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The role of soy and soy isoflavones on women's fertility and related outcomes: an update. J Nutr Sci 2022; 11:e17. [PMID: 35320928 PMCID: PMC8922143 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2022.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Soy is a key food in human nutrition. It is widely used in eastern traditional cuisine and it has recently diffused among self-conscious and vegetarian diets. The success of soy mainly depends on versatility and supposed healthy properties of soy foods and soy components. Meanwhile, the possible influence on endocrine system, in particular by isoflavones, raised concerns among some researchers. The present paper aims to conduct a review of available data on the effect of soy, soy foods and soy components on women's fertility and related outcomes. Eleven interventional studies, eleven observational studies and one meta-analysis have been selected from the results of queries. A weak, not clinically relevant effect has been highlighted on cycle length and hormonal status. However, a suggestive positive influence has been shown among women with fertility issues and during assisted reproductive technologies. Overall, soy and soy components consumption do not seem to perturb healthy women's fertility and can have a favourable effect among subjects seeking pregnancy. However, because of the paucity of studies exploring the impact of soy intake on women's fertility, as well as the limited population sample size, the frequently incomplete specimens’ collection to investigate all cycle phases and the insufficient characterisation of participants, the evidence is suggestive and it needs further in-depth research taking into account all these aspects.
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Ghirga F, Quaglio D, Mori M, Cammarone S, Iazzetti A, Goggiamani A, Ingallina C, Botta B, Calcaterra A. A unique high-diversity natural product collection as a reservoir of new therapeutic leads. Org Chem Front 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0qo01210f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We review the successful application of computer-aided methods to screen a unique and high-diversity in house collection library composed of around 1000 individual natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ghirga
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- University of Siena
- 53100 Siena
| | - Silvia Cammarone
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Antonia Iazzetti
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Antonella Goggiamani
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Cinzia Ingallina
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
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Gómez-Zorita S, González-Arceo M, Fernández-Quintela A, Eseberri I, Trepiana J, Portillo MP. Scientific Evidence Supporting the Beneficial Effects of Isoflavones on Human Health. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123853. [PMID: 33348600 PMCID: PMC7766685 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoflavones are phenolic compounds with a chemical structure similar to that of estradiol. They are present in several vegetables, mainly in legumes such as soy, white and red clover, alfalfa and beans. The most significant food source of isoflavones in humans is soy-derived products. Isoflavones could be used as an alternative therapy for pathologies dependent on hormonal disorders such as breast and prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, as well as to minimize menopausal symptoms. According to the results gathered in the present review, it can be stated that there is scientific evidence showing the beneficial effect of isoflavones on bone health and thus in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis on postmenopausal women, although the results do not seem entirely conclusive as there are discrepancies among the studies, probably related to their experimental designs. For this reason, the results should be interpreted with caution, and more randomized clinical trials are required. By contrast, it seems that soy isoflavones do not lead to a meaningful protective effect on cardiovascular risk. Regarding cancer, scientific evidence suggests that isoflavones could be useful in reducing the risk of suffering some types of cancer, such as breast and endometrial cancer, but further studies are needed to confirm these results. Finally, isoflavones could be useful in reducing hot flushes associated with menopause. However, a limitation in this field is that there is still a great heterogeneity among studies. Lastly, with regard to isoflavone consumption safety, it seems that they are safe and that the most common adverse effect is mild and occurs at the gastrointestinal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saioa Gómez-Zorita
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria, Spain; (S.G.-Z.); (M.G.-A.); (A.F.-Q.); (M.P.P.)
- CIBEROBN Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01002 Vitoria, Spain
| | - Maitane González-Arceo
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria, Spain; (S.G.-Z.); (M.G.-A.); (A.F.-Q.); (M.P.P.)
| | - Alfredo Fernández-Quintela
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria, Spain; (S.G.-Z.); (M.G.-A.); (A.F.-Q.); (M.P.P.)
- CIBEROBN Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01002 Vitoria, Spain
| | - Itziar Eseberri
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria, Spain; (S.G.-Z.); (M.G.-A.); (A.F.-Q.); (M.P.P.)
- CIBEROBN Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01002 Vitoria, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.E.); (J.T.)
| | - Jenifer Trepiana
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria, Spain; (S.G.-Z.); (M.G.-A.); (A.F.-Q.); (M.P.P.)
- CIBEROBN Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01002 Vitoria, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.E.); (J.T.)
| | - María Puy Portillo
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria, Spain; (S.G.-Z.); (M.G.-A.); (A.F.-Q.); (M.P.P.)
- CIBEROBN Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01002 Vitoria, Spain
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Zhang L, Ruan X, Cui Y, Gu M, Mueck AO. Menopausal Symptoms and Associated Social and Environmental Factors in Midlife Chinese Women. Clin Interv Aging 2020; 15:2195-2208. [PMID: 33235442 PMCID: PMC7678706 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s278976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the dependency of menopausal symptoms on age and/or menopausal status and association with social and environmental factors. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted on 4595 women (40–83 years) coming from 31 provinces during two years to our “Menopause Clinic”, the first official center in China. Menopausal symptoms were assessed: negative mood, cognitive symptoms, sleep disorder, vasomotor symptoms (VMS), urogenital symptoms, autonomic nervous disorder, limb pain/paresthesia. Social and environmental factors were collected; simple and unconditional logistic regression with adjustments by all analyzed factors were used to assess associations. Results Urogenital symptoms were the most common and VMS the least common complaints. All symptoms, except cognitive and urogenital symptoms, worsened age-dependently up to 60 years but improved beyond this age. Most symptoms also were associated with menopause, except negative mood and autonomic nervous disorders. Soya-rich diet decreased all symptoms, but only if consumed daily. Exercise was beneficial for some symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was most effective but only with regular use. Increased alcohol consumption aggravated VMS. Higher education was associated with less symptoms; no relationship was found for smoking, gravidity, parity, and menarche. Conclusion All symptoms, except cognitive and urogenital symptoms, worsened age-dependently up to 60 years but improved beyond this age; most were also associated with menopause. For the first time in a large study population, it was observed that soy-rich diet is protective but only with daily consumption. Exercising can protect against some of the symptoms. HRT decreased all symptoms, but regular use is necessary. Women with higher education reported less symptoms, but after adjustments no other relationships were observed (ChiCTR2000035047).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyan Ruan
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, People's Republic of China.,Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital and Research Center for Women's Health, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen D-72076, Germany
| | - Yamei Cui
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, People's Republic of China
| | - Muqing Gu
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, People's Republic of China
| | - Alfred O Mueck
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, People's Republic of China.,Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital and Research Center for Women's Health, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen D-72076, Germany
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Ferraris C, Ballestra B, Listorti C, Cappelletti V, Reduzzi C, Scaperrotta GP, Pulice I, Ferrari EGA, Folli S, Mariani L, Martelli G. Red clover and lifestyle changes to contrast menopausal symptoms in premenopausal patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer receiving tamoxifen. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 180:157-165. [PMID: 31975316 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05534-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether a red clover preparation plus dietary intervention administered to premenopausal women with breast cancer (BC), improves menopausal symptoms due to anti-oestrogen treatment, and hence promotes compliance with tamoxifen, prevents weight gain and is safe. METHODS Surgically-treated premenopausal women with oestrogen receptor (ER) positive disease taking tamoxifen were recruited to a prospective double-blind randomized trial (NCT03844685). The red clover group (N = 42) received one oral tablet/day (Promensil® Forte) containing 80 mg red clover extract for 24 months. The placebo group (N = 39) received one oral tablet/day without active ingredient. All women were encouraged to follow a Mediterranean-type diet and keep active. Outcomes were Menopausal Rating Score (MRS), body mass index (BMI), waist and hip girth, insulin resistance, and levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and sex hormones. As safety indicators, endometrial thickness, breast density, and effects of patient serum on ER-positive BC cell lines were investigated. RESULTS MRS reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) with no between-group difference (p = 0.69). The red clover group had significantly greater reductions in BMI and waist circumference (p < 0.0001 both cases). HDL cholesterol increased significantly in both groups (p = 0.01). Hormone levels and insulin resistance changed little. Endometrial thickness remained constant (p = 0.93). Breast density decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.0001). Proliferation and oestrogen-regulated gene expression didn't differ in cell lines treated with serum from each group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first trial to assess red clover in BC patients on tamoxifen. The preparation proved safe clinically and in vitro, and was associated with reduced BMI and waist circumference, but the diet-lifestyle intervention probably improved the menopausal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferraris
- Breast Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Ballestra
- Breast Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Listorti
- Breast Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Vera Cappelletti
- Biomarker Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Biomarker Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianfranco P Scaperrotta
- Breast Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Iolanda Pulice
- Clinical Studies Scientific Director's Office, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora G A Ferrari
- Pharmacy and Experimental Clinical Studies, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Secondo Folli
- Breast Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Mariani
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Trials Organization, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Martelli
- Breast Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milano, Italy
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Lambert MNT, Jeppesen PB. Isoflavones and bone health in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2018; 21:475-480. [PMID: 30239339 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Imhof M, Gocan A, Imhof M, Schmidt M. Soy germ extract alleviates menopausal hot flushes: placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 2018; 72:961-970. [PMID: 29849181 PMCID: PMC6035149 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-018-0173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed to assess the potency of a soy germ preparation for the alleviation of menopausal hot flushes. SUBJECTS/METHODS Caucasian women with at least seven hot flushes daily were treated with soy germ extract (100 mg isoflavone glycosides) daily or with placebo for 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of open treatment with soy. Outcome parameters were the number of hot flushes and the evaluation of the Greene Climacteric Scale. RESULTS A total of 192 women were included. As the hot flush diaries from one study centre were lost, the assessment of hot flushes was based on 136 participants (soy: 54 women; placebo: 82 women). After 12 weeks, 180 women were available for the analysis of Greene Scale and safety (soy and placebo: each 90 women). Hot flushes were reduced by 43.3% (-3.5 hot flushes) with soy and by 30.8% with placebo (-2.6; p < 0.001). After the open treatment phase with soy, both original groups showed a reduction of 68% of hot flushes. A subgroup analysis showed better effects for soy when symptoms were classified as "severe" at baseline. After 12 weeks of double-blind treatment, there was an improvement from baseline values of 71 and 78% with soy with the items "hot flushes" and "sweating", compared with 24% for both items with placebo. Hormonal safety parameters remained uninfluenced. CONCLUSIONS Soy germ extract with 100 mg of isoflavone glycosides was shown to modestly, but significantly reduce menopausal hot flushes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Imhof
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Univ.-Doz. Dr. med. Martin Imhof, Landesklinikum Weinviertel, Wiener Ring 3-5, A-2100, Korneuburg, Austria
| | - Anca Gocan
- Dr. med. Anca Gocan, Ärztezentrum Rahlgasse, Rahlgasse 1/12, A-1060, Wien, Austria
| | - Marianne Imhof
- Dr. Marianne Imhof, Life Research Technologies GmbH, Schönlanterngasse 11/13, A-1010, Wien, Austria
| | - Mathias Schmidt
- Dr. Mathias Schmidt, Herbresearch Germany, Wartbergweg 15, 86874, Mattsies, Germany.
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Rizzo G, Baroni L. Soy, Soy Foods and Their Role in Vegetarian Diets. Nutrients 2018; 10:E43. [PMID: 29304010 PMCID: PMC5793271 DOI: 10.3390/nu10010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Soy is a basic food ingredient of traditional Asian cuisine used for thousands of years. In Western countries, soybeans have been introduced about a hundred years ago and recently they are mainly used for surrogate foods production. Soy and soy foods are common nutritional solutions for vegetarians, due to their high protein content and versatility in the production of meat analogues and milk substitutes. However, there are some doubts about the potential effects on health, such as the effectiveness on cardiovascular risk reduction or, conversely, on the possible disruption of thyroid function and sexual hormones. The soy components that have stimulated the most research interest are isoflavones, which are polyphenols with estrogenic properties highly contained in soybeans. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of soy and soy foods, focusing on their nutrient content, including phytoestrogens and other bioactive substances that are noteworthy for vegetarians, the largest soy consumers in the Western countries. The safety of use will also be discussed, given the growing trend in adoption of vegetarian styles and the new soy-based foods availability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Primary Care Unit, Northern District, Local Health Unit 2, 31100 Treviso, Italy.
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da Costa JP. A current look at nutraceuticals – Key concepts and future prospects. Trends Food Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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