Soy Isoflavones Ameliorate Fatty Acid Metabolism of Visceral Adipose Tissue by Increasing the AMPK Activity in Male Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO)

Genistein effect in cultured ovine ovarian granulosa cells

Genistein, an isoflavone has the potential to mimic, augment, or dysregulate the steroid hormone production pathways. We hypothesized that genistein affects the granulosa cell (GCs) functions through a series of biochemical, molecular, and genomic cascades. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of genistein exposure on GCs viability, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis. The present study involved 3/5 days of exposure to genistein on GCs collected from abattoir-derived ovine ovaries at doses of 0, 1, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µM. The harvested GCs were used for growth, cytotoxicity, and gene expression studies related to apoptosis, growth, and steroidogenesis. We observed that genistein had both stimulatory at 10 and 25 µM levels as well as inhibitory effects at 50 and 100 µM levels on the growth and proliferation of GCs. Genistein significantly decreased the levels of 17β-estradiol at higher exposure (50 and 100 µM), whereas the progesterone level increased significantly as the genistein exposure increased. Additionally, genistein could also alter the mRNA expression of the steroidogenic receptor, enzymes, proteins, and growth-related genes suggesting that genistein could potentially alter the steroidogenic pathways. We conclude that genistein can interfere with cell survival and steroidogenesis by exhibiting a dose-dependent biphasic response on the viability, growth-related parameters, and the synthesis of 17β-estradiol in the cultured GCs.

Therapeutic effects of Salvia balansae on metabolic disorders and testicular dysfunction mediated by a high-fat diet in Wistar rats

Medicinal plants offer an important therapeutic resource in treatment of male infertility. We aim to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of Salvia balansae on metabolic disorders and testicular dysfunction resulting from a high-fat diet (HFD). Antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of S. balansae leaves was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. Antidiabetic activity was determined by α-amylase inhibition. In vivo, HFD was administered in Wistar rats for 18 weeks and aqueous extract of S. balansae for the last 6 weeks (200 mg/Kg of body weight/day). At the term of experimentation, testosterone and some plasma parameters were analyzed and removed testes were subjected to a histomorphometric study. Our results show high levels of phenolic components in aqueous extract of S. balansae and significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. HFD increases body weight, causes type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, liver failure and inflammation. Also, HFD decreases testosterone and alters testis histological structure (seminiferous tubular degeneration, impaired spermatogenesis and interstitial fibrosis). Treatment of HFD rats with extract of S. balansae normalizes body weight and plasma parameters, increases testosterone and regenerates testicular structure and function. In summary, S. balansae could reduce metabolic complications induced by HFD and serve the basis for developing a new therapy for testicular dysfunction.

Nutraceuticals in Brown Adipose Tissue Activation

Obesity and its associated comorbidities have become pandemic, and challenge the global healthcare system. Lifestyle changes, nutritional interventions and phamaceuticals should be differently combined in a personalized strategy to tackle such a public health burden. Altered brown adipose tissue (BAT) function contributes to the pathophysiology of obesity and glucose metabolism dysfunctions. BAT thermogenic activity burns glucose and fatty acids to produce heat through uncoupled respiration, and can dissipate the excessive calorie intake, reduce glycemia and circulate fatty acids released from white adipose tissue. Thus, BAT activity is expected to contribute to whole body energy homeostasis and protect against obesity, diabetes and alterations in lipid profile. To date, pharmacological therapies aimed at activating brown fat have failed in clinical trials, due to cardiovascular side effects or scarce efficacy. On the other hand, several studies have identified plant-derived chemical compounds capable of stimulating BAT thermogenesis in animal models, suggesting the translational applications of dietary supplements to fight adipose tissue dysfunctions. This review describes several nutraceuticals with thermogenic properties and provides indications, at a molecular level, of the regulation of the adipocyte thermogenesis by the mentioned phytochemicals.

