Effects Of Phytoestrogens Research Articles

Short Communication: Effects of black soy phytoestrogens (Glycine soja) on elevated levels of estradiol in rat blood (Rattus novergicus) ovariectomy

Abstract. Yuliawati D, Astuti WW, Yuniarti F. 2020. Effects of Black Soy phytoestrogens (Glycine soja) on elevated levels of estradiol in Rat Blood (Rattus norvegicus) ovariectomy. Nusantara Bioscience 12: 55-58. Menopause is the transition from productive to non-productive times due to reduced estrogen and progesterone and has an impact on improving cardiovascular problems. The fulfillment of estrogen needs in menopause can use a type of phytoestrogens from black soybeans. The purpose of research is to prove the administration of black soy extract (Glycine soja) can increase the levels of estradiol in the rat blood (Rattus norvegicus) ovariectomy. Design research uses post-test only control group design. Twenty-five female rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 5 tails per group), negative controls, positive and 3 treatments. Ovariectomy was performed in a group of positive controls and treatment. Thirty-day post ovariectomy rats were given appropriate group treatment (negative control, positive, and treatment with the administration of black soy extract dose of 50, 100, 150 mg/200 g/day for 30 days). The estradiol test used the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anova's test results with a significant degree of α = 0.05 established that the p-value of 0.000 was less than α = 0.05, meaning there was a significant effect of giving black soy extract on increased levels of estradiol in the rat blood ovariectomy. Post - Hoc Tukey testing shows increased the highest estradiol levels in the dose treatment group 100 mg/200 g/day. This research proves that the administration of black soy extract (Glycine soja) can increase the levels of estradiol in the rat blood (Rattus norvegicus) ovariectomy.

PHYTOESTROGEN BLOOD LEVELS, MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIAC EVENTS AND ANGINA HOSPITALIZATION: A REPORT FROM THE WOMEN's ISCHEMIA SYNDROME EVALUATION

We previously identified cardiovascular effects of serum phytoestrogens (phytoE) daidzein and genistein, however longer-term relations as well as other dietary phytoE like dihydrodaidzein, equol, estradiol, p-ethylphenol, glycitin and O-desmethylangolensin are not well studied. We analyzed relations

Phytoestrogens and Breast Diseases: A Matter of Concern for the Gynecologist

Background: This study is the last part of a quadruple series investigating the relationship between breast disorders and the consumption of exogenous sex hormones. Due to the structural similarity of phytoestrogens to estrogen and the confusion associated with their possible estrogenic activity in the breast, this part aims at reviewing of the literature on the relationship between phytoestrogens and breast disorders. Methods: We carried out a thorough search of the existing literature using appropriate keywords with the aim of finding systematic reviews, reviews, cohort studies and clinical trials regarding the effects of phytoestrogens on the breast in the general population, breast cancer survivors, women at high risk of breast cancer and those with benign breast diseases. Results: Many studies have approached the relationship between phytoestrogens and the risk of breast cancer or recurrence of the disease. Also, a few studies have considered the effects of phytoestrogens on benign breast disorders, BRCA genes, and the risk of breast cancer in high risk women. However, the variety of studies and the retrospective nature of many of them make it impossible to draw definite conclusions. Conclusion: Existing data generally supports the safety of phytoestrogen consumption regarding the risk of breast cancer in the general population, in women with benign breast disorders, in those at risk of breast cancer, and even in survivors of the cancer. However, due to insufficient evidence, prescription of high doses of phytoestrogens is still not recommended.

Evaluation of phytoestrogens in inducing cell death mediated by decreasing Annexin A1 in Annexin A1-knockdown leukemia cells.

Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that are structurally similar to estrogen and that possess anti-cancer properties. Previous studies have reported that coumestrol, daidzein and genistein could induce cell death by reducing Annexin A1 protein in leukemic cell lines. Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is involved in cell progression, metastasis, and apoptosis in several types of cancer cells. The present study sought to investigate if the effects of phytoestrogens on apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and phagocytosis in ANXA1-knockdown leukemic cells are mediated through ANXA1 or occurred independently. Transfection of ANXA1 siRNA was conducted to downregulate ANXA1 expression in Jurkat, K562 and U937 cells. Apoptosis and cell cycle assays were conducted using flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to evaluate ANXA1, caspases and Bcl-2 proteins expression. Phagocytosis was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of ANXA1 after the knockdown was significantly downregulated in all cell lines. Genistein significantly induced apoptosis associated with an upregulation of procaspase-3, -9, and - 1 in Jurkat cells. The Bcl-2 expression showed no significant difference in Jurkat, K562 and U937 cells. Treatment with phytoestrogens increased procaspase-1 expression in Jurkat and U937 cells while no changes were detected in K562 cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that after ANXA1 knockdown, coumestrol and genistein caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in selected type of cells. The percentage of phagocytosis and phagocytosis index increased after the treatment with phytoestrogens in all cell lines. Phytoestrogens induced cell death in ANXA1-knockdown leukemia cells, mediated by Annexin A1 proteins. Graphical abstract.

The effects of estrogens and phytoestrogens on human skin and its topical use for prevention of skin aging - Literature Review

It is noteworthy the range of facial treatments, with aesthetic purpose, with which we can preserve the balance of the shape or beauty of our patients. Fillers, botulinum toxin, laser, and other technologies are widely used in dermatology. Eyelids can also be treated with these and other therapeutic resources. However, herniation of the fat pockets of the upper eyelids does not present significant results with these methods. The advancement of techniques known as minimally invasive and other technologies does not satisfy the treatment of this facial aesthetic unit. Thinking about the global rejuvenation of the face, it is unlikely that we will achieve a result of excellence without acting on the eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty remains irreplaceable, and it is the treatment of choice for skin redundancy and herniation of fat pockets. This surgery, with a long history in Dermatology, has a unique and fundamental role in facial rejuvenation. In this study, we tried to demonstrate the surgical technique of superior blepharoplasty educationally and to prove its efficacy and safety, with good aesthetic and functional results. With full knowledge of this anatomical region and technical precepts, we recognize that we can perform it safely

Effects of dietary phytoestrogens on the developmental reprogramming of steroid-hormone influenced traits: Medicinal and evolutionary aspects

Effects of dietary phytoestrogens on the developmental reprogramming of steroid-hormone influenced traits: Medicinal and evolutionary aspects

Evaluating the impact of soy compounds on breast cancer using the data mining approach.

Accumulating evidence has shown that soy intake is associated with the promotion of health and prevention of cancers. However, the relationship between the intake of soy compounds and the risk of breast cancer is still debatable. In this study, we use mathematical models for assessing the impact of soy phytoestrogens and protein/peptide intervention on breast cancer development using the datasets acquired from a large number of published studies. We used data mining models, including the decision tree classification and association rule methods, to analyze 478 data collected from 201 research papers. The results indicated that the intervention of soy proteins and peptides, especially lunasin (LUN) and bowman-birk protease inhibitor (BBI), has a positive impact on different types of breast cancer, while the effects of soy phytoestrogens are inconsistent in breast cancer development. Among soy phytoestrogens, daidzein (DAI) exhibited the highest negative impact on breast cancer, followed by coumestrol (COU), soysapogenol (SAP), genistein (GEN), and equol (EQ). With regard to the type of cancer, phytoestrogens should be carefully considered in estrogen receptor (ER)+ or progesterone receptor (PR)+ breast cancer. In the case of ER-, PR- or triple negative type, both soy categories can be used as auxiliary interventions. In summary, this is the first study to use data mining to explore the relationship between the intake of soy phytoestrogens or proteins/peptides and breast cancer development. Our findings indicate that soy intervention might reduce breast cancer development. However, the specific soy compound and cancer type should be considered before allocating a precise nutrient intervention.

Opposite pH-dependent roles of hydroxyl radicals in ozonation and UV photolysis of genistein

Phytoestrogens were frequently detected in municipal or industrial wastewater, and raised great attentions due to potential risks to humans or organisms. Until now, transformation mechanisms of phytoestrogens in advanced wastewater treatments were largely unknown. Here, pH influence mechanisms on transformations of phytoestrogens during two typical advanced wastewater treatments (ozonation and photolysis) were investigated, employing genistein (Gs) as a case. Removal efficiencies of Gs decreased significantly with increases of pH during ozonation, while photolytic rates increased by 44 or 200 times from pH 4.9 to 11.6 under irradiations without or with UVC. pH increases caused both dissociation of Gs and formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) in ozonation or photolysis, however, led to opposite changes to degradation rates. This was because that OH played negatively as a competitor for O3 in ozonation, but acted as an accelerating species inducing self-sensitized photooxidation of Gs under UV light. Ozonation and photolytic products of Gs were similar at pH 4.9 or 8.6, but were totally different at pH 11.6. Most of the transformation products maintained isoflavone structures, and might possess phytoestrogenic effects. This study provided a deep insight into the pH influencing mechanism on typical advanced wastewater treatment processes of phytoestrogens. Main finding of the workOpposite pH-dependent degradation mechanisms caused by hydroxyl radicals (OH) were elucidated for ozonation and UV photolysis of phytoestrogens, taking genistein as a case.

Recent advances in the anti-aging effects of phytoestrogens on collagen, water content, and oxidative stress.

Skin undergoes degenerative changes as it ages, which include the loss of elasticity, reductions in the epidermal thickness and collagen content, elastic fiber degeneration, and increased wrinkling and dryness. Skin aging can be significantly delayed by the administration of estrogen. Estrogen deficiency following menopause results in atrophic skin changes and the acceleration of skin aging. Estrogen administration has positive effects on human skin by delaying or preventing skin aging manifestations, but the use of estrogen replacement is a risk factor for breast and uterine cancer. Phytoestrogens are a large family of plant‐derived molecules possessing various degrees of estrogen‐like activity; they exhibit agonist or antagonist estrogenic properties depending on the tissue. These molecules could be ideal candidates to combat skin aging and other detrimental effects of hypoestrogenism. In this paper, we review the effects of phytoestrogens on human skin and the mechanisms by which phytoestrogens can alleviate the changes due to aging.

Dietary Phytoestrogen Intake and The Risk of Endometriosis in Iranian Women: A Case-Control Study.

BackgroundEndometriosis is an important gynecologic disease affecting reproductive-age women. Based on the effect of phytoestrogens on inflammatory, immunological and hormonal factors, limited studies have suggested that phytoestrogen consumption could probably modulate endometriosis risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between phytoestrogen intake and endometriosis risk.Materials and MethodsIn the present case-control study, 78 women with a laparoscopically confirmed endome- triosis and 78 normal pelvis women (as the control group), were recruited. Common dietary intake was recorded by a validated 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Type of phytoestrogen in each dietary item was analyzed by the database from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between phytoestrogen intake and endometriosis risk.ResultsHigher intake of total phytoestrogen (P-trend=0.01), total isoflavones (P-trend=0.002) specially formononetin (P-trend=0.04) and glycitein (P-trend=0.04), total lignan (P-trend=0.01) specially secoisolariciresinol (P-trend=0.01) and lariciresinol (P-trend=0.02) and matairesinol (P-trend=0.003), and total coumestrol [third quartile odds ratios (OR): 0.38; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.15-0.96; P-trend=0.1] was related to reduced endometriosis risk. Among food groups, only isoflavin (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.44-0.63), lignan (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.62-0.94), coumestrol (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.51-0.99), phytoestrogen (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.38-0.83) in dairy products and coumestrol in fruits (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.03-0.77) were negatively associated with endometriosis risk.ConclusionPhytoestrogens have a major impact on the level of hormones, and immune and inflammatory markers; thus, it can play an important role in the control and prevention of many diseases. Due to the inflammatory nature of endometriosis and the effect of hormones on the progression of the disease, the role of phytoestrogens consumption in the progression and regression of the disease should be assessed in future works.

Female Mice Exhibit Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Protection in an Established Rupture Model

BackgroundMale gender is a well-established risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), whereas estrogen is hypothesized to play a protective role. Although rupture rates are higher in women, these reasons remain unknown. In the present study, we sought to determine if female mice are protected from AAA rupture. Materials and methodsApolipoprotein E–deficient male and female mice (aged 7 wk; n = 25 per group) were infused with angiotensin II (AngII; 2000 ng/kg/min) plus β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) in the drinking water for 28 d to test the effects of gender on AAA rupture. Separately, a second group of male apolipoprotein E–deficient mice underwent AngII infusion + BAPN while being fed high-fat phytoestrogen free or a high-fat phytoestrogen diet to assess effects of phytoestrogens on rupture. In a third group, female mice either underwent oophorectomy or sham operation 4 wk before infusion of AngII and BAPN to further test the effects of female hormones on AA rupture. Surviving mice abdominal aorta were collected for histology, cytokine array, and gelatin zymography on postoperative day 28. ResultsFemale mice had decreased AAA rupture rates (16% versus 46%; P = 0.029). Female mice expressed fewer elastin breaks (P = 0.0079) and decreased smooth muscle cell degradation (P = 0.0057). Multiple cytokines were also decreased in the female group. Gelatin zymography demonstrated significantly decreased pro-matrix metalloproteinase 2 in female mice (P = 0.001). Male mice fed a high dose phytoestrogen diet failed to decrease AAA rupture. Female mice undergoing oophorectomy did not have accelerated aortic rupture. ConclusionsThese data are the first to attempt to tease out hormonal effects on AAA rupture and the possible role of gender in rupture.

Critics on Policy of Soy-Based Infant Formula in Indonesia: Compared to Australian and New Zealand Food Standards

Background: World Health Organiza on (WHO) recommends breast milk as sole and the most complete infant food during the first 6 months. However, in certain circumstances, when breas eeding is not possible, not de- sired or not advised, infant formulas like those are made of soy can be given to newborns. However, the safety of long-term use soy-based formula has been argued due to the possible adverse effects of phytoestrogen, phytates and aluminum in human body as well as the consequences of agrochemicals residue. Therefore, those problems should be taken into account while developing, reviewing or amending policy of infant formulas. This ar cle re- views the adequacy of soy-based infant formula policy in Indonesia to an cipate issues in SIF consump on. Methods: Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code was used to compared to the decree of Indonesian NADFC. The results were described narra vely and analyzed from the perspec ve of the author. Results: Accordingly, only small aspects of SIF are regulated in Indonesian policy. The use of SPI for SIF in In- donesia is not a compulsory though scien fically another source may trigger diarrhea in newborn baby. No clause related to aluminum content, zinc to copper ra o, isoflavone level, GM soy and pes cide residue found in In- donesian policy. Conclusion: Apparently, very limited provision regarding SIF has been covered by Indonesian policy. The regu- la on of SIF marketed and manufactured in Indonesia should be more specific and developed based on recent clinical and epidemiological studies. On the other hand, Indonesia needs a comprehensive system where society may par cipate in reviewing the laws.

Critics on Policy of Soy-Based Infant Formula in Indonesia: Compared to Australian and New Zealand Food Standards

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breast milk as sole and the most complete infant food during the first 6 months. However, in certain circumstances, when breastfeeding is not possible, not desired or not advised, infant formulas like those are made of soy can be given to newborns. However, the safety of long-term use soy-based formula has been argued due to the possible adverse effects of phytoestrogen, phytates and aluminum in human body as well as the consequences of agrochemicals residue. Therefore, those problems should be taken into account while developing, reviewing or amending policy of infant formulas. This article reviews the adequacy of soy-based infant formula policy in Indonesia to anticipate issues in SIF consumption. Methods: Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code was used to compared to the decree of Indonesian NADFC. The results were described narratively and analyzed from the perspective of the author. Results: Accordingly, only small aspects of SIF are regulated in Indonesian policy. The use of SPI for SIF in Indonesia is not a compulsory though scientifically another source may trigger diarrhea in newborn baby. No clause related to aluminum content, zinc to copper ratio, isoflavone level, GM soy and pesticide residue found in Indonesian policy. Conclusion: Apparently, very limited provision regarding SIF has been covered by Indonesian policy. The regulation of SIF marketed and manufactured in Indonesia should be more specific and developed based on recent clinical and epidemiological studies. On the other hand, Indonesia needs a comprehensive system where society may participate in reviewing the laws. Keywords: soy-based infant formula, food policy, food standards Received: 14 May 2019 Reviewed: 18 June 2019 Revised: 1 July 2019 Accepted: 6 July 2019 DOI: 10.35898/ghmj-33588

The phytoestrogen, quercetin, in serum, uterus and ovary as a potential treatment for dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in the rat.

The exact mechanisms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are unknown and there is no effective cure for the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations in serum oestradiol and adiponectin levels and in the expression of some important genes in the uterine and ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. The therapeutic effect of quercetin on PCOS was also assessed. Rats were divided into five groups: control, ethanol, quercetin (Q), PCOS and PCOS+Q. After 30 days of oral treatments, the rats' ovaries and uteri were removed and nesfatin-1, aromatase and adipoR1 expressions were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum adiponectin and oestradiol levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The results of this study showed that expression of nesfatin-1 and adipoR1 genes and adiponectin serum levels decreased in the PCOS rats, but aromatase expression and oestradiol level increased. Treatment with quercetin increased the adiponectin level and expression of adipoR1 and nesfatin-1 and decreased both the expression of aromatase and the oestradiol level. Quercetin improved PCOS by phytoestrogenic effects and mimicking oestrogen's function. Quercetin also affects important factors in both the uterus and ovary and could improve the obesity and the diabetic and infertility symptoms of PCOS.

Prognostic associations of circulating phytoestrogens and biomarker changes in long-term survivors of postmenopausal breast cancer

Lignans are associated with improved postmenopausal breast cancer (BC) survival, but whether these associations, particularly with enterolactone (major lignan metabolite), persist over time is unclear. Little is known about other phytoestrogens on prognosis in long-term survivors. The study examines associations of prognosis with 1) circulating postdiagnosis enterolactone, 2) eight circulating phytoestrogen metabolites, and 3) changes in enterolactone and genistein. In a German cohort of 2,105 postmenopausal BC patients with blood samples collected at recruitment 2002–2005 (baseline) and re-interview in 2009 (follow-up), delay-entry Cox proportional hazards regression was used. Landmark analysis showed that circulating enterolactone (log2) associations with 5-year survival changed over time, with strongest hazard ratios of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.80–0.99) at blood draw (BD) and 0.86 (0.77–0.97) at 2 years post-BD for BC mortality, and 0.87 (0.80–0.95) at BD and 0.84 (0.76–0.92) at 3 years post-BD for all-cause mortality, which attenuated thereafter. In long-term survivors, increasing concentrations of genistein (1.17, 1.01–1.36), resveratrol (1.19, 1.02–1.40), and luteolin (1.96, 1.07–3.58) measured in follow-up blood samples were associated with poorer subsequent prognosis. Neither enterolactone at follow-up nor changes in enterolactone/genistein were associated with prognosis. Large long-term longitudinal studies with multiple phytoestrogen measurements are required to understand long-term effects of phytoestrogens after BC.

Effect of Both Phytoestrogen and Xenoestrogen on Some Sexual Hormones in Male Albino Rats and Illustration of The Effect of Arctium Lappa L (A. Lappa) on Their Actions

Background: Xenoestrogens are chemically distinct industrial products potentially able to disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking the action of endogenous steroid hormones. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring non-steroidal plant chemicals that can act like the female hormone estrogen. Arctium lappa (burdock) root has traditionally been recommended as an aphrodisiac agent. Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the effect of both bisphenol-A (BPA) and anise oil together on some sexual hormones and illustration the effect of A. lappa on their actions. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on thirty male albino rats. The animals were divided into three groups: Group I, control untreated group, Group II, rats treated with bisphenol-A and anise oil and Group III, rats treated with BPA and anise oil in addition to A. lappa. Blood samples were collected to estimate biochemical parameters. Results: The biochemical results showed highly significant increase (p < 0.01) in the activities of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, FSH, prolactin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLC, VLDL, LDL/HDL and TC/HDL levels. While, there was highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in HDLC, total protein, albumin, globulin, testosterone and, LH. All these results turned back to the normal values after receiving the A. lappa as compared to normal group. Conclusion: it could be concluded that phytoestrogen and xenoestrogen have undesirable effects and it's recommended to minimize the utilization of these compound to protect people from its hazardous effects.

Effect of Both Phytoestrogen and Xenoestrogen on Some Sexual Hormones in Male Albino Rats and Illustration of The Effect of Arctium Lappa L (A. Lappa) on Their Actions

Effect of Both Phytoestrogen and Xenoestrogen on Some Sexual Hormones in Male Albino Rats and Illustration of The Effect of Arctium Lappa L (A. Lappa) on Their Actions

Effect of Marantodes pumilum Blume (Kuntze) var.alata on β-cell function and insulin signaling in ovariectomised diabetic rats

BackgroundOestrogen deficiency leads to metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and impairment of adipose tissue or lipid metabolism. Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze (Primulaceae) is believed to have phytoestrogenic properties and is claimed to have beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM), but the mechanism behind its phytoestrogenic effects on estrogen-deficient diabetic condition have not been fully examined. PurposeThe present study investigated the effects of oral treatment with M. pumilum var. alata (MPA) extracts on the estrogen receptor, metabolic characteristics and insulin signaling pathway in pancreas and liver of ovariectomised nicotidamide streptozotocin-induced diabetes in female rats. Materials and methodsOvariectomised diabetic (OVXS) Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered with either aqueous leaf extract and ethanol (50%) stem-root extract of MPA (50 or 100 mg/kg) respectively for 28 days. Metabolic parameters were evaluated by measuring fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, oral glucose and insulin tolerance test. Distribution and expression level of insulin, oxidative stress and inflammatory marker in the pancreatic islets and liver were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot, respectively. ResultsOral treatment with aqueous leaf and ethanol (50%) stem-root extracts of MPA (100 mg/kg) significantly reversed the elevated fasting blood glucose, impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. The protein expression of insulin, glucose transporter (GLUT-2 and GLUT-4) increased in the pancreatic islets and liver. Furthermore, marked improvement in the tissue morphology following treatment with MPA was observed. Similarly, the western blots analysis denotes improved insulin signaling in the liver and decreased reactive oxygen species producing enzymes, inflammatory and pro-apoptotic molecules with MPA treatment. ConclusionsTaken together, this work demonstrate that 100 mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract and ethanol (50%) stem-root extract of MPA improves β-cell function and insulin signaling in postmenopausal diabetes through attenuation of oxidative stress and partially mediated by oestrogen receptor stimulation.

Beneficial and Deleterious Effects of Female Sex Hormones, Oral Contraceptives, and Phytoestrogens by Immunomodulation on the Liver.

The liver is considered the laboratory of the human body because of its many metabolic processes. It accomplishes diverse activities as a mixed gland and is in continuous cross-talk with the endocrine system. Not only do hormones from the gastrointestinal tract that participate in digestion regulate the liver functions, but the sex hormones also exert a strong influence on this sexually dimorphic organ, via their receptors expressed in liver, in both health and disease. Besides, the liver modifies the actions of sex hormones through their metabolism and transport proteins. Given the anatomical position and physiological importance of liver, this organ is evidenced as an immune vigilante that mediates the systemic immune response, and, in turn, the immune system regulates the hepatic functions. Such feedback is performed by cytokines. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are strongly involved in hepatic homeostasis and in pathological states; indeed, female sex hormones, oral contraceptives, and phytoestrogens have immunomodulatory effects in the liver and the whole organism. To analyze the complex and interesting beneficial or deleterious effects of these drugs by their immunomodulatory actions in the liver can provide the basis for either their pharmacological use in therapeutic treatments or to avoid their intake in some diseases.

Comparative Effects of Estrogen and Phytoestrogen, Genistein on Testicular Activities of Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of synthetic estrogen (E2) with a phytoestrogen and genistein in ameliorating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D)-mediated testicular dysfunction in mice. The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice were treated exogenously with either E2 or genistein for 2 durations and compared their effects on testicular activities, serum glucose, and insulin level. Type 2 diabetic mice treated with E2 for only short term (14 days) improved regressive changes in the testicular histology by increasing testosterone synthesis and improving insulin sensitivity, whereas those treated for longer duration (28 days) failed to improve testicular dysfunctions. On the other hand, genistein treated for both short- and long term was useful in improving T2D-induced adverse effects on testicular functions. This study further suggests that treatment with genistein improves spermatogenesis in type 2 diabetic mice by increasing insulin-induced formation of lactate and antioxidative enzymes, which contributes to prevent germ cell apoptosis. Thus, genistein can be used to ameliorate T2D-induced testicular dysfunction.