Isoflavones Research Articles

Abstract P137: Association Of Equol Producing Capacity With Aortic Calcification In Middle-aged Japanese Men

Background: Soy isoflavones (ISFs) are regularly consumed in Japan and other Asian countries where some studies showed a significant inverse association of ISFs intake with incident coronary heart disease (CHD). However, a US randomized clinical trial did not find ISFs as anti-atherogenic. This discrepancy may be due to the higher capacity of people in Japan than in the US to produce equol, a metabolite of ISF by the gut microbiome. Equol may have greater anti-atherogenic properties than ISFs. It is unknown whether equol producers (EP), people who produce equol after consuming ISF, have lower aortic calcification (AC), a biomarker of atherosclerosis, as compared to non-EP. Aim: To determine the association between equol producing status and AC in Japanese men. Method: This cross-sectional, population-based study included 302 Japanese men aged 40-49, free of CHD. EP was defined as participants with serum levels of equol ≥20 nM. AC was measured in the entire aorta and quantified by the Agatston method. The presence of AC was defined as AC score ≥10. We analyzed the association between equol producing status and AC using the Tobit and the logistic regressions. Result: We observed 125 participants as EP. In multivariable analyses, EP had non-significantly lower AC score by 147 (95% confidence interval (CI): -386, 92) units and an odds ratio of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.40, 1.26) for the AC presence as compared to non-EP. As significant interaction of equol producing status with age was present, we stratified the analyses by the median age. In men aged 45-49 years, EP had non-significantly lower AC score by 246 units and a non-significant 0.62 times the odds of AC presence as compared to non-EP; the corresponding values in men aged 40-44 were 12 units and 0.91 times (Table). Such an association was not observed with serum ISFs (data not shown). Conclusion: Japanese middle-aged men who were EP had non-significantly lower AC than non-EP and such association was stronger in men aged 45-49 than 40-44 years. Further study with much larger sample size is warranted.

Association of dietary isoflavone consumption with subclinical cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and elderly Chinese people

Background and aimsThe association between isoflavone (ISF) consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial because of limited evidence. Carotid atherosclerosis is an established indicator of subclinical CVD. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary ISF intake and subclinical CVD in middle-aged and elderly adults. Methods and resultsA total of 873 subjects aged 40–70 years without CVD were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. A restricted cubic spline was used to investigate the association between ISF intake and subclinical CVD risk. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval of the risk of subclinical CVD for ISF were estimated by two-segmented logistic regression analysis. In Model 2, there was a non-linear association between ISF intake and the risk of subclinical CVD among women (Pnon-linear = 0.002), with an inverse association below the change point. The nadir for the risk of subclinical CVD among women was 7.26 mg/day (energy-adjusted). Below the change point, an increase of 1 mg ISF/day reduced the risk of subclinical CVD by 15%. There was no significant association between ISF intake and subclinical CVD risk above the change point (OR = 1.01 [0.99, 1.04]). ISF intake was not associated with subclinical CVD risk in men (Model 2: Pnon-linear = 0.224). ConclusionsBelow the change point (7.26 mg/day), women with a higher intake of ISF had a significantly lower risk of subclinical CVD. Encouraging the consumption of ISF-rich foods may help to lower CVD risk in middle-aged and elderly women. Trial registrationThis study is registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR 1900022445).

Production of isoflavones-enriched soy yogurt through soymilk fermentation using probiotic bacteria

Background and objective Fermented soy products were regarded as healthy foods and hence are considered an essential part of the diet. Lactic acid bacteria isolated from naturally fermented Egyptian food products were screened for their ability to produce β-glucosidase, isoflavone aglycone, phenolics, and antioxidant activity during the formation of soy yogurt. The present research is a preliminary attempt to ascertain soy yogurt production by different strains of lactic acid bacteria and their efficacy for the production of the aforementioned products. Materials and methods A total of 16 probiotic lactic acid bacteria were used for the preparation of soy yogurt and tested for their probiotic properties. Soymilk was prepared and inoculated (1% v/v) with the probiotic strains previously activated in the MRS medium. After fermentation, cell viability, pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic compounds concentration, antioxidant activity, isoflavones aglycone (daidzein and genistein), and extracellular and cell membrane-bound β-glucosidase activity were determined. Results and conclusion A total of 16 probiotic lactic acid bacteria were used for the preparation of soy yogurt. The final pH of the fermented soymilk ranged from 4.92 to 6.6, and their titratable acidity (lactic acid %) ranged from 0.5 to 0.99%. Changes in β-glucosidase, isoflavone aglycone, total phenolics content, and antioxidant activity during the formation of soy yogurt were determined. All bacterial isolates showed positive cell-bound and extracellular β-glucosidase. Their activities ranged from 308.65 to 553 mU/ml. The Lactobacillus strains showed lower extracellular than their cell-bound β-glucosidase, and the opposite was true for the other group. An increase in the content of isoflavone aglycones in soy yogurt could be achieved by aging with bacterial fermentation. Soymilk fermented with Lactobacillus strains showed the highest bioconversion of isoflavone glucosides into isoflavone aglycones than other strains, although they produced less β-glucosidase enzymes. The antioxidant activity is related to changes in total phenolics. All microorganisms were able to increase the total phenols, whereas some Lactobacillus strains were unable to release more phenols compared with unfermented soymilk.

Impact of isoflavons on biochemical and morphometric parameters of rats with alloxan diabetes mellitus

Isoflavones (IF) of plant origin with antioxidant activity can also exhibit antidiabetic effects. The study of the antidiabetic effect of the kudzu root extract (Pueraria lobata) obtained using natural deep solvents and containing the isoflavones puerarin, genistein and daidzein in an amount of 40 mg / g of the extract was carried out. Sixty male Wistar rats were used in the experiment. Type 1 diabetes mellitus was simulated by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan solution at a dose of 170 mg / kg. The IF extract was administered intragastrically to diabetic and healthy animals at doses of 100 mg / kg and 200 mg / kg three times a week (12 injections in total). The administration of IF to diabetic rats was accompanied by the correction of hyperglycemia, an increase in glucose tolerance, the normalization of parameters of the functional state of various organs (AST, ALT, urea, total protein), promoted the restoration of the number of β-cells and the content of insulin in them, stimulation of the proliferative process in the pancreatic islets (the number of Ki67 + cells), and was accompanied by an increase in insulin content in blood plasma. Dose dependence was manifested in a more pronounced effect of the dose of IF 200 mg / kg on the restoration of the number of pancreatic islets, β-cells and proliferating cells in the islets and a more significant increase in the level of insulin in blood plasma compared with the dose of 100 mg / kg. When IF was administered to healthy animals, no deviations from the norm in the glycemic control and cytolysis parameters were detected, no changes were found in the islet apparatus, which indicates the absence of the toxic effect of IFs extracted using natural deep solvents.

Combined effects of soy isoflavone and lecithin on bone loss in ovariectomized mice.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESIsoflavones (ISFs) are effective in preventing bone loss, but not effective enough to prevent osteoporosis. Mixtures of soy ISF and lecithin (LCT) were prepared and characterized in an attempt to improve the bone loss.MATERIALS/METHODSThe daidzein (DZ) and genistein (GN) solubility in soy ISF were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The change in the crystalline characteristics of soy ISF in LCT was evaluated using X-ray diffraction analysis. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted to evaluate and compare ISF bioavailability. Animal studies with ovariectomized (OVX) mice were carried out to estimate the effects on bone loss. The Student's t-test was used to evaluate statistical significance.RESULTSThe solubility of DZ and GN in LCT was 125.6 and 9.7 mg/L, respectively, which were approximately 25 and 7 times higher, respectively, than those in water. The bioavailability determined by the area under the curve of DZ for the oral administration (400 mg/kg) of soy ISF alone and the soy ISF-LCT mixture was 13.19 and 16.09 µg·h/mL, respectively. The bone mineral density of OVX mice given soy ISF-LCT mixtures at ISF doses of 60 and 100 mg/kg daily was 0.189 ± 0.020 and 0.194 ± 0.010 g/mm3, respectively, whereas that of mice given 100 mg/kg soy ISF was 0.172 ± 0.028 g/mm3. The number of osteoclasts per bone perimeter was reduced by the simultaneous administration of soy ISF and LCT.CONCLUSIONSThe effect of preventing bone loss and osteoclast formation by ingesting soy ISF and LCT at the same time was superior to soy ISF alone as the bioavailability of ISF may have been improved by the emulsification and solvation of LCT. These results suggest the possibility of using the combination of soy ISF and LCT to prevent osteoporosis.

A New Prenylated Isoflavone from the Stems and Leaves of Trigonostemon howii

A New Prenylated Isoflavone from the Stems and Leaves of <i>Trigonostemon howii</i>

Effect of Soy Isoflavones on the Performance of Cerebral Neurotransmitter Systems in Adult and Aged Male Rats

Effect of Soy Isoflavones on the Performance of Cerebral Neurotransmitter Systems in Adult and Aged Male Rats

52 Alterations of fecal microbiome characteristics by dietary soy isoflavone ingestion in growing pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Abstract Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economically-important disease and ingestion of soy isoflavones (ISF) may benefit PRRSV-infected pigs due to demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. The objective of this study was to quantify long-term effects of ISF consumption on fecal microbiome characteristics under disease challenge. In total, 96 weaned barrows were group-housed in a BSL-2 containment facility and allotted to 1 of 3 experimental treatments that were maintained throughout the wean-to-finish study: non-infected pigs receiving an ISF-devoid control diet (NC, n=24), and infected pigs receiving either the control diet (PC, n=36) or that supplemented with total ISF in excess of 1,600 mg/kg (ISF, n=36) (Table 1). Following a 7-day adaptation, pigs were inoculated intranasally with either a sham-control (PBS) or live PRRSV (1×105 TCID50/mL, strain NADC20). Fecal samples were collected from 48 individual pigs at pre-infection (-2 days post-inoculation, DPI), peak-infection (10 DPI), and post-infection (144 DPI) time-points and extracted DNA was used for 16S bacterial rRNA sequencing. Differences in bacterial communities among diet groups were evaluated using UniFrac distance matrices (weighted and unweighted) in QIIME. All other data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA performed on transformed data using R. Across all time-points, only minimal differences were observed due to ISF alone. At 10 DPI, PRRSV infection reduced Prevotella 9 genera abundance from approximately 20% to less than 10%, but the specific function of this variety in pigs is unclear. The most notable finding was decreased relative abundance of Actinobacteria at 144 DPI between non-infected and infected treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.05), which is consistent with various dysbioses observed in other disease models. Our findings indicate that differences present were mainly due to PRRSV infection and not strongly influenced by ISF ingestion, which implies previously observed performance benefits conferred by dietary ISF are not likely due to changes in microbiome composition.

Isoflavone intake on the risk of overall breast cancer and molecular subtypes in women at high risk for hereditary breast cancer.

We investigated the association between isoflavone (ISF) intake and hereditary breast cancer (BC) risk, particularly by molecular subtype, in East-Asian BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and non-carriers at a high risk of hereditary breast cancer (i.e., family historyof BC (FHBC) and early-onset BC [EOBC, age < 40years]). The association between ISF intake and BC risk by molecular subtypes was assessed in 1709 participants (407 BRCA1/2 carriers, 585 FHBC non-carriers, 586 EOBC non-carriers, and 131 unaffected non-carriers) from the Korean Hereditary Breast Cancer Study using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in weighted Cox regression models. Daily ISF intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We evaluated gene-environment interactions between BRCA1/2 mutation and ISF intake in 1604 BC cases by calculating the case-only odds ratios (CORs) and 95% CIs in logistic regression models. ISF intake was inversely associated with luminal A BC risk in BRCA2 mutation carriers and FHBC non-carriers (HR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.04-0.50 for high intake [ISF intake ≥ 15.50mg/day]; HR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.11-0.69 for high intake, respectively). We observed a reduced risk of triple negative BC (TNBC) in BRCA1 carriers and FHBC non-carriers (HR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.02-0.40 for high intake; HR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.05-0.69 for high intake, respectively). In the case-only design, an interaction between BRCA1 mutation carrier status and ISF intake emerged in TNBC patients (COR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16-0.95). This study suggests that ISF intake is inversely associated with BC risk in women at high risk of hereditary BC and that the effect could differ by molecular subtypes.

Effects of soy isoflavones extract on the lipid profile and uterus in ovariectomized rats

Aim Although soy isoflavones (ISO) have been shown to relief postmenopausal symptoms, it remains inconclusive whether ISO can improve lipid-profile without uterotrophic effects under estrogen-deficiency. Thus, we investigated the effects of ISO on lipid-profile and uterus of ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. Materials and methods Twenty-five adult rats were Ovx or Sham-operated (Sham) and assigned into five groups: Sham and Ovx groups, administered with vehicle solutions; Ovx-E, treated with 10 µg/kg of 17β-Estradiol; Ovx-ISO, treated with 200 mg/kg of ISO; Ovx-E + ISO, treated with estradiol + ISO combined. After fifty days of treatments, rats were euthanized and uterine horns were processed for histomorphometry or to collagen fibers and glycosaminoglycans evaluations. Blood samples were collected to evaluate levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC) and its fractions (HDL/VLDL). Data were subjected to statistical analysis (p < .05). Results Uterus weight was lower in Ovx group than the Sham and Ovx-E groups, whereas it was similar between Ovx and Ovx-ISO groups. Histomorphometry showed atrophic uterus in Ovx and Ovx-ISO groups, whereas uterotrophic effects were noticed in Ovx-E and Ovx-E + ISO groups. Collagen fibers-birefringence was higher in Sham, Ovx, and Ovx-ISO groups than in Ovx-E and Ovx-E + ISO groups. Sulfated glycosaminoglycans content was similar among Sham, Ovx, and Ovx-ISO groups, while it was higher in estrogen-treated groups; total glycosaminoglycans content was similar among groups. TC and HDL was higher in Ovx-ISO group, whereas VLDL and triglycerides levels was higher in Ovx-E + ISO group and similar among other groups. Conclusion Soy isoflavones at 200 mg/kg have slight beneficial effects on lipid-profile without uterotrophic effects in Ovx rats.

Associations of maternal soy product consumption and urinary isoflavone concentrations with neonatal anthropometry: A prospective cohort study.

Isoflavones (ISOs) are naturally occurring endocrine-disrupting compounds. Few human studies have evaluated the effects of ISO exposure on neonatal anthropometry. This study aimed to examine the associations of maternal soy product consumption and urinary ISO concentrations, including genistein, daidzein, glycitein, and equol, with neonatal anthropometry, based on a Chinese cohort study. In Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study, pregnant women at 12-16 weeks of gestation were recruited, and they completed a structured questionnaire to assess soy product consumption during pregnancy. They also provided a single spot urine sample for the ISO assay. Neonatal anthropometric indices (birth weight; arm, waist, and head circumference; and triceps, back, and abdominal skinfold thickness) were measured at birth. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed among the 1188 mother-infant pairs to examine the associations between maternal soy product consumption and neonatal anthropometry. The same statistical model was applied to examine the associations between maternal ISO exposure and neonatal anthropometry among 480 mother-infant pairs. Neonate girls born to mothers who "sometimes" and "frequent" consumed soy products had 169.1g (95% confidence interval [CI],-68.9-407.1) and 256.5g (95% CI, 17.1-495.8) higher birth weight, respectively, than those born to mothers who "never" consumed soy products during pregnancy. We observed consistent associations between higher maternal urine ISO concentrations and increased anthropometric indices (birth weight, arm and waist circumference, and triceps and abdominal skinfold thickness) in neonate girls, while no association was observed among boys. The findings suggested that maternal dietary ISO intake during pregnancy is associated with fetal development in a sex-specific pattern. In addition, follow-up studies are required to evaluate whether the observed changes in anthropometric indices at birth are associated with health conditions later in life.

A utilização de fitoterápicos no manejo de mulheres no climatério/menopausa

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os efeitos da utilização de fitoterápicos por mulheres saudáveis sobre os sinais e sintomas do climatério e menopausa. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, cuja operacionalização possibilita a síntese do conhecimento já produzido no período de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2019, a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio das seguintes bibliotecas virtuais: SciELO e BVS com acesso através das bases de dados BDENF, LILACS e MEDLINE via Pubmed. Foram analisados 24 artigos que demonstraram que os fitoterápicos são efetivos para a redução dos sinais e sintomas vasomotores, neuropsíquicos, disfunção sexual, alterações urogenitais e distúrbios metabólicos decorrentes da menopausa. Dentre os fitoterápicos mais utilizados observou-se as isoflavonas de soja, foeniculum vulgare, trigonella foenum-graecum e o tribulus terrestris. Os fitoterápicos abordados apresentaram resultados significativos para as queixas climatéricas manifestadas em mulheres saudáveis, podendo desta forma ser uma boa alternativa terapêutica para o seu tratamento específico.

The Combination of Soy Isoflavones and Resveratrol Preserve Bone Mineral Density in Hindlimb-Unloaded Mice

It is well known that physical inactivity during space flight or prolonged bed rest causes rapid bone loss. Soy isoflavones (ISOs) and resveratrol (RES) have been reported to be useful to maintain a positive balance for bone turnover. Therefore, we examined the combined effects of ISO and RES on bone loss that was induced by hindlimb-unloading in mice. Female eight-week-old ddY mice were divided into the following six groups (n = 6–8 each): normally housed mice, loading mice, hindlimb-unloading (UL) mice fed a control diet, UL mice fed a 0.16% ISO conjugates, UL mice fed a 0.15% RES diet, and UL mice fed a 0.16% ISO and 0.15% RES diet. After three weeks, femoral bone mineral density was markedly decreased in unloading mice. The combination of ISO and RES prevented bone loss and especially maintained the trabecular bone mineral density more effectively compared with cortical bones. ISO and/or RES inhibited the increase in the RANKL/OPG expression ratio in bone marrow cells in UL mice. These results suggest that the combination of ISO and RES had a preventive effect against bone loss induced by hindlimb-unloading in mice. These osteoprotective effects of ISO and RES may result from the inhibition of bone resorption.

Phenoxodiol sensitizes metastatic colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil- and oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis through intrinsic pathway.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer seen in the world. 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) plus Oxaliplatin (1-OHP) remains the backbone of CRC chemotherapeutics, but with limited success. Phenoxodiol (Pxd) is an isoflavone analog with antitumor activity against various types of cancers, and sensitizes chemoresistant cancer cells to chemotherapeutics including platinum and taxanes. This study was, therefore, undertaken to examine whether Pxd pre-treatment with conventional chemotherapeutic agent(s) 5-Fu and 1-OHP co-administration be a therapeutic strategy for CRC. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated using dimethyl-thiazolyl diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase assays. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells were determined by fluorescence microscopy analysis. Besides, active Caspase-3 levels by ELISA and relative mRNA levels of Caspase 3 (CASP3), CASP8 and CASP9 genes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis. The pre-treatment of Pxd followed by 5-Fu and 1-OHP co-administration was more effective at inhibiting cell viability than either chemotherapeutic agents treatment alone. When compared to 5-Fu with 1-OHP alone treatment, Pxd pre-treatment overwhelmingly increased apoptotic Caspase-3 activity levels in CRC cells. Moreover, qPCR analyses showed that CASP3 and CASP9 mRNA levels significantly increased after pre-treatment with Pxd followed by 5-Fu and 1-OHP treatments, compared to 5-Fu with 1-OHP alone. Our results suggested that Pxd enhanced the in vitro antitumor activity of 5-Fu and 1-OHP. Our study also suggested that Pxd may be a potential candidate agent in advanced CRC and inclusion of Pxd to the conventional chemotherapeutic agent(s) could be an effective therapeutic strategy for CRC.

Alterations of fecal microbiome characteristics by dietary soy isoflavone ingestion in growing pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economically important disease, and the ingestion of soy isoflavones (ISF) may benefit PRRSV-infected pigs due to demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of ISF consumption on fecal microbiome characteristics at different timepoints across a disease challenge and determine whether any changes, if present, elude to potential biological mechanisms for previously observed performance benefits. In total, 96 weaned barrows were group-housed in a Biosafety Level-2 containment facility and allotted to one of three experimental treatments that were maintained throughout the study: noninfected pigs receiving an ISF-devoid control diet (NEG, n = 24) and infected pigs receiving either the control diet (POS, n = 36) or that supplemented with total ISF in excess of 1,600 mg/kg (ISF, n = 36). Following a 7-d adaptation, pigs were inoculated intranasally with either a sham-control (phosphate-buffered saline) or live PRRSV (1 × 105 median tissue culture infectious dose[TCID]50/mL, strain NADC20). Fecal samples were collected from 48 individual pigs at pre-infection (-2 d post-inoculation [DPI]), peak-infection (10 DPI), and post-infection (144 DPI) timepoints. Extracted DNA was used to quantify fecal microbiota profiles via 16S bacterial rRNA sequencing. Differences in bacterial communities among diet groups were evaluated with principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance using UniFrac distance matrices based on both unweighted and weighted UniFrac distances using QIIME 2. All other data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA performed on square root transformations using R. Across all timepoints, only a few differences were observed due to ISF alone mainly in lowly abundant genera. The most notable differences observed were decreased relative abundance of Actinobacteria at 144 DPI between noninfected and infected treatments (P < 0.05), which is consistent with various dysbioses observed in other disease models. Our findings indicate that the differences present were mainly due to PRRSV-infection alone and not strongly influenced by diet, which implies that previously observed performance benefits conferred by dietary ISF are not likely due to the changes in microbiome composition.

Antibacterial activity of chitosan/collagen membranes containing red propolis extract.

In this study we developed a mucoadhesive polymeric membrane wound dressing incorporating red propolis extract (HERP). Membranes were made using a casting method employing collagen, chitosan, polyethylene glycol (15, 20, and 30v%), and hydroethanolic extract of EtOH-H₂O 70v% - 30v% (v/v) of HERP (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%). Membranes were extensively characterized to assess the thickness, pH, morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), mechanical properties, swelling, in vitro mucoadhesion, cytotoxicity, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Assessment of the thickness and mechanical properties of the membranes containing HERP revealed that the most significant thickness obtained was 40.7 μm; thermal analysis suggests suggesting the hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups of isoflavones and the free amine present in the region of chitosan. Cell viability decreased as the amount of HERP increased. Finally, the MICs were 7.8 and 1.9 μg.mL-1 for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, respectively. These results were suggesting that the 0.5 % HERP membrane has the potential for future studies for wound application.

Effect of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection and soy isoflavone supplementation on carcass cutability and meat quality of pigs

The objective was to evaluate the effects of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection and dietary soy isoflavone (ISF) supplementation on carcass cutability and meat quality of commercial pigs. Barrows (21 d of age) were randomly allotted to experimental treatments that were maintained throughout the study: noninfected pigs received an ISF-devoid control diet (CON, n = 22) and infected pigs received either the control diet (PRRSV-CON, n = 20) or that supplemented with total ISF in excess of 1,500 mg/kg (PRRSV-ISF, n = 25). Pigs were penned by treatment, with six pigs within a pen. Following a 7-d adaptation, weanling pigs were inoculated once intranasally with either a sham-control (phosphate buffered saline [PBS]) or live PRRSV (1 × 105 tissue culture infective dose [TCID]50/mL, strain NADC20). Pigs were maintained on experimental diets for 166 d after inoculation and then slaughtered (192 or 194 d of age; approximately 120 kg body weight [BW]). At 1-d postmortem, left sides were separated between the 10th and 11th rib for the determination of loin eye area (LEA), backfat (BF) thickness, and loin quality (ultimate pH, instrumental color, drip loss, visual color, marbling, and firmness). Loin chops were aged 14 d postmortem prior to Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) determination. Belly width, length, thickness, and flop distance were determined. Data were analyzed as a one-way ANOVA with pig as the experimental unit. Carcass yield, LEA, BF, and estimated lean percentage did not differ (P > 0.26) among treatments. Loins from CON pigs had increased ultimate pH (P = 0.01), reduced L* scores (P = 0.005) coupled with darker visual color scores (P = 0.004), were firmer (P < 0.0001), and exhibited reduced drip loss (P = 0.01) compared with PRRSV-CON and PRRSV-ISF pigs. However, WBSF did not differ (P = 0.51) among treatments after 14 d of aging. Bellies from CON pigs were more firm compared with bellies from PRRSV-CON and ISF pigs (P < 0.01). These data suggest PRRSV infection did not alter carcass characteristics but may have marginally reduced loin and belly quality. Supplementation with dietary soy isoflavones did nothing to mitigate the detrimental effects of PRRSV infection.

Au nanozyme-driven antioxidation for preventing frailty

From senescence and frailty that may result from various biological, mechanical, nutritional, and metabolic processes, the human body has its own antioxidant defense enzymes to remove by-products of oxygen metabolism, and if unregulated, can cause several types of cell damage. Herein, an antioxidant, artificial nanoscale enzyme, called nanozyme (NZs), is introduced that is composed of Au nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized with a mixture of two representative phytochemicals, namely, gallic acid (GA) and isoflavone (IF), referred to as GI-Au NZs. Their unique antioxidant and anti-aging effects are monitored using Cell Counting Kit-8 and senescence-associated β-galactosidase assays on neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (nHDFs). Furthermore, alterations in epidermal thickness and SOD activity are measured under ultraviolet light to investigate the effects of the topical application of NZs on the histological structure and antioxidant activity in hairless mice skin. Then, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in the hairless mice are monitored. It is concluded that the NZs can effectively prevent serial passage-induced senescence in nHDFs, as well as oxidative stress in mice skin, suggesting a range of strategies to further develop novel therapeutics for acute frailty.

Dietary soy isoflavones reduce pathogen-related mortality in growing pigs under porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viral challenge.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economically important disease, and ingestion of soy isoflavones (ISF) may benefit PRRSV-infected pigs due to demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. The objective of this experiment was to recreate immunological effects previously observed in young pigs infected with PRRSV receiving ISF and determine how those effects influence growth performance during the entire growth period from weaning to market. In total, 96 weaned barrows were group housed in a biosafety level-2 containment facility and allotted to 1 of 3 experimental treatments that were maintained throughout the study: noninfected pigs received an ISF-devoid control diet (NEG, n = 24), and infected pigs received either the control diet (POS, n = 36) or that supplemented with total ISF in excess of 1,600 mg/kg (ISF, n = 36). Following a 7-d adaptation, weanling pigs were inoculated intranasally with either a sham-control (PBS) or live PRRSV (1 × 105 TCID50/mL, strain NADC20). After inoculation, individual blood samples (n = 8 to 12/treatment) were routinely collected to monitor viral clearance and hematological parameters, including serum neutralizing anti-PRRSV antibody production. Pen-based oral fluids were used to monitor PRRSV clearance at later growth stages. A 1- or 2-way ANOVA was performed to compare experimental treatments depending on whether the outcome was repeatedly measured. In general, PRRSV infection decreased performance during early growth phases, resulting in 5.4% lower final BW for POS vs. NEG pigs (P < 0.05). Dietary ISF elicited inconsistent effects on growth performance, increased (P < 0.05) neutrophil cell counts and the relative proportion of memory T-cells, and decreased (P < 0.05) the time to full PRRSV clearance from oral fluids. Dietary ISF also elicited earlier, more robust anti-PRRSV neutralizing antibody production when compared with POS pigs. Additionally, and most notably, POS pigs experienced ~50% greater infection-related mortality rate vs. ISF pigs (P < 0.05), which may have significant economic implications for producers. Overall, dietary ISF ingestion supported immune responses and reduced mortality in PRRSV-infected pigs when fed to growing pigs though the biological mechanism of these effects remains unclear.

Enterohepatic Circulation and Pharmacokinetics of Genistin and Genistein in Rats.

Genistin and its aglycone genistein of isoflavone are naturally occurring in plants. The aim of this study is to develop an experimental animal model of enterohepatic circulation to investigate the metabolic biotransformation of genistin and genistein in rats. A paired-rat model was developed in which the drug was administered intravenously to the donor rat whose bile duct was cannulated into the duodenum of the untreated recipient rat. The blood sample was collected from the jugular vein of the donor and recipient rats after genistin administration. The results demonstrate that genistein was detected in both the donor and recipient rats after genistein administration (50 mg/kg, iv) in the donor rat, which suggested that the enterohepatic circulation of genistein occurred. The same phenomenon happened again in the biotransformation after genistin administration (50 mg/kg, iv) in the donor rat. Genistein was detected in the recipient rat’s blood sample after treatment with β-glucuronidase, which suggested that enzymatic hydrolysis occurred in the transformation of genistin into genistein. In conclusion, the research revealed the metabolic pathway of the glucuronidation of genistin into genistein.