Soy isoflavones (Glycine max) attenuates bilateral ovariectomy (experimental menopause) induced alteration in the hepatic and renal metabolic functions in female Wistar rats

Abstract

The alarming increase in the rate of premature menopause has been reported in the in India. The reason for this early menopause is still unclear, but it is a major public health problem because of its influence on the development of components of metabolic syndrome. Abnormalities in hepatic and renal metabolic functions after menopause considered as a major trigger for the postmenopausal metabolic consequences. In the present study, we investigated the effects of surgical induced menopause on hepatic and renal functions and the beneficial effects of soy isoflavones on the same. Thirty-two female Wistar rats were divided into four different groups. Bilateral ovariectomy was done to create a model of experimental menopause. Those groups of rats received soy isoflavones, the dose of 150 mg/kg BW/day was given via drinking water for the 12 weeks. Bilateral ovariectomy in rats caused impaired liver and kidney functions as indicated by increased levels of plasma functional enzymes; Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), AST/ALT ratio, total protein, total bilirubin, plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN, BUN/creatinine ratio. Treatment with soy isoflavones significantly inhibited the ovariectomy-induced changes in these liver and renal parameters, suggesting the use of this natural product as an alternative remedy in the management of liver and kidney abnormalities associated with the postmenopausal women.