Potential Effects of Soy Isoflavones on the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome.

Yukio Yamori,Kazuo Yamagata

doi:10.3390/molecules26195863

Yukio Yamori, Kazuo Yamagata

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26195863

Copy DOI

Abstract

Isoflavones are polyphenols primarily contained in soybean. As phytoestrogens, isoflavones exert beneficial effects on various chronic diseases. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of death due to arteriosclerosis in individuals with various pathological conditions, including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Although the health benefits of soybean-derived isoflavones are widely known, their beneficial effects on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome are incompletely understood. This review aims to describe the association between soybean-derived isoflavone intake and the risk of metabolic syndrome development. We reviewed studies on soy isoflavones, particularly daidzein and genistein, and metabolic syndrome, using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. We describe the pathological characteristics of metabolic syndrome, including those contributing to multiple pathological conditions. Furthermore, we summarize the effects of soybean-derived daidzein and genistein on metabolic syndrome reported in human epidemiological studies and experiments using in vitro and in vivo models. In particular, we emphasize the role of soy isoflavones in metabolic syndrome-induced cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, this review focuses on the potential of soy isoflavones to prevent metabolic syndrome by influencing the onset of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and arteriosclerosis and discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavones.

Highlights

Several studies have shown that soy and isoflavone intake is inversely associated with the incidence of various chronic diseases [1,2]
Isoflavone intake assessment was based on self-reported results and the risk of type 2 diabetes was based on data obtained from nurse health survey I (1998–2012, 63,115 women), nurse health survey II (1999–2013, 79,061 women), and the results reported by healthcare professionals (2002–2010, 21,281 men)
This review sought to assess the effects of soy isoflavones on metabolic syndrome

Summary

Introduction

Several studies have shown that soy and isoflavone intake is inversely associated with the incidence of various chronic diseases [1,2]. Published systematic reviews have shown that the intake of soy products effectively improves the lipid profiles and glycemic parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome [6]. Soybean is rich in proteins and has a well-balanced amino acid profile. It contains various other nutritive components, such as dietary fiber and isoflavonoids, with beneficial physiological properties [7]. Multiple isoflavones, such as daidzein and genistein, are present in soybean. Since these isoflavones have a structure similar to that of estrogen, they are often referred to as phytoestrogens and have been shown to be involved in multiple estrogen-related bioactivities [8]

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion