Hispanic female population has one of the highest breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality rates, while BC is the leading cause of cancer death in Puerto Rican women. Certain foods may predispose to carcinogenesis. Our previous studies indicate that consuming combined soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and glycitein) promotes tumor metastasis possibly through increased protein synthesis activated by equol, a secondary dietary metabolite. Equol is a bacterial metabolite produced in about 20-60% of the population that harbor and exhibit specific gut microbiota capable of producing it from daidzein. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of equol production in Puerto Rican women and identify the equol producing microbiota in this understudied population. Herein, we conducted a cross-sectional characterization of equol production in a clinically based sample of eighty healthy 25-50 year old Puerto Rican women. Urine samples were collected and evaluated by GCMS for the presence of soy isoflavones and metabolites to determine the ratio of equol producers to equol non-producers. Furthermore, fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota characterization on a subset of women using next generation sequencing (NGS). We report that 25% of the participants were classified as equol producers. Importantly, the gut microbiota from equol non-producers demonstrated a higher diversity. Our results suggest that healthy women with soy and high dairy consumption with subsequent equol production may result in gut dysbiosis by having reduced quantities (diversity) of healthy bacterial biomarkers, which might be associated to increased diseased outcomes (e.g., cancer, and other diseases).

Current Perspectives on the Beneficial Effects of Soybean Isoflavones and Their Metabolites for Humans

Soybeans are rich in proteins and lipids and have become a staple part of the human diet. Besides their nutritional excellence, they have also been shown to contain various functional components, including isoflavones, and have consequently received increasing attention as a functional food item. Isoflavones are structurally similar to 17-β-estradiol and bind to estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). The estrogenic activity of isoflavones ranges from a hundredth to a thousandth of that of estrogen itself. Isoflavones play a role in regulating the effects of estrogen in the human body, depending on the situation. Thus, when estrogen is insufficient, isoflavones perform the functions of estrogen, and when estrogen is excessive, isoflavones block the estrogen receptors to which estrogen binds, thus acting as an estrogen antagonist. In particular, estrogen antagonistic activity is important in the breast, endometrium, and prostate, and such antagonistic activity suppresses cancer occurrence. Genistein, an isoflavone, has cancer-suppressing effects on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancers, including breast cancer. It suppresses the function of enzymes such as tyrosine protein kinase, mitogen-activated kinase, and DNA polymerase II, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Genistein is the most biologically active and potent isoflavone candidate for cancer prevention. Furthermore, among the various physiological functions of isoflavones, they are best known for their antioxidant activities. S-Equol, a metabolite of genistein and daidzein, has strong antioxidative effects; however, the ability to metabolize daidzein into S-equol varies based on racial and individual differences. The antioxidant activity of isoflavones may be effective in preventing dementia by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Alzheimer's-related tau proteins. Genistein also reduces allergic responses by limiting the expression of mast cell IgE receptors, which are involved in allergic responses. In addition, they have been known to prevent and treat various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, osteoporosis, diabetes, brain-related diseases, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and inflammation. Further, it also has positive effects on menstrual irregularity in non-menopausal women and relieving menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women. Recently, soybean consumption has shown steep increasing trend in Western countries where the intake was previously only 1/20-1/50 of that in Asian countries. In this review, I have dealt with the latest research trends that have shown substantial interest in the biological efficacy of isoflavones in humans and plants, and their related mechanisms.

Isoflavones alter male and female fertility in different development windows

Isoflavones are a group of secondary metabolites found in plants belonging to the class of phytoestrogens. These, because they have a chemical structure similar to the endogenous hormone 17β-estradiol, act as endocrine disruptors over the different development window periods. This study aimed to evaluate male and female reproductive systems' responses when exposed to isoflavones during the development window. It is characterized as a bibliographic review, built after analyzing clinical and preclinical articles indexed in English, Portuguese, and Spanish published in the last ten years. The isoflavones, aglycone or glucosides, have essential therapeutic properties in the relief of postmenopausal symptoms in women, reduce the proliferation of cancers, in addition to being antioxidants. On the other hand, they can still behave in a similar way to 17β-estradiol, binding to hormone receptors and acting as endocrine disruptors over the gestational period until pre-puberty, negatively affecting the development of the reproductive system. The effects on reproduction are not dose-response but are influenced by the type of isoflavone and period. There are variations in the serum concentration of hormones and action on their negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in males. Reproductive functions are also affected by spermatogenesis, such as decreased sperm count, lower reproductive performance, reduced litter size, low sperm production, and reduced seminal vesicle size. In females, puberty is reached later, irregular estrous cycle, reduced weight of the ovary, uterus, lower serum levels of estradiol and progesterone, reduced fertility, or interrupted fertility. At the end of the analysis of the selected publications, it can be concluded that despite the beneficial therapeutic effects in the face of pathologies, the unknown consumption of doses and types of isoflavones in food can damage the development and reproduction of individuals. Therefore, further studies must be carried out to elucidate the usual safe doses of the analyzed phytoestrogen. Greater control over insertion in foods targeted at pediatric consumers should be implemented until we have adequate safety.

Utilization of Isoflavones in Soybeans for Women with Menopausal Syndrome: An Overview

Based on their nutrient composition, soybeans and related foods have been considered to be nutritious and healthy for humans. Particularly, the biological activity and subsequent benefits of soy products may be associated with the presence of isoflavone in soybeans. As an alternative treatment for menopause-related symptoms, isoflavone has gained much popularity for postmenopausal women who have concerns related to undergoing hormone replacement therapy. However, current research has still not reached a consensus on the effects of isoflavone on humans. This overview is a summary of the current literature about the processing of soybeans and isoflavone types (daidzein, genistein, and S-equol) and supplements and their extraction and analysis as well as information about the utilization of isoflavones in soybeans. The processes of preparation (cleaning, drying, crushing and dehulling) and extraction of soybeans are implemented to produce refined soy oil, soy lecithin, free fatty acids, glycerol and soybean meal. The remaining components consist of inorganic constituents (minerals) and the minor components of biologically interesting small molecules. Regarding the preventive effects on diseases or cancers, a higher intake of isoflavones is associated with a moderately lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. It may also reduce the risks of breast and colorectal cancer as well as the incidence of breast cancer recurrence. Consumption of isoflavones or soy foods is associated with reduced risks of endometrial and bladder cancer. Regarding the therapeutic effects on menopausal syndrome or other diseases, isoflavones have been found to alleviate vasomotor syndromes even after considering placebo effects, reduce bone loss in the spine and ameliorate hypertension and in vitro glycemic control. They may also alleviate depressive symptoms during pregnancy. On the other hand, isoflavones have not shown definitive effects regarding improving cognition and urogenital symptoms. Because of lacking standardization in the study designs, such as the ingredients and doses of isoflavones and the durations and outcomes of trials, it currently remains difficult to draw overall conclusions for all aspects of isoflavones. These limitations warrant further investigations of isoflavone use for women's health.

Validation of soy isoflavone intake and its health effects: a review of the development of exposure biomarkers

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

It is difficult to consistently demonstrate the health effects of soy isoflavones owing to the multitude of factors contributing to their bioavailability. To accurately verify these health effects, dietary isoflavone intake should be measured using a biologically active dose rather than an intake dose. This concept has been expanded to the development of new exposure biomarkers in nutrition research. This review aims to provide an overview of the development of exposure biomarkers and suggest a novel research strategy for identifying the health effects of soy isoflavone intake.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We cover recent studies on the health effects of soy isoflavones focusing on isoflavone metabolites as exposure biomarkers.

RESULTS

Compared to non-fermented soy foods, fermented soy foods cause an increased concentration of isoflavones in the biofluid immediately following ingestion. The correlation between exposure biomarkers in blood and urine and the food frequency questionnaire was slightly lower than that of corresponding 24-h dietary recalls. Urinary and blood isoflavone levels did not show a consistent association with chronic disease and cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

It is crucial to understand the variable bioavailabilities of soy isoflavones, which may affect evaluations of soy isoflavone intake in health and disease. Further studies on the development of valid exposure biomarkers are needed to thoroughly investigate the health effects of isoflavone.