Isoflavone consumption reduces inflammation through modulation of phenylalanine and lipid metabolism

INTRODUCTION

Phytoestrogens found in soy, fruits, peanuts, and other legumes, have been identified as metabolites capable of providing beneficial effects in multiple pathological conditions due to their ability to mimic endogenous estrogen. Interestingly, the health-promoting effects of some phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, are dependent on the presence of specific gut bacteria. Specifically, gut bacteria can metabolize isoflavones into equol, which has a higher affinity for endogenous estrogen receptors compared to dietary isoflavones. We have previously shown that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neuroinflammatory disease, lack gut bacteria that are able to metabolize phytoestrogen. Further, we have validated the importance of both isoflavones and phytoestrogen-metabolizing gut bacteria in disease protection utilizing an animal model of MS. Specifically, we have shown that an isoflavone-rich diet can protect from neuroinflammatory diseases, and that protection was dependent on the ability of gut bacteria to metabolize isoflavones into equol. Additionally, mice on a diet with isoflavones showed an anti-inflammatory response compared to the mice on a diet lacking isoflavones. However, it is unknown how isoflavones and/or equol mediates their protective effects, especially their effects on host metabolite levels.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we utilized untargeted metabolomics to identify metabolites found in plasma that were modulated by the presence of dietary isoflavones.

RESULTS

We found that the consumption of isoflavones increased anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fatty acids and beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids while reducing pro-inflammatory glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, phenylalanine metabolism, and arachidonic acid derivatives.

CONCLUSION

Isoflavone consumption alters the systemic metabolic landscape through concurrent increases in monounsaturated fatty acids and beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids plus reduction in pro-inflammatory metabolites and pathways. This highlights a potential mechanism by which an isoflavone diet may modulate immune-mediated disease.

Soy Food Intake Associated with Obesity and Hypertension in Children and Adolescents in Guangzhou, Southern China

The associations between soy food intake and cardio-metabolic risk factors in children remain unclear due to limited evidence. We aim to explore soy food intake and its association with the risks of obesity and hypertension in Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 10,536 children and adolescents aged 7–18 years (5125 boys and 5411 girls) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study in Guangzhou City, southern China. Data on demographic characteristics and dietary consumption were collected using self-reported questionnaires, and anthropometric characteristics were measured. Obesity, abdominal obesity, and hypertension were defined using Chinese criteria for children and adolescents. A multiple logistic regression model was applied to estimate the association between soy food intake and obesity and hypertension. Roughly 39.5% of the participants consumed soy food more than three times per week. The mean amounts of liquid and solid soy food intake were 0.35 ± 0.54 cups/day and 0.46 ± 0.63 servings/day, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) of hypertension among those with high liquid soy food intake and a high frequency of all soy food intake (more than three times/week) were 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67–0.94), and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.70–0.97) compared to those with no intake. Additionally, the adjusted OR of obesity among those with high solid soy food intake and a high frequency of all soy food intake were 1.34 (95% CI, 1.09–1.63) and 1.30 (95% CI, 1.07–1.58), respectively. In conclusion, 39.5% of southern Chinese children and adolescents had high soy food intake (more than three times/week), which was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension and a greater prevalence of obesity.

Molecular targets of exercise mimetics and their natural activators

Physical exercise can be effective in preventing or ameliorating various diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. However, not everyone may be able to participate in exercise due to illnesses, age-related frailty, or difficulty in long-term behavior change. An alternative option is to utilize pharmacological interventions that mimic the positive effects of exercise training. Recent studies have identified signaling pathways associated with the benefits of physical activity and discovered exercise mimetics that can partially simulate the systemic impact of exercise. This review describes the molecular targets for exercise mimetics and their effect on skeletal muscle and other tissues. We will also discuss the potential advantages of using natural products as a multi-targeting agent for mimicking the health-promoting effects of exercise.

