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Leonard LM, Simpson AMR, Li S, Reddivari L, Cross TWL. A Gnotobiotic Mouse Model with Divergent Equol-Producing Phenotypes: Potential for Determining Microbial-Driven Health Impacts of Soy Isoflavone Daidzein. Nutrients 2024; 16:1079. [PMID: 38613113 PMCID: PMC11013052 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The implications of soy consumption on human health have been a subject of debate, largely due to the mixed evidence regarding its benefits and potential risks. The variability in responses to soy has been partly attributed to differences in the metabolism of soy isoflavones, compounds with structural similarities to estrogen. Approximately one-third of humans possess gut bacteria capable of converting soy isoflavone daidzein into equol, a metabolite produced exclusively by gut microbiota with significant estrogenic potency. In contrast, lab-raised rodents are efficient equol producers, except for those raised germ-free. This discrepancy raises concerns about the applicability of traditional rodent models to humans. Herein, we designed a gnotobiotic mouse model to differentiate between equol producers and non-producers by introducing synthetic bacterial communities with and without the equol-producing capacity into female and male germ-free mice. These gnotobiotic mice display equol-producing phenotypes consistent with the capacity of the gut microbiota received. Our findings confirm the model's efficacy in mimicking human equol production capacity, offering a promising tool for future studies to explore the relationship between endogenous equol production and health outcomes like cardiometabolic health and fertility. This approach aims to refine dietary guidelines by considering individual microbiome differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M. Leonard
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (L.M.L.); (A.M.R.S.)
| | - Abigayle M. R. Simpson
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (L.M.L.); (A.M.R.S.)
| | - Shiyu Li
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.L.); (L.R.)
| | - Lavanya Reddivari
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.L.); (L.R.)
| | - Tzu-Wen L. Cross
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (L.M.L.); (A.M.R.S.)
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Takahashi A, Takahata Y, Kokubun M, Anzai Y, Kogure A, Ogata T, Abe N, Sugaya T, Fujita M, Imaizumi H, Hayashi M, Abe K, Ohira H. Association between equol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Japanese women in their 50s and 60s. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:1958-1962. [PMID: 37565591 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Equol is a metabolite of soy isoflavone and has estrogenic activity. The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases after menopause in women, which is thought to result in a decrease in estrogen. This study aimed to evaluate the association between equol and NAFLD. METHODS We evaluated 1185 women aged 50-69 years who underwent health check-ups at four health centers in Fukushima, Japan. Equol producers were defined by a urinary equol concentration of 1.0 μM or more. In addition to comparison between equol producers and non-producers, the association between equol and NAFLD was estimated using logistic regression analysis adjusting for fast walking and eating habits. RESULTS Of the 1185 participants, 345 (29.1%) women were equol producers. The proportions of women who had NAFLD (34.8% vs 45.2%) were significantly lower in the equol-producing group than in the non-producing group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that equol production was significantly associated with NAFLD (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.86). CONCLUSIONS Equol production was significantly associated with NAFLD in women in their 50s and 60s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yosuke Takahata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masae Kokubun
- Institution for Total Medical Checkup, Jusendo Clinic, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yukio Anzai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Watari Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kogure
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujita General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takashi Ogata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Masu Memorial Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Naoto Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Sugaya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Imaizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Manabu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Wang X, Chen B, Fang X, Zhong Q, Liao Z, Wang J, Wu X, Ma Y, Li P, Feng X, Wang L. Soy isoflavone-specific biotransformation product S-equol in the colon: physiological functions, transformation mechanisms, and metabolic regulatory pathways. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:5462-5490. [PMID: 36503364 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2154744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggest that regular intake of soy isoflavones may reduce the incidence of estrogen-dependent and aging-associated disorders. Equol is a metabolite of soy isoflavone (SI) produced by specific gut microbiota and has many beneficial effects on human health due to its higher biological activity compared to SI. However, only 1/3 to 1/2 of humans are able to produce equol in the body, which means that not many people can fully benefit from SI. This review summarizes the recent advances in equol research, focusing on the chemical properties, physiological functions, conversion mechanisms in vitro and vivo, and metabolic regulatory pathways affecting S-equol production. Advanced experimental designs and possible techniques in future research plan are also fully discussed. Furthermore, this review provides a fundamental basis for researchers in the field to understand individual differences in S-equol production, the efficiency of metabolic conversion of S-equol, and fermentation production of S-equol in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baiyan Chen
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingping Zhong
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenlin Liao
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Wu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Ma
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengzhen Li
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Feng
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Association between equol production and metabolic syndrome in Japanese women in their 50s-60s. Menopause 2022; 29:1196-1199. [PMID: 35969890 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Equol is an active metabolite of soy isoflavone. As a phytoestrogen, equol has the potential to prevent metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. This study aimed to determine the association between equol production and metabolic syndrome (METS) in postmenopausal women. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 1,345 women aged 50 to 69 years who underwent health checkups from February 2018 to November 2021 at four health centers in Fukushima, Japan. Equol producers were defined as those with a urinary equol concentration of 1.0 μM or more. METS was defined based on Japanese diagnostic criteria including abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and glucose intolerance. The association between equol production and METS was estimated by logistic regression analysis, with adjustments for age, exercise, physical activity, and fast walking. RESULTS Of the 1,345 women, 378 (28.1%) were equol producers. The proportion of women who had METS (6.6% vs 10.9%) was significantly lower in the equol-producing group than in the nonproducing group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that equol production was significantly associated with METS (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.95). CONCLUSIONS Equol production was associated with a lower prevalence of METS among women aged 50 to 69 years.