Berberine ameliorates ovariectomy-induced anxiety-like behaviors by enrichment in equol generating gut microbiota

The gut microbiota is recognized as a promising therapeutic target for anxiety. Berberine (BBR) has shown efficacy in the treatment of diseases such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, obesity, and type 2 diabetes through regulating the gut microbiota. However, the effects of BBR on postmenopausal anxiety are still unclear. The purpose of the study is to test whether BBR ameliorates anxiety by modulating intestinal microbiota under estrogen-deficient conditions. Experimental anxiety was established in specific pathogen-free (SPF) ovariectomized (OVX) rats, which were then treated with BBR for 4 weeks before undergoing behavioral tests. Open field and elevated plus maze tests demonstrated that BBR treatment significantly ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors of OVX rats compared with vehicle-treated counterparts. Moreover, as demonstrated by 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis, BBR-treated OVX rats harbored a higher abundance of beneficial gut microbes, such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia, and exhibited increased equol generation. Notably, gavage feeding of BBR had no significant anti-anxiety effects on germ-free (GF) rats that underwent ovariectomy, whereas GF rats transplanted with fecal microbiota from SPF rats substantially phenocopied the donor rats in terms of anxiety-like symptoms and isoflavone levels. This study indicates that the gut microbiota is critical in the treatment of ovariectomy-aggravated anxiety, and that BBR modulation of the gut microbiota is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating postmenopausal symptoms of anxiety.

Metabolic tracking of isoflavones in soybean products and biosamples from healthy adults after fermented soybean consumption

Fermentation may enhance the nutritional properties of foods by increasing metabolite bioactivity or bioavailability. This study explored the effect of fermentation on isoflavone bioavailability and metabolism. Isoflavone metabolites were tracked in foods and biospecimens of healthy adults after fermented soybean (FS) or non-fermented soybean (NFS) consumption in a randomized, controlled, crossover intervention study. The change in soybean isoflavones caused by fermentation resulted in faster absorption and higher bioavailability after consumption of FS. Although the urinary level of total isoflavone metabolites was similar after the consumption of the two diets, urinary genistein 7-O-sulfate was derived as a discriminant metabolite for the FS diet by partial least squares discriminant analysis. This study suggests that an isoflavone conjugate profile might be a more appropriate marker than total isoflavone levels for discriminating between the consumption of FS and NFS diets.

Daidzein stimulates fatty acid-induced fat deposition in C2C12 myoblast cells via the G protein-coupled receptor 30 pathway

Fat deposition in skeletal muscle is an important aspect of improving meat quality. Isoflavones can promote animal anabolism, but whether and how they regulate muscle fat deposition remain largely unclear. In this study, we explored the role and corresponding molecular mechanism of one of the major isoflavones, daidzein, in fat deposition in C2C12 myoblast cells. In the absence of fatty acids (FAs), daidzein did not promote triglyceride synthesis and lipid droplet formation in cells but increased sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) expression and maturation. In the presence of FAs, daidzein enhanced FAs-induced fat deposition and the SREBP-1c signaling. Daidzein promoted FAs-induced nuclear factor κB1 (NFκB1) phosphorylation and activated the SREBP-1c signaling in a PI3K-dependent manner. G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) knockdown but not estrogen receptor α (ERα) knockdown blocked the stimulation of daidzein on the PI3K-NFκB1-SREBP-1c signaling pathway, while both knockdown did not affect the stimulation of FAs on this signaling. qRT-PCR and ChIP-qPCR further detected that daidzein stimulated NFκB1-targeted SREBP-1c transcription. Daidzein did not affect ERα expression in cells, but it stimulated GPR30 expression and cytoplasmic localization. These results reveal that daidzein promotes FAs-induced fat deposition through the GPR30 signaling in C2C12 myoblast cells.

American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention

The American Cancer Society (ACS) publishes the Diet and Physical Activity Guideline to serve as a foundation for its communication, policy, and community strategies and, ultimately, to affect dietary and physical activity patterns among Americans. This guideline is developed by a national panel of experts in cancer research, prevention, epidemiology, public health, and policy, and reflects the most current scientific evidence related to dietary and activity patterns and cancer risk. The ACS guideline focuses on recommendations for individual choices regarding diet and physical activity patterns, but those choices occur within a community context that either facilitates or creates barriers to healthy behaviors. Therefore, this committee presents recommendations for community action to accompany the 4 recommendations for individual choices to reduce cancer risk. These recommendations for community action recognize that a supportive social and physical environment is indispensable if individuals at all levels of society are to have genuine opportunities to choose healthy behaviors. This 2020 ACS guideline is consistent with guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association for the prevention of coronary heart disease and diabetes as well as for general health promotion, as defined by the 2015 to 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Quantitative NIR determination of isoflavone and saponin content of ground soybeans

Over 3200 discrete soybean samples were obtained from production locations around the United States during the years 2012-2016. Ground samples were scanned on near infrared spectrometers (NIRS) and analyzed by HPLC for total isoflavone and total saponin composition, as well as total carbohydrate composition. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis of preprocessed spectral data was used to develop optimized models to predict isoflavone content. The selection of a suitable calibration model was based on a high regression coefficient (R2), and lower standard error of calibration (SEC) values. Robust validated predictions were obtained for isoflavones, however less than robust calibrations were obtained for the total saponins. The correlations were not as robust for predicting the carbohydrate composition. NIRS is a suitable, rapid, nondestructive method to determine isoflavone composition in ground soybeans. Useful isoflavone composition predictions for large numbers of soybean samples can be obtained from quickly obtained NIRS scans.

Plant natural products with anti-thyroid cancer activity

Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine malignancy, with more than 500,000 cases per year worldwide. Differentiated thyroid cancers are the most common forms with best prognosis, while poorly/undifferentiated ones are rare (2% of all thyroid cancer), aggressive, frequently metastasize and have a worse prognosis. For aggressive, metastatic and advanced thyroid cancer novel antitumor molecules are urgently needed and phytochemical products can be a rational and extensive source, since secondary plant metabolites can guarantee the necessary biochemical variability for therapeutic purpose. Among bioactive molecules that present biological activity on thyroid cancer, resveratrol, curcumin, isoflavones, glucosinolates are the most common and used in experimental model. Most of them have been studied both in vitro and in vivo on this cancer, but rarely in clinical trial. This review summarizes phytochemicals, phytotherapeutics and plant derived compounds used in thyroid cancer.

Daidzein promotes milk synthesis and proliferation of mammary epithelial cells via the estrogen receptor α-dependent NFκB1 activation

Isoflavones possess a wide range of physiological effects. However, it is still unclear whether isoflavones can promote milk synthesis in mammary gland. This study aimed to determine the effects of a main soy isoflavone, daidzein, on milk synthesis and proliferation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs) and reveal the underlying molecular mechanism. Primary bovine MECs were treated with different concentrations of daidzein (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μM). Daidzein dose-dependently promoted α- and β-casein and lipid synthesis, cell cycle transition, and cell amount, with the best stimulatory effect at 20 μM. Daidzein also stimulated mTOR activation and Cyclin D1 and SREBP-1c expression. Daidzein induced the expression and nuclear localization of estrogen receptor α (ERα), and ERα knockdown blocked the stimulation of daidzein on these above signaling pathways. ERα knockdown also abolished the stimulation of daidzein on NFκB1 expression and phosphorylation, and NFκB1 was required for daidzein to enhance the mTOR, Cyclin D1 and SREBP-1c signaling pathways. In summary, our findings reveal that daidzein stimulates milk synthesis and proliferation of MECs via the ERα-dependent NFκB1 activation.

Phytoestrogens protect joints in collagen induced arthritis by increasing IgG glycosylation and reducing osteoclast activation

Based on previous studies, we know that estrogen can protect the joints from arthritis development by increasing IgG glycosylation and inhibiting osteoclast activation. Phytoestrogens, especially genistein and daidzein, are structurally similar to estradiol that can bind to estrogen receptors (ERs). However, how phytoestrogens affect IgG glycosylation and osteoclast activation in vivo are not investigated so far. In this study, we used 20 mg/kg genistein or daidzein to gavage the female DBA1/J mice in collagen induced arthritis (CIA). We assessed arthritis and bone erosion by clinical scores, histopathology, and micro-CT analysis. Inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, B cells, macrophages and T cells in the peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. Phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages was assessed by using FITC-labeled Escherichia coli. New monoclonal antibodies against CII were produced, purified and analyzed. Glycosylation levels of polyclonal and monoclonal IgG were detected by lectin-ELISA. Quantitative PCR was used to analyze the genes related to IgG glycosylation (B4galt1, St6gal1) and osteoclasts (TRAP, NFATC1, c-Fos). Expression of NF-κB and Akt signaling pathways as well as downstream transcription factors NFATc1 and c-Fos was studied by Western blot. Our results show that phytoestrogens protect mice from CIA by increasing IgG glycosylation leading to amelioration of inflammation and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and NFATc1/c-Fos to decrease the activity of osteoclasts. In conclusion, phytoestrogens can protect bone and joints in CIA mice by increasing IgG glycosylation and inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Acute Soy Supplementation Improves 20-km Time Trial Performance, Power, and Speed

INTRODUCTION

Isoflavones, a chemical class of phytoestrogens found in soybeans and soy products, may have biological functions similar to estradiol. After binding with ERβ or perhaps independently of estrogen receptors, isoflavones may augment vascular endothelial relaxation, contributing to improved limb blood flow.

PURPOSE

To determine if acute fermented soy extract supplementation influences 20-km time trial cycling performance and cardiac hemodynamics compared with a placebo.

METHODS

Subjects included 25 cyclists and triathletes (31 ± 8 yr, V˙O2peak: 55.1 ± 8.4 mL·kg·min). Each subject completed a V˙O2peak assessment, familiarization, and two 20-km time trials in randomized order after ingestion of a fermented soy extract supplement or placebo. The fermented soy extract consisted of 30 g powdered supplement in 16 fl. ounces of water. The placebo contained the same quantities of organic cocoa powder and water. Each trial consisted of 60 min of rest, 30 min at 55% Wpeak, and a self-paced 20-km time trial.

RESULTS

Soy supplementation elicited a faster time to 20-km completion (-0.22 ± 0.51 min; -13 s), lower average HR (-5 ± 7 bpm), and significantly greater power (7 ± 3 W) and speed (0.42 ± 0.16 km·h) during the last 5 km of the time trial compared with placebo. Analysis of the results by relative fitness level (<57 vs ≥ 57 mL⋅kg⋅min) indicated that those with a higher level of fitness reaped the largest performance improvement alongside a reduced HR (-5 ± 7 bpm).

CONCLUSIONS

Ingestion of a fermented soy extract supplement improved sprint-distance performance through improvements in both power and speed. For those with great aerobic fitness, soy supplementation may help to decrease cardiac demand alongside performance improvement.

Isoflavone Supplements for Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review

Isoflavones have gained popularity as an alternative treatment for menopausal symptoms for people who cannot or are unwilling to take hormone replacement therapy. However, there is still no consensus on the effects of isoflavones despite over two decades of vigorous research. This systematic review aims to summarize the current literature on isoflavone supplements, focusing on the active ingredients daidzein, genistein, and S-equol, and provide a framework to guide future research. We performed a literature search in Ovid Medline using the search terms "isoflavone" and "menopause", which yielded 95 abstracts and 68 full-text articles. We found that isoflavones reduce hot flashes even accounting for placebo effect, attenuate lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) loss, show beneficial effects on systolic blood pressure during early menopause, and improve glycemic control in vitro. There are currently no conclusive benefits of isoflavones on urogenital symptoms and cognition. Due to the lack of standardized research protocols including isoflavone component and dosage, outcomes, and trial duration, it is difficult to reach a conclusion at this point in time. Despite these limitations, the evidence thus far favors the use of isoflavones due to their safety profile and benefit to overall health.

Isoflavones as Ah Receptor Agonists in Colon-Derived Cell Lines: Structure-Activity Relationships

Many of the protective responses observed for flavonoids in the gastrointestinal track resemble aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated effects. Therefore, we examined the structure-activity relationships of isoflavones and isomeric flavone and flavanones as AhR ligands on the basis of their induction of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and UGT1A1 gene expression in colon cancer Caco2 cells and young adult mouse colonocyte (YAMC) cells. Caco2 cells were significantly more Ah-responsive than YAMC cells, and this was due, in part, to flavonoid-induced cytotoxicity in the latter cell lines. The structure-activity relationships for the flavonoids were complex and both response and cell context specific; however, there was significant variability in the AhR activities of the isomeric substituted isoflavones and flavones. For example, 4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone (genistein) was AhR-inactive whereas 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone (apigenin) induced CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and UGT1A1 in Caco2 cells. In contrast, both 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxy substituted isoflavone (biochanin A) and flavone (acacetin) induced all three AhR-responsive genes; 4',5,7-trimethoxyisoflavone was a potent AhR agonist, and the isomeric flavone was AhR-inactive. These results coupled with simulation studies modeling flavonoid interaction within the AhR binding pocket demonstrate that the orientation of the substituted phenyl ring at C-2 (flavones) or C-3 (isoflavones) on the common 4-H-chromen-4-one ring strongly influences the activities of isoflavones and flavones as AhR agonists.

Identification of equol-7-glucuronide-4'-sulfate, monoglucuronides and monosulfates in human plasma of 2 equol producers after administration of kinako by LC-ESI-MS

Equol is a product formed during the biotransformation of the naturally occurring isoflavone daidzein by intestinal bacteria. The role of equol in the prevention of several hormone-dependent diseases such as prostate cancer and osteoporosis as well as vasomotor symptoms has been extensively investigated. Equol primarily occurs in the form of major metabolites such as glucuronides and sulfates, while intact equol has been detected at only ca. 1% in human plasma. However, to date, conjugated metabolites have been evaluated by measuring the free equol obtained after selective enzymatic hydrolysis. Thus, the precise types of conjugates circulating in vivo and the position(s) of the conjugation sites on the equol skeleton have yet to be clarified. Our study describes the identification of polar equol metabolites in the plasma of 2 equol-producers obtained at 8 hours after consuming 50 g of kinako (approximately 37 mg of daidzein). The structural identification of these conjugated metabolites in plasma was performed by comparison to the LC-ESI-MS n and 1H-NMR spectral data of the corresponding chemically synthesized compounds. The results of the LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis indicated that the main conjugated metabolite in plasma was (S)-equol-7-glucuronide-4'-sulfate along with lower amounts of 7- and 4'-monoglucuronides as well as 7- and 4'-monosulfates.

Can the use of probiotics in association with isoflavone improve the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause? Results from a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of isoflavone administration, either in conjunction with probiotic use or not, on the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and compare the effects with those of hormone therapy.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women aged 40 to 60 years, randomly assigned to receive oral isoflavone (150 mg dry extract of glycine max) alone or isoflavone plus probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium lactis) or hormone therapy (1 mg estradiol and 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate). The urogenital symptom subscale of the Menopause Rating Scale and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form were used to assess genitourinary symptoms. Vaginal maturation value, pH, vaginal health score, and vaginal flora were used to evaluate vaginal atrophy. Equol, equol intermediate, O-dimethylangolensin, and aglycones were measured using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

After 16 weeks of treatment, the urogenital symptoms, mainly vaginal dryness and sexual problem complaints, improved significantly in the hormone therapy group. There was a significant increase in the daidzein, glycitein, equol intermediate, and O-dimethylangolensin contents after 16 weeks in the isoflavone plus probiotic group. The maturation value, vaginal pH, and vaginal flora improved in the hormone therapy group. The vaginal health score increased in the isoflavone and hormone therapy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotics improved the metabolism of isoflavones after 16 weeks of treatment. However, the increase in the contents of isoflavones and their metabolites failed to yield an estrogenic effect on the urogenital tract and relieve the vulvovaginal symptoms.

Isoflavones and bone health in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Isoflavones exert estrogenic activity distinct from estrogen, they have the potential to treat diseases and symptoms related to estrogen deficiency with minimal side effects and risks. Isoflavone supplementation, in general, is shown to exert beneficial effects against estrogen-deficient bone loss in women, however, some clinical trials still produce conflicting findings. The purpose of this review is to highlight and summarize the most recent and up-to-date research in the field and to bring attention to factors that play a major role in the outcomes of clinical trials that investigate phytoestrogens. Here, we also discuss the latest and most relevant data regarding the clinical safety of these substances.

RECENT FINDINGS

Isoflavones are naturally occurring secondary metabolites found in the Fabacaea plant family. Clinical data from isoflavone interventions support that aglycones (abundant in fermented products) exert enhanced beneficial effects against estrogen-deficient bone loss in women compared with isoflavone glycosides. Studies that employ methods to determine isoflavone content and form of treatments are more likely detect beneficial effects on bone. EFSA have confirmed the safety of isoflavones for women in the most comprehensive report to date.

SUMMARY

Isoflavone aglycones exert greater effects against bone loss than glycosides. Isoflavones show promise as a first-line prophylactic/treatment for bone loss in women.