Soy Isoflavones Intake and Obesity in Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shanghai, China

This study was designed to examine the association of soy isoflavones (SI) intake with different body measurements indicative of obesity in Chinese adults of Shanghai, a population consuming foods rich in SI. This study used baseline data from the Shanghai Gaofeng cohort study. SI intake was measured by using a self-reported food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was performed to examine the possible nonlinear relationship of SI intake with obesity. A logistic regression model was applied to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Compared with the lowest tertile group of SI intake, the highest tertile group had a lower prevalence of obesity and central obesity. The OR for overall obesity was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.98) in the highest versus the lowest SI tertile group; the associations differed by sex and menopausal status. A negative association was also observed between SI intake and central obesity, and a significant modifying effect of sex was found on the association. No significant interactions were observed between SI intake and physical activity (PA) levels. Our results suggest that Chinese adults with higher dietary intake of SI may be less likely to be obese, particularly for postmenopausal women.

[Effects of the use of 17 β-estradiol and genistein in Alzheimer's disease in women with menopause]

The use of 17 β-estradiol and genistein in women with menopause helps in the reduction of vasomotor symptoms and cognitive improvement. There is evidence on the use of certain flavonoids such as genistein, which has a potentially neuroprotective role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Scientific evidence on the effects of phytoestrogens and genistein during menopause and their effect on cognition are scarce, however, in the present review it was found that the intervention with 17 β-estradiol has positive effects on cognition in women with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the use of genistein, daidzein or any supplement based on isoflavones may influence vasomotor symptoms. 17 β-estradiol supplements in women in early menopause and with some degree of cognitive impairment may have beneficial effects.

Ageratina adenophora Inhibits Spleen Immune Function in Rats via the Loss of the FRC Network and Th1-Th2 Cell Ratio Elevation

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of Ageratina adenophora (A. adenophora) on splenic immune function in a rat model. Rats were fed with 10 g/100 g normal feed and an experimental feed, which was composed of 3:7 A. adenophora powder and normal feed for 60 days. On days 14, 28, and 60, subsets of rats (n = 8 rats/group/time point) were selected for blood and spleen tissue sample collection. The results showed that the proportion of CD3⁺ T cells in the spleen was decreased at day 60 (vs. control). Also, mRNA and protein expression of chemokines CCL21 and CCL19 and functional protein gp38 in spleen decreased significantly versus the control at day 60. In addition, ER-TR7 antigen protein expression was also decreased at day 60. Levels of T-helper (Th)1 cells significantly increased, whereas those of Th2 cells decreased significantly versus the control at day 60 in spleen. The finding revealed that A. adenophora could affect splenic immune function in rats by altering the fibroblast reticulocyte (FRC) network, as well as by causing an imbalance in Th1/Th2 cell ratios. This research provides new insights into potential mechanisms of spleen immunotoxicity due to exposures to A. Adenophora.

A multi-targeting strategy to ameliorate high-fat-diet- and fructose-induced (western diet-induced) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with supplementation of a mixture of legume ethanol extracts

NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is a multifactorial liver disease related to multiple causes or unhealthy conditions, including obesity and chronic inflammation. The accumulation of excess triglycerides, called steatosis, is known as a hallmark of an imbalance between the rates of hepatic fatty acid uptake/synthesis and oxidation/export. Furthermore, occurrence of NAFLD may lead to a cocktail of disease consequences caused by the altered metabolism of glucose, lipids, and lipoproteins, for instance, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, and even hepatocarcinogenesis. Due to the complexity of the occurrence of NAFLD, a multi-targeting strategy is highly recommended to effectively address the issue and combat the causal loop. Ethanol extracts of legumes are popular supplements due to their richness and diversity in phytochemicals, especially isoflavones and anthocyanins. Although many of them have been reported to have efficacy in the treatment of different metabolic syndromes and obesity, there have not been many studies on them as a supplemental mixture. In this study, the alleviative effects of selected legume ethanol extracts (CrE) on high-fat-diet- and fructose-induced obesity, liver steatosis, and hyperglycemia are discussed. As revealed by the findings, CrE not only ameliorated obesity in terms of weight gained and enlargement of adipose tissue, but also significantly reduced the incidence of steatosis via phosphorylation of AMPK, resulting in inhibition of the downstream SREBP-1c/FAS pathway and an increase in an indicator of β-oxidation (carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1a, CPT1A). Furthermore, CrE dramatically alleviated inflammatory responses, including both plasma and hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels. CrE also had attenuating effects on hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and significantly reduced the fasting glucose level, fasting insulin level, and plasma leptin, and it exhibited positive effects in the Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). At the molecular level, CrE could activate the PI3K/Akt/Glut2 pathway, which indicated an increase in insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Taken together, these results suggest that ethanol extracts of legumes could be potential supplements for metabolic syndromes, and their efficacy and effectiveness might facilitate the multi-targeting strategy required to mitigate NAFLD.

The Role of Isoflavones in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Treatment-A Narrative Review

Given the growing number of type 2 diabetic individuals and the substantial social and financial costs associated with diabetes management, every effort should be made to improve its prevention and treatment methods. There is an ongoing search for natural dietary compounds that could be used for this purpose. This narrative review focuses on the therapeutic potential of isoflavones in diabetes prevention and treatment. This review summarizes (i) the molecular mechanisms of isoflavones action that are critical to their anti-diabetic properties; (ii) preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) studies evaluating the influence of isoflavones on the function of key organs involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes; and (iii) epidemiological studies and clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of isoflavones in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in humans. Apart from discussing the effects of isoflavones on the function of organs “classically” associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes (pancreas, liver, muscles, and adipose tissue), the impact of these compounds on other organs that contribute to the glucose homeostasis (gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and brain) is also reviewed.

Exercise and/or Genistein Treatment Impact Gut Microbiota and Inflammation after 12 Weeks on a High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet in C57BL/6 Mice

Genistein (Gen) and exercise (Exe) have been postulated as potential strategies to ameliorate obesity, inflammation, and gut microbiota (GM) with promising results. However, the impact of the combination of both Exe and Gen is yet to be investigated. We aimed to analyze the impacts of Exe, Gen, and their combined effects on GM and inflammation in mice after a 12-week high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFD). Eighty-three C57BL/6 mice were randomized to control, HFD, HFD + Exe, HFD + Gen, or HFD + Exe + Gen. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was analyzed with Illumina MiSeq. Serum samples were used to analyze interleukin (Il)-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha). The HFD + Exe and HFD + Exe + Gen treatments resulted in significantly greater microbial richness compared to HFD. All the treatments had a significantly different impact on the GM community structure. Ruminococcus was significantly more abundant after the HFD + Exe + Gen treatment when compared to all the other HFD groups. Exe + Gen resulted in serum Il-6 concentrations similar to that of controls. TNF-alpha concentrations did not differ by treatment. Overall, Exe had a positive impact on microbial richness, and Ruminococcus might be the driving bacteria for the GM structure differences. Exe + Gen may be an effective treatment for preventing HFD-induced inflammation.

Flavonoids in adipose tissue inflammation and atherosclerosis: one arrow, two targets

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, in addition to beverages such as tea and coffee. Flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic agents for cardiovascular as well as metabolic diseases. Several studies corroborated an inverse relationship between flavonoid consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Flavonoids exert their anti-atherogenic effects by increasing nitric oxide (NO), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, flavonoids alleviate ATI by decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as by attenuating inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, flavonoids inhibit synthesis of fatty acids and promote their oxidation. In this review, we discuss the effect of the main classes of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones, on atherosclerosis and ATI. In addition, we dissect the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of action for these flavonoids. We conclude by supporting the potential benefit for flavonoids in the management or treatment of CVD; yet, we call for more robust clinical studies for safety and pharmacokinetic values.

Soy isoflavones ameliorate experimental colitis by targeting ERα/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways

Soy isoflavones (SIFs) are selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that have anti-inflammatory activities. Our previous study found that estrogen receptor α (ERα) directly regulates the NLRP3 transcription and NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Therefore, we hypothesized that SIFs alleviate colitis via an ERα-dependent mechanism by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome. The influence of SIFs on colitis and the potential mechanisms were thoroughly determined in this study. The results suggested that SIFs ameliorated dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced body weight loss, reduced disease activity index and promoted the recovery of colon pathological damage in mice. Moreover, expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly inhibited, and the release of IL-1β and IL-18 was suppressed by SIFs. Furthermore, ERα blockade ameliorated DSS-induced inflammatory responses in the intestine, and SIFs markedly suppressed the expression of ERα in a dose-dependent manner. Our study demonstrated that the protective therapeutic action of SIFs on DSS-induced colitis depended on inhibition of ERα and subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and SIFs are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of colitis.

Metabolic Impact of Flavonoids Consumption in Obesity: From Central to Peripheral

The prevention and treatment of obesity is primary based on the follow-up of a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet with an important presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. For many years, the health benefits of polyphenols have been attributed to their anti-oxidant capacity as free radical scavengers. More recently it has been described that polyphenols activate other cell-signaling pathways that are not related to ROS production but rather involved in metabolic regulation. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge in this field by focusing on the metabolic effects of flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely distributed in the plant kingdom where they are used for growing and defensing. They are structurally characterized by two benzene rings and a heterocyclic pyrone ring and based on the oxidation and saturation status of the heterocyclic ring flavonoids are grouped in seven different subclasses. The present work is focused on describing the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic impact of flavonoids in obesity and obesity-related diseases. We described the effects of each group of flavonoids in liver, white and brown adipose tissue and central nervous system and the metabolic and signaling pathways involved on them.

Beneficial Effects of Isoflavones in the Kidney of Obese Rats Are Mediated by PPAR-Gamma Expression

Several studies have demonstrated an important association between altered lipid metabolism and the development of kidney injury because of a high-fat diet. Fructose is also closely associated with renal injury. We opted for a combination of fructose and saturated fats in a diet (DH) that is a model known to induce renal damage in order to evaluate whether soy isoflavones could have promising use in the treatment of renal alterations. After two months of ingestion, there was an expansion of visceral fat, which was associated with long-term metabolic disorders, such as sustained hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, polyuria, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Additionally, we found a decrease in renal blood flow and an increase in renal vascular resistance. Biochemical markers of chronic kidney disease were detected; there was an infiltration of inflammatory cells with an elevated expression of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β), the activation of the renin–angiotensin system, and oxidative/nitrosative stress. Notably, in rats exposed to the DH diet for 120 days, the concomitant treatment with isoflavones after 60 days was able to revert metabolic parameters, renal alterations, and oxidative/nitrosative stress. The beneficial effects of isoflavones in the kidney of the obese rats were found to be mediated by expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ).

The Targeted Impact of Flavones on Obesity-Induced Inflammation and the Potential Synergistic Role in Cancer and the Gut Microbiota

Obesity is an inflammatory disease that is approaching pandemic levels, affecting nearly 30% of the world's total population. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer, consequentially impacting the quality of life and imposing a serious socioeconomic burden. Hence, reducing obesity and related life-threatening conditions has become a paramount health challenge. The chronic systemic inflammation characteristic of obesity promotes adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic changes. Macrophages, the major culprits in obesity-induced inflammation, contribute to sustaining a dysregulated immune function, which creates a vicious adipocyte-macrophage crosstalk, leading to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. Therefore, targeting regulatory inflammatory pathways has attracted great attention to overcome obesity and its related conditions. However, the lack of clinical efficacy and the undesirable side-effects of available therapeutic options for obesity provide compelling reasons for the need to identify additional approaches for the prevention and treatment of obesity-induced inflammation. Plant-based active metabolites or nutraceuticals and diets with an increased content of these compounds are emerging as subjects of intense scientific investigation, due to their ability to ameliorate inflammatory conditions and offer safe and cost-effective opportunities to improve health. Flavones are a class of flavonoids with anti-obesogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Preclinical studies have laid foundations by establishing the potential role of flavones in suppressing adipogenesis, inducing browning, modulating immune responses in the adipose tissues, and hindering obesity-induced inflammation. Nonetheless, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-obesogenic activity of flavones remains scarce and requires further investigations. This review recapitulates the molecular aspects of obesity-induced inflammation and the crosstalk between adipocytes and macrophages, while focusing on the current evidence on the health benefits of flavones against obesity and chronic inflammation, which has been positively correlated with an enhanced cancer incidence. We conclude the review by highlighting the areas of research warranting a deeper investigation, with an emphasis on flavones and their potential impact on the crosstalk between adipocytes, the immune system, the gut microbiome, and their role in the regulation of obesity.

Genistin: A Novel Potent Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Lipogenic Agent

Soy isoflavones are popular ingredients with anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic properties. The anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic properties of genistein are well-known, but those of genistin and glycitein remain unknown, and those of daidzein are characterized by contrasting data. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of daidzein, glycitein, genistein, and genistin on adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was unaffected by genistin and glycitein, but it was affected by 50 and 100 µM genistein and 100 µM daidzein for 48 h. Among the four isoflavones, only 50 and 100 µM genistin and genistein markedly suppressed lipid accumulation during adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells through a similar signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Genistin and genistein suppress adipocyte-specific proteins and genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and adipocyte binding protein 2 (aP2)/fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and lipogenic enzymes such as ATP citrate lyase (ACL), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Both isoflavones also activate AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), an essential factor in adipocyte differentiation, and inhibited sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP-1c). These results indicate that genistin is a potent anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic agent.

Estrogen-Related Receptor Alpha: An Under-Appreciated Potential Target for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases

The estrogen-related receptor alpha (ESRRA) is an orphan nuclear receptor (NR) that significantly influences cellular metabolism. ESRRA is predominantly expressed in metabolically-active tissues and regulates the transcription of metabolic genes, including those involved in mitochondrial turnover and autophagy. Although ESRRA activity is well-characterized in several types of cancer, recent reports suggest that it also has an important role in metabolic diseases. This minireview focuses on the regulation of cellular metabolism and function by ESRRA and its potential as a target for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Health Promotion Effects of Soy Isoflavones

Soybeans contain several physiologically active ingredients, such as soy phytosterol, soyasaponin, soy protein, and lecithin, and are therefore expected to express the functionalities of said ingredients. Among them, soy isoflavones have been studied in recent years for their various functions, including their obesity-preventing effect, blood glucose level reducing effect, osteoporosis and breast cancer risk reduction, and anti-oxidative effect, and several health promoting effects and disease preventing effects are expected. For example, it has been determined that soy isoflavones reduce body and fat weight in experiments in which mice were fed a diet containing soy isoflavones in studies on anti-obesity. Epidemiologic studies with humans have also shown that women who consume more soybeans have lower BMI than those who consume less. We previously found that soy isoflavones may have anti-obesity effects in myoblasts through the activation of transcriptional coactivator PGC-1β, which increases energy expenditure. In recent studies, a decrease in blood glucose level due to soy isoflavone was seen in an experiment in which diabetic model mice were fed a diet containing soy isoflavone. It has also been suggested that soy isoflavone intake may increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and reduce the risk of breast cancer. This review focuses on the actions of soy isoflavones known to date, including their anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects, bone loss preventing effects, and cancer risk reduction effects, and introduces reports on the health promotion and disease prevention effects of soy isoflavones.