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Iglesias-Aguirre CE, Cortés-Martín A, Ávila-Gálvez MÁ, Giménez-Bastida JA, Selma MV, González-Sarrías A, Espín JC. Main drivers of (poly)phenol effects on human health: metabolite production and/or gut microbiota-associated metabotypes? Food Funct 2021; 12:10324-10355. [PMID: 34558584 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02033a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high human interindividual variability in response to (poly)phenol consumption, the cause-and-effect relationship between some dietary (poly)phenols (flavanols and olive oil phenolics) and health effects (endothelial function and prevention of LDL oxidation, respectively) has been well established. Most of the variables affecting this interindividual variability have been identified (food matrix, gut microbiota, single-nucleotide-polymorphisms, etc.). However, the final drivers for the health effects of (poly)phenol consumption have not been fully identified. At least partially, these drivers could be (i) the (poly)phenols ingested that exert their effect in the gastrointestinal tract, (ii) the bioavailable metabolites that exert their effects systemically and/or (iii) the gut microbial ecology associated with (poly)phenol metabolism (i.e., gut microbiota-associated metabotypes). However, statistical associations between health effects and the occurrence of circulating and/or excreted metabolites, as well as cross-sectional studies that correlate gut microbial ecologies and health, do not prove a causal role unequivocally. We provide a critical overview and perspective on the possible main drivers of the effects of (poly)phenols on human health and suggest possible actions to identify the putative actors responsible for the effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Iglesias-Aguirre
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Adrián Cortés-Martín
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - María Á Ávila-Gálvez
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (IBET), Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Juan A Giménez-Bastida
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - María V Selma
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Antonio González-Sarrías
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Juan Carlos Espín
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
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Fujitani T, Fujii Y, Lyu Z, Harada Sassa M, Harada KH. Urinary equol levels are positively associated with urinary estradiol excretion in women. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19532. [PMID: 34593903 PMCID: PMC8484452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98872-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoflavones found in soy products are a promising class of nutrients that may have a positive effect on human health. In particular, the phytoestrogen metabolite equol is associated with a reduced risk of developing female hormone-related diseases. However, the effect of equol on estrogen remains unclear. Equol can modify blood and urinary estradiol (E2) levels. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between urinary estrogen levels, equol levels, and equol production status in Japanese women. We analyzed urine samples from 520 women by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Urinary E2 and 4-hydroxylated E2 levels were higher in equol producers (EQP) than in non-EQPs (P < 0.0001 and P=0.00112, respectively). After adjusting for age and tobacco use by analysis of covariance, the association remained significant (β = 0.299, P < 0.0001). Analysis of covariance demonstrated that equol levels in urine were also positively associated with urinary E2 (β = 0.597, P < 0.0001). The log equol concentration showed a significant, but moderate, negative association with the serum E2 concentration (β = − 0.0225, P = 0.0462). Our findings suggest that equol may promote urinary E2 excretion and modify blood E2 levels in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Fujitani
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yukiko Fujii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, 815-8511, Japan
| | - Zhaoqing Lyu
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mariko Harada Sassa
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kouji H Harada
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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