Soybean Isoflavones Research Articles

An R2R3‐type MYB transcription factor, GmMYB77, negatively regulates isoflavone accumulation in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.

SummarySoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an exceptionally rich in isoflavones, and these compounds attach to oestrogen receptors in the human body, lessening the risk of breast cancer and effectively alleviating menopausal syndrome symptoms. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms that regulate soybean isoflavone accumulation is crucial for enhancing the production of these compounds. In this study, we combined bulk segregant analysis sequencing (BSA‐seq) and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to discover a novel R2R3‐MYB family gene, GmMYB77, that regulates isoflavone accumulation in soybean. Using the soybean hairy root transient expression system, we verified that GmMYB77 inhibits isoflavone accumulation. Furthermore, knocking out GmMYB77 significantly increased total isoflavone (TIF) content, particularly malonylglycitin, while its overexpression resulted in a notable decrease in contents of malonylglycitin and TIF. We found that GmMYB77 can directly binds the core sequence GGT and suppresses the expression of the key isoflavone biosynthesis genes Isoflavone synthase 1 (GmIFS1), Isoflavone synthase 2 (GmIFS2), Chalcone synthase 7 (GmCHS7) and Chalcone synthase 8 (GmCHS8) by using dual‐luciferase assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and yeast one‐hybrid experiments. Natural variations in the promoter region of GmMYB77 affect its expression, thereby regulating the malonylglycitin and TIF contents. Hap‐P2, an elite haplotype, plays a pivotal role in soybean breeding for substantially enhanced isoflavone content. These findings enhance our understanding of the genes influencing soybean isoflavone content and provide a valuable genetic resource for molecular breeding efforts in the future.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on folate and isoflavone contents, bioaccessibility, and physicochemical properties of soybean powder

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) can be applied to regulate the content, bioaccessibility, and mutual transformation of bioactive substances in food. The present study applied HHP of 100–500 MPa to treat soybeans and found that 100 MPa can significantly increase folate content and bioaccessibility in soybeans. Compared with the control group, the content of total soybean isoflavone (SIF) increased by 15.57% and bioaccessibility by 25.69% at 300 MPa. Under 500 MPa treatment, the proportion of glycitein and genistein in total SIF increased by 16.04% and 23.06%, respectively, and that of glycitin and genistin decreased by 5.3% and 24.09%, respectively. Furthermore, this study characterized the effects of different HHP conditions on soybean physicochemical properties via scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and rheological property assessment. HHP changed the hydrogen bonds in soybean protein. Smaller particle sizes were observed in all HHP-treated soybean powder (SP) groups. The viscosity of SP treated at 100–400 MPa decreased, and the shear thinning behavior was significant. This study provides a reference for regulating the release, transformation, and absorption of bioactive compounds in soybeans through HHP application.

MicroRNA mediates the effects of food factors.

Food factors elicit physiological effects by interfering with the central dogma system, including DNA methylation, replication, transcription, and translation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding short RNAs that are approximately 20 nucleotides long and play a crucial role in the regulation of mRNA levels and translation processes. Importantly, miRNAs can be delivered to different locations in nanovesicles. However, little is known about their roles as mediators of the effects of food factors. This review introduces recent findings on the role of miRNAs in the beneficial effects of food factors, including green tea polyphenols and soybean isoflavones, and discusses the importance of miRNAs as mediators of the beneficial effects of food.

Soybean isoflavones protect dopaminergic neurons from atrazine damage by inhibiting VPS13A to increase autophagy

Atrazine (ATR) is a broad-spectrum herbicide with dopaminergic (DAergic) neurotoxicity that can cause Parkinson’s disease (PD)-like syndrome. However, research on preventing ATR neurotoxicity is unclear. Soybean isoflavones (SI) are natural plant compounds with neuroprotective effects. In this study, we found that pre-administration of SI prevented ATR-induced motor dysfunction and substantia nigra pathological damage. RNA-seq datasets revealed that the neuroprotective effect of SI was related to autophagy. Further experiments showed that ATR inhibited autophagy, and SI pre-administration before ATR exposure increased autophagy. In addition, single-cell data analysis combined with experimental verification showed that the gene VPS13A was a key target by which SI protected DAergic neurons from ATR damage, and inhibiting VPS13A-induced autophagy was a key mechanism enabling SI prevention of neuron damage. Together, these findings provide new insights for the development of preventive measures and intervention targets protecting against functional neuronal damage caused by ATR and other herbicides.

R2R3-MYB transcription factor GmMYB68 is involved in the accumulation of soybean isoflavones

We aimed to investigate the regulatory function of the soybean transcription factor R2R3-MYB (GmMYB68) in isoflavone biosynthesis. Through comprehensive subcellular and chromosomal localization analyses, we found that GmMYB68 was predominantly localized to the nucleus and mapped to chromosome Gm04. Notably, SSR markers near this gene significantly correlated with seed isoflavone content. GmMYB68 overexpression markedly increased isoflavone contents, confirming its positive role in regulating isoflavone synthesis. GmMYB68 also played a crucial role in the response of soybean to abiotic stress. Using RNA-seq and yeast one-hybrid techniques, we discovered an intricate interaction between GmMYB68 and key isoflavone biosynthesis genes GmCHS7 and GmCHS8. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying isoflavone biosynthesis. Furthermore, using yeast two-hybrid experiments, we identified proteins interacting with GmMYB68, suggesting roles in the synthesis of physiologically active compounds and abiotic stress response. We not only elucidated the regulatory mechanisms of GmMYB68 in isoflavone biosynthesis and abiotic stress response but also constructed a molecular network encompassing GmMYB68, GmCHS7, and GmCHS8. This network provides a theoretical basis for a better understanding of and strategies for improving soybean isoflavone biosynthesis.

Soybean Isoflavones Alleviate Osteoarthritis Through Modulation of the TSC1/mTORC1 Signaling Pathway to Reduce Intrachondral Angiogenesis

ABSTRACT Background The incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) is increasing, yet its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Recent studies suggest that abnormal subchondral bone remodeling plays a crucial role in OA development, highlighting a gap in clinical treatments targeting this aspect. Soybean Isoflavone (SI) has shown potential in treating OA, although its mechanisms are not fully understood. Methods This research investigated the effects of SI on subchondral bone remodeling in an OA rat model, assessing joint damage, OARSI scores, and type H vessel formation (CD31hiEmcnhi expression). Additionally, the expression of ALP, OCN, BMP, and TSC1 was evaluated to determine involvement of the mTORC1 pathway. In vitro studies on IL-1β-induced osteoblasts further examined the impact of SI on TSC1/mTORC1 signaling and related markers. Results SI treatment reduced joint damage and OARSI scores in the rat OA model, significantly decreasing CD31hiEmcnhi expression, indicating a reduction in type H vessel formation. SI also downregulated ALP, OCN, and BMP expression while upregulating TSC1, suggesting inhibition of the mTORC1 signaling pathway and VEGF release. In vitro, SI increased TSC1 expression and decreased mTORC1 signaling, VEGF, ALP, OCN, and BMP levels in IL-1β-induced osteoblasts. Conclusion SI targets the TSC1/mTORC1 signaling pathway to suppress osteoblast activation and VEGF release, inhibiting type H vessel formation and slowing abnormal subchondral bone remodeling. These findings provide a novel therapeutic approach for OA by focusing on subchondral bone remodeling mechanisms.

Effects of Soybean Isoflavones on the Growth Performance and Lipid Metabolism of the Juvenile Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis

In order to study the effects of soybean isoflavones on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of juvenile Chinese mitten crabs, six experimental diets were formulated by gradient supplementation with 0%, 0.004% and 0.008% soybean isoflavones at different dietary lipid levels (10% and 15%). The groups were named as follows: NF-0 group (10% fat and 0% SIFs), NF-0.004 group (10% fat and 0.004% SIFs), NF-0.008 group (10% fat and 0.008% SIFs), HF-0 group (15% fat and 0% SIFs), HF-0.004 group (15% fat and 0.004% SIFs) and HF-0.008 group (15% fat and 0.008% SIFs). All crabs with an initial weight of 0.4 ± 0.03 g were fed for 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 0.004% or 0.008% SIFs significantly increased the weight gain and specific growth rate of crabs. Diets supplemented with 0.004% or 0.008% SIFs significantly reduced the content of non-esterified free fatty acids and triglycerides in the hepatopancreas of crabs at the 10% dietary lipid level. Dietary SIFs significantly decreased the relative mRNA expressions of elongase of very-long-chain fatty acids 6 (elovl6), triglyceride lipase (tgl), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (srebp-1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a (cpt-1a), fatty acid transporter protein 4 (fatp4), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2 (cpt-2), Δ9 fatty acyl desaturase (Δ9 fad), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1b (cpt-1b), fatty acid-binding protein 10 (fabp10) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (mttp) in the hepatopancreas of crabs. At the 15% dietary lipid level, 0.008% SIFs significantly increased the relative mRNA expressions of fatty acid-binding protein 3 (fabp3), carnitine acetyltransferase (caat), fatp4, fabp10, tgl, cpt-1a, cpt-1b and cpt-2 and significantly down-regulated the relative mRNA expressions of Δ9 fad and srebp-1. In conclusion, SIFs can improve the growth and utilization of a high-fat diet by inhibiting genes related to lipid synthesis and promoting lipid decomposition in juvenile Chinese mitten crabs.

Joint GWAS and WGCNA Identify Genes Regulating the Isoflavone Content in Soybean Seeds.

Isoflavone is a secondary metabolite of the soybean phenylpropyl biosynthesis pathway with physiological activity and is beneficial to human health. In this study, the isoflavone content of 205 soybean germplasm resources from 3 locations in 2020 showed wide phenotypic variation. A joint genome-wide association study (GWAS) and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) identified 33 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 11 key genes associated with soybean isoflavone content. Gene ontology enrichment analysis, gene coexpression, and haplotype analysis revealed natural variations in the Glyma.12G109800 (GmOMT7) gene and promoter region, with Hap1 being the elite haplotype. Transient overexpression and knockout of GmOMT7 increased and decreased the isoflavone content, respectively, in hairy roots. The combination of GWAS and WGCNA effectively revealed the genetic basis of soybean isoflavone and identified potential genes affecting isoflavone synthesis and accumulation in soybean, providing a valuable basis for the functional study of soybean isoflavone.

The Health Benefits of Tofu, an Unfermented Soybean Food that Regulates the Intestinal Environment

Products based on soybean isoflavones are gaining attention globally for their health benefiting properties in multiple systems including the intestinal microbiota. Tofu is a healthy, unfermented soybean food which is widely available and commonly consumed, especially in Japan. However, few studies have focused on the beneficial effects of Tofu on the intestinal environment, particularly constipation, and the dependency of health benefits on the bioavailability of isoflavones.

Soy isoflavones alleviates calcium overload in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by inhibiting the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway

To explore the mechanism by which soybean isoflavone (SI) reduces calcium overload induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Forty-eight SD rats were randomized into 4 groups to receive sham operation, cerebral middle artery occlusion for 2 h followed by 24 h of reperfusion (I/R model group), or injection of adeno-associated virus carrying Frizzled-2 siRNA or empty viral vector into the lateral cerebral ventricle after modeling.Western blotting was used to examine Frizzled-2 knockdown efficiency and changes in protein expressions in the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway.Calcium levels and pathological changes in the ischemic penumbra (IP) were measured using calcium chromogenic assay and HE staining, respectively.Another 72 SD randomly allocated for sham operation, I/R modeling, or soy isoflavones pretreatment before modeling were examined for regional cerebral blood flow using a Doppler flowmeter, and the cerebral infarct volume was assessed using TTC staining.Pathologies in the IP area were evaluated using HE and Nissl staining, and ROS level, Ca2+ level, cell apoptosis, and intracellular calcium concentration were analyzed using immunofluorescence assay or flow cytometry; the protein expressions of Wnt5a, Frizzled-2, and P-CaMK Ⅱ in the IP were detected with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. In rats with cerebral I/R, Frizzled-2 knockdown significantly lowered calcium concentration (P < 0.001) and the expression levels of Wnt5a, Frizzled-2, and P-CaMK Ⅱ in the IP area.In soy isoflavones-pretreated rats, calcium concentration, ROS and MDA levels, cell apoptosis rate, cerebral infarct volume, and expression levels of Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway-related proteins were all significantly lower while SOD level was higher than those in rats in I/R model group. Soy isoflavones can mitigate calcium overload in rats with cerebral I/R by inhibiting the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway.

Structural, physicochemical and digestive properties of non-covalent and covalent complexes of ultrasound treated soybean protein isolate with soybean isoflavone

The non-covalent and covalent complexes of ultrasound treated soybean protein isolate (SPI) and soybean isoflavone (SI) were prepared, and the structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestion characteristics of SPI-SI complexes were investigated. Ultrasonic treatment increased the non-covalent and covalent binding degree of SPI with SI, and the 240 W ultrasonic covalent complexes had higher binding efficiency. Appropriate ultrasonic treatment caused more uniform particle size distribution, lower average particle size and higher surface charge, which enhanced the free sulfhydryl groups and surface hydrophobicity, thus improving the stability, solubility and emulsifying properties of complexes. Ultrasonic treatment resulted in more disordered secondary structure, tighter tertiary conformation, higher thermal stability and stronger SPI-SI covalent interactions of complexes. These structural modifications of particles had important effects on the chemical stability and gastrointestinal digestion fate of SI. The ultrasonic covalent complexation had a greater resistance to heat-induced chemical degradation of SI and improved its chemical stability. Furthermore, the 240 W ultrasonic covalent complexes showed lower protein digestibility during digestion, and provided stronger protection for SI, which improved the digestion stability and antioxidant activity. Therefore, appropriate ultrasound promoted SPI-SI interactions to improve the stability and functional properties of complexes, which provided a theoretical basis for the development of new complexes and their applications in functional foods.

Transformation profiles of the isoflavones in germinated soybean based on UPLC–DAD quantification and LC–QTOF–MS/MS confirmation

Germinated soybean is one kind of food and a medicine. In the actual process of producing a large amount of naturally germinated soybean, it is difficult to strictly control the germination process conditions. However, sprout length may be more suitable as the terminal judgment indicator for naturally germinated soybean. An UPLC–DAD method was developed and validated to explore the transformation profiles of soybean isoflavones in germinated yellow or black soybean with different sprout lengths. Moreover, an LC − QTOF−MS/MS method was used to avoid false positive results. The contents of daidzein, glycitein, and genistein almost reached their corresponding maximum values when the sprout length ranged from 1.0 cm to 1.5 cm (P < 0.05). Therefore, yellow soybean is suggested to be the processing raw material with higher contents of those isoflavones, and the optimal sprout length for germinated soybean may be in the range of 1.0–1.5 cm.

Preliminary Results on the Effects of Soybean Isoflavones on Growth Performance and Ruminal Microbiota in Fattening Goats.

Soybean isoflavones (SIFs), a group of secondary metabolites, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-like activities. Supplementation with SIFs in the diet was reported to promote lactation performance in ruminants. The present study was performed to further decipher the effect of various concentrations of SIFs on growth and slaughter performance, serum parameters, meat quality, and ruminal microbiota in fattening goats. After a two-week acclimation, a total of 27 5-month-old Guanzhong male goats (18.29 ± 0.44 kg) were randomly assigned to control (NC), 100 mg/d SIF (SIF1), or 200 mg/d SIF (SIF2) groups. The experimental period lasted 56 days. The weight of the large intestine was greater (p < 0.05) in the SIF1 and SIF2 groups compared with the NC group. Meat quality parameters indicated that SIF1 supplementation led to lower (p < 0.05) cooking loss and shear force (0.05 < p < 0.10). The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that SIF1 supplementation led to lower (p < 0.05) proportions of Papillibacter and Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 but greater (p < 0.05) CAG-352 abundance in the rumen; these responses might have contributed to the improvement in production performance. In conclusion, meat quality and ruminal microbiome could be manipulated in a positive way by oral supplementation with 100 mg/d of SIFs in fattening goats. Thus, this study provides new insights and practical evidence for the introduction of SIFs as a novel additive in goat husbandry.

Genistein Prevents Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress Induced by Methylglyoxal in Endothelial Cells.

Glycolytic overload promotes accumulation of the highly reactive dicarbonyl compounds, resulting in harmful conditions called dicarbonyl stress. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl species and its accumulation plays a crucial pathophysiological role in diabetes and its vascular complications. MG cytotoxicity is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, a key event underlying the intracellular signaling pathways leading to inflammation and apoptosis. The identification of compounds able to inhibit ROS signaling pathways and counteract the MG-induced toxicity is a crucial step for developing new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of diabetic vascular complications. In this study, the effect of genistein, a natural soybean isoflavone, has been evaluated on MG-induced cytotoxicity in human endothelial cells. Our results show that genistein is able to counteract the MG-induced apoptosis by restraining ROS production, thus inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathways and caspase-3 activation. These findings identify a beneficial role for genistein, providing new insights for its potential clinical applications in preserving endothelial function in diabetic vascular complications.

Effects of active soybean isoflavones on the structure and potential allergenicity of glycinin

This study aimed to investigate the effects of active soybean isoflavones on the structure and potential allergenicity of glycinin, a major allergen, in soybean. The interaction mechanism between two active soybean isoflavones, namely, genistein (Gen) and daidzein (Dai), and glycinin were investigated using a series of spectral techniques. The structure of the isoflavone-glycinin complexes was characterized by SDS-PAGE and spectral techniques. In addition, the potential allergenicity of the isoflavone-glycinin complexes and their digestion products in vitro was measured via Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that Gen and Dai effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of glycinin largely through static quenching. Dai interacted with glycinin through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, while Gen relied on hydrophobic interactions with glycinin. Furthermore, the neutral complex of daidzein-glycinin (Dai-G) exhibited weaker IgE binding ability compared with the glycinin samples. These findings provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlay the immunomodulatory effects of soybean isoflavones and their potential applications in food allergy prevention and management.

Perspective: Observational Studies Involving Low-Soy Intake Populations Have Limited Ability for Providing Insight into the Health Effects of Soybean Isoflavones

Isoflavones are naturally occurring plant compounds found in uniquely high amounts in soybeans and foods made from this legume. These soybean constituents have been proposed to exert several health benefits and as such they have been the subject of an enormous amount of research. This research includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and epidemiologic investigations. Although statistically significant associations between isoflavone intake and a wide range of health outcomes have been identified in cohorts involving low-isoflavone intake populations, we suggest that these associations are unlikely to have a causal basis because exposure is too low for isoflavones to exert physiologic effects. In cohorts involving predominantly non-Asian, non-vegetarian populations, the highest isoflavone intake category is typically ≤3 mg/d, an amount of isoflavones provided by ∼30 mL (2 tablespoons) of soymilk made from whole soybeans. In comparison, mean isoflavone intake in the upper intake categories in observational studies involving high-isoflavone intake populations is typically ≥50 mg/d. In RCTs, intervention doses of isoflavones typically range between 40 and 100 mg/d. Health professionals advising patients and clients about soy food and isoflavone intake need to be aware of the limitations of epidemiologic research involving low-isoflavone intake populations. Intake recommendations are best based on the results of RCTs using clinically relevant doses of isoflavones and epidemiologic studies involving populations for whom soy foods are a habitual part of the diet.

Characterization of a Novel Hyperthermophilic GH1 β-Glucosidase from Acidilobus sp. and Its Application in the Hydrolysis of Soybean Isoflavone Glycosides.

A putative β-glucosidase gene, BglAc, was amplified from Acidilobus sp. through metagenome database sampling from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. BglAc is composed of 485 amino acid residues and bioinformatics analysis showed that it belongs to the GH1 family of β-glucosidases. The gene was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli with a molecular weight of approximately 55.3 kDa. The purified recombinant enzyme showed the maximum activity using p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) as the substrate at optimal pH 5.0 and 100 °C. BglAc exhibited extraordinary thermostability, and its half-life at 90 °C was 6 h. The specific activity, Km, Vmax, and Kcat/Km of BglAc toward pNPG were 357.62 U mg-1, 3.41 mM, 474.0 μmol min-1·mg-1, and 122.7 s-1mM-1. BglAc exhibited the characteristic of glucose tolerance, and the inhibition constant Ki was 180.0 mM. Furthermore, a significant ethanol tolerance was observed, retaining 96% relative activity at 10% ethanol, and even 78% at 20% ethanol, suggesting BglAc as a promising enzyme for cellulose saccharification. BglAc also had a strong ability to convert the major soybean isoflavone glycosides (daidzin, genistin, and glycitin) into their corresponding aglycones. Overall, BglAc was actually a new β-glucosidase with excellent thermostability, ethanol tolerance, and glycoside hydrolysis ability, indicating its wide prospects for applications in the food industry, animal feed, and lignocellulosic biomass degradation.

Comprehensive in silico characterization of soybean (Glycine max L.) isoflavone reductase genes and their expressions in response to spermidine and ultrasonication

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a globally important industrial legume crop that provides several important dietary components but faces growth challenges under various stresses, that cause production and economic losses. Isoflavone reductase (IFR) is a key gene involved in isoflavonoid biosynthesis and response to plant growth and stresses. However, IFR genes remain unexplored in the soybean genome. In this study, 37 IFR genes were identified and comprehensively characterized for the first time in the soybean genome. All GmIFR proteins contained NmrA conserved domains with diverse physicochemical properties including 1 to 9 motifs, and 1 to 10 exons. Chromosomal distribution revealed 11 GmIFR genes located on chromosomes 1 and 11. Cis-element analysis unveiled GmIFR genes role in phytohormones and stress responses. Synteny analysis identified 13 segmental and 2 tandem GmIFR duplicates under purifying selection. Additionally, 118 gma-miRNAs from 76 families were identified to be targeting all 37 GmIFR genes. Potential transcription factors including ERF, MYB, Dof, BBR-BPC, and bHLHs were predicted and visualized in a network interacting with GmIFR genes. The annotation results exhibit that GmIFR genes were highly related to the biosynthesis of metabolites, phenylpropanoid pathway, and response to stresses. FPKM expression data highlighted the significant upregulation of GmIFR genes in soybean tissues under different stress conditions. qRT-PCR results exhibited that most GmIFR genes, mainly GmIFR9/17 and GmIFR36 were highly upregulated in soybean cotyledon followed by hypocotyl and root tissues under spermidine and ultrasonication treatments than control, suggesting their key role in growth and developmental processes in soybean. These findings laid the foundation for further functional studies of GmIFR genes to elucidate their contributions to soybean improvement under adverse conditions.

Effect of H2 treatment under UV-B irradiation on the enrichment of germinated soybean isoflavones and mechanisms based on growth state, antioxidant system, and metabolomics

This study investigated the impact of hydrogen (H2) treatment under ultraviolet B (UV–B) irradiation on the growth status, antioxidant system, metabolite changes, and isoflavone content and composition of germinated soybeans. The results showed that compared with UV-B alone, H2 promoted the growth of germinated soybeans by regulating the content of metabolites (nucleotides, fats, amino acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters) and related metabolic pathways. H2 resists UV-B stress by binding directly to reactive oxygen species or mediating the antioxidant system. Increased activity and gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase, and 4-coumaric acid coenzyme A ligase promoted isoflavone enrichment and promoting the conversion of glycosides to aglycones by reducing the activity and gene expression of isoflavone 7-O-glucosyltransferase and isoflavone 7-O-glucoside-6″-O-malonyltransferase. These results explain to some extent the possible reasons for the H2 treatment to alleviate UV-B stress, promote the growth of germinated soybeans, and enrich isoflavones (especially aglycones).

Genistein relieves liver damage and improves lipid dysregulation through endoplasmic reticulum suppression in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis rats

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the potential of genistein, the most abundant isoflavone in soybeans, to mitigate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in high‐fat high‐sucrose induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats. Forty male SD rats are divided into four groups: the Control group, high‐fat high‐sucrose diet group (HFSD), HFSD + low‐dose genistein group (LG), and HFSD + high‐dose genistein group (HG). The Control group is fed with a D12450B diet, whereas the latter three groups are fed with a D12492 diet with 10% sucrose in drinking water. 12 weeks later, serum and liver lipid levels, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, and protein expression of GRP78, PKR‐like ER kinase (PERK), p‐PERK, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF2α), p‐eIF2α and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were characterized. Genistein significantly improved lipid profiles, alleviated AST and ALT levels, and reduced key typical NASH features, including macrovascular steatosis, lobular inflammation, and balloon degeneration of hepatocytes. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that genistein suppressed the activation of PERK‐eIF2α‐CHOP signal pathway induced by HFSD. Our present study indicates that genistein is capable of relieving liver damage, improving lipid dysregulation and modulating ER stress by suppressing the activation of the PERK‐eIF2α‐CHOP signal pathway in NASH rats.Practical Applications: Genistein is capable to relieve liver damage and improve lipid dysregulation through the modulation of PERK–eIF2α–CHOP in NASH rats.