Soy Group Research Articles

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Attenuate the Acute Kidney Injury to CKD Transition and Renal Fibrosis: Identification of Antifibrotic Metabolites.

AKI is an established risk factor for developing CKD. Recently, the renoprotective effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3PUFAs) has attracted attention. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ω3PUFAs on the transition of AKI to CKD, and to identify fatty acid active metabolites in renal tissue. Two mice models of AKI to CKD (7-week, male) and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis (11-week, male) were fed linseed oil, rich in ω3PUFAs (Lin group), or with soybean oil, low in ω3PUFAs (Soy group). Renal fatty acids and metabolites composition in mice were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Rat renal fibroblast cells (NRK-49F cells) were used for in vitro study. At day 14 after 35 min bilateral renal ischemia reperfusion (IR), significant increase in survival was observed in the Lin group compared to the Soy group. Using the 30 min bilateral renal IR model (AKI to CKD model), the Lin group showed attenuated renal tissue damage and fibrosis. In addition, the antifibrotic effect of Lin group was also observed in UUO renal fibrosis model. In the two mice models, levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and its metabolites were significantly elevated in renal tissue of mice fed with Lin. Cultured NRK-49F incubated with EPA and its metabolites 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE), 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EpETE) and 17,18-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-diHETE) displayed suppressed TGF-β1-stimulated α-smooth muscle actin protein expression. These effects were suppressed in the presence of an inhibitor of a cytochrome P450 involved in EPA metabolism. This observation suggests that the EPA metabolites have antifibrotic effects. ω3PUFAs prevents AKI to CKD and renal fibrosis. Moreover, the EPA metabolites 18-HEPE, 17,18-EpETE and 17,18-diHETE were found to have antifibrotic effects.

The effects of SOY extract nutraceuticals on postmenopausal women’s health: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Postmenopausal women experience physiological changes due to estrogen decline, affecting skin aging, bone health, and quality of life. The present study investigated the effects of the soy extract nutraceutical (SOY) product on facial skin health, bone turnover markers, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life in postmenopausal women by means of a randomized controlled trial. The effects of the product on lipids profiles, glucose levels, and insulin parameters were also explored. Participants received either the SOY product (n = 50) or a placebo (n = 50) for 12 weeks. The results showed significant improvements in facial skin wrinkle and bone turnover markers in the SOY group. While no major differences were observed in menopausal symptoms and quality of life between groups, the SOY group exhibited a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels. This study underscores the SOY product’s potential in addressing facial skin aging, bone health, and cholesterol management in postmenopausal women.

Isoflavones and probiotics effect on bone calcium and bone cells in rats

Isoflavones and probiotics have shown the therapeutic potential to alter calcium absorption and bone cell metabolism. This study sought to ascertain the effect of isoflavones and probiotics on calcium status and bone health in healthy female rats. Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were grouped and fed: a standard diet (control); and standard diets with tempeh; soy; daidzein and genistein; Lactobacillus acidophilus; and a combination of daidzein, genistein, and L. acidophilus. The biochemical serum parameters, such as alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, glucose, and triacylglycerol concentrations, were measured, and calcium contents in tissues were determined. After staining the bone with hematoxylin and eosin, the number of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and the percentage of bone marrow adipocytes were counted. Compared with the control group, the soy group showed a significantly lower triacylglycerol concentration. The L. acidophilus group considerably increased the calcium content in the femoral bone. The daidzein and genistein, L. acidophilus, and a combination of daidzein, genistein, and L. acidophilus groups showed significantly lower calcium contents in the heart and kidneys. The daidzein and genistein group significantly enhanced the number of osteoblasts and osteocytes. A substantial inverse correlation was observed between calcium contents in kidneys and osteoblasts. In conclusion, the combination of daidzein, genistein, and L. acidophilus may improve bone calcium concentrations and bone cells. However, no synergistic effect between isoflavones and probiotics was detected in this study.

Transcriptome profile of skeletal muscle using different sources of dietary fatty acids in male pigs.

Pork is of great importance in world trade and represents the largest source of fatty acids in the human diet. Lipid sources such as soybean oil (SOY), canola (CO), and fish oil (FO) are used in pig diets and influence blood parameters and the ratio of deposited fatty acids. In this study, the main objective was to evaluate changes in gene expression in porcine skeletal muscle tissue resulting from the dietary oil sources and to identify metabolic pathways and biological process networks through RNA-Seq. The addition of FO in the diet of pigs led to intramuscular lipid with a higher FA profile composition of C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3, and SFA (C16:0 and C18:0). Blood parameters for the FO group showed lower cholesterol and HDL content compared with CO and SOY groups. Skeletal muscle transcriptome analyses revealed 65 differentially expressed genes (DEG, FDR 10%) between CO vs SOY, and 32 DEG for CO vs FO, and 531 DEG for SOY vs FO comparison. Several genes, including AZGP1, PDE3B, APOE, PLIN1, and LIPS, were found to be down-regulated in the diet of the SOY group compared to the FO group. The enrichment analysis revealed DEG involved in lipid metabolism, metabolic diseases, and inflammation between the oil groups, with specific gene functions in each group and altered blood parameters. The results provide mechanisms to help us understand the behavior of genes according to fatty acids.

Soybean Isoflavones Activating Autophagy and Improving the Chemosensitivity of Carboplatin to Ovarian Cancer Cells

Objection: To discuss soybean isoflavones activating autophagy and improving the chemosensitivity of carboplatin to ovarian cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Using SKOV3 and A2780 cell lines as research object, dividing into Normal, Carb (treated with 50 μmol/L carboplatin) and Carb+Soy (treated with 50 μmol/L carboplatin and 80 μmol/L soybean isoflavone). Evaluating cell proliferation by EdU and MTT assay; measuring cell apoptosis rate by flow cytometry; observation cells’ autophagy by transmission electron microscope (TEM); LC 3B protein expression were evaluated by cellular immunofluorescence and using WB assay to evaluate autophagy relative proteins expression. Results: Compared with Normal group, the cell proliferation were significantly depressed with cell apoptosis rates significantly increasing (P < 0.01, respectively); and autophagy enhancing; with LC 3B, LC 3II/LC 3I ratio and Beclin 1 significantly up-regulation and P62 protein significantly down-regulation (P < 0.01, respectively) in Carb and Carb+Soy groups. And there were significantly differences between Carb and Carb+Soy groups in EdU cell number, cell proliferation, apoptosis rate, autophagy, LC 3B, LC 3II/LC 3I ratio, Beclin 1 and P62 protein expression. Conclusion: Soy activating autophagy and improving the chemosensitivity of carboplatin to ovarian cancer cells.

Glycine max (soy) based diet improves antioxidant defenses and prevents cell death in cadmium intoxicated lungs.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal and an important environmental contaminant. We analyzed its effects on oligoelements, oxidative stress, cell death, Hsp expression and the histoarchitecture of rat lung under different diets, using animal models of subchronic cadmium intoxication. We found that Cd lung content augmented in intoxicated groups: Zn, Mn and Se levels showed modifications among the different diets, while Cu showed no differences. Lipoperoxidation was higher in both intoxicated groups. Expression of Nrf-2 and SOD-2 increased only in SoCd. GPx levels showed a trend to increase in Cd groups. CAT activity was higher in intoxicated groups, and it was higher in Soy groups vs. Casein. LDH activity in BAL increased in CasCd and decreased in both soy-fed groups. BAX/Bcl-2 semiquantitative ratio showed similar results than LDH activity, confirmed by Caspase 3 immunofluorescence. The histological analysis revealed an infiltration process in CasCd lungs, with increased connective tissue, fused alveoli and capillary fragility. Histoarchitectural changes were less severe in soy groups. Hsp27 expression increased in both intoxicated groups, while Hsp70 only augmented in SoCd. This show that a soy-diet has a positive impact upon oxidative unbalance, cell death and morphological changes induced by Cd and it could be a good alternative strategy against Cd exposure.

Different Effects of Soy and Whey on Linear Bone Growth and Growth Pattern in Young Male Sprague-Dawley Rats.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the better protein for supporting optimal linear growth, as the exact composition and benefits of specific dietary proteins in supporting linear growth is unknown. In the current study, we compared the effect of soy and whey proteins, both proteins contain all essential amino acids and are considered the best proteins in their categories. Young male rats were subjected to multiple feeding protocols using iso-energetic diets containing soy or whey as the sole protein source. The rats were allowed to eat ad libitum for 11, 24, or 74 days in the first set of experiments, and the soy group was pair-fed to the whey group in the second set. The differences in weight gain, food consumption, and humeri length of the soy group that were greater at the beginning of the ad libitum experiments lessened over time. Pair-fed experiments revealed that the increased weight and humeri length resulted from the differences in food consumption. However, other parameters were protein specific. Bone quality, which was better in the soy group at 24 days, was matched by the whey group and even surpassed that of the soy group in the long-term experiment, with a significantly greater bone mineral density, cortical thickness, and growth plate. Although in the short term the levels of insulin like growth factor (IGF)-I were similar between the groups, IGF-I increased with age in the whey group, and the levels at the long-term experiment were significantly higher compared to the soy group. Furthermore, using the pair fed setup made it clear that when the difference in food consumption were no longer playing part, whey was more efficient in increasing IGF-I. There were no indications of metabolic sequelae. Although the use of soy is gaining in popularity as a sustainable protein, our findings indicate a better effect of whey on linear growth by leading to slower growth with better-organized epiphyseal growth plates and bone quality.

The 6-month effect of whole soy and purified isoflavones daidzein on thyroid function-A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial among Chinese equol-producing postmenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of whole soy and purified daidzein on markers of thyroid function in Chinese postmenopausal women who were equol-producers. Total 270 eligible women were randomized to either one of the three isocaloric supplements: 40 g soy flour (whole soy group), 40 g low-fat milk powder +63 mg daidzein (daidzein group) or 40 g low-fat milk powder (placebo) daily for 6months. Serum thyroid markers were tested at baseline and 6months for thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, reverse triiodothyronine and free thyroxine (FT4). There was no significant difference in the 6-month changes of thyroid markers among the three groups. Subgroup analysis among women with lowered thyroid function suggested a modest decrease of FT4. This randomized controlled trial among Chinese equol-producing postmenopausal women indicates the consumption of whole soy and purified daidzein at the provided dosages are safe and have no detrimental effect on thyroid function.

Effects of Soy Protein Intake on Low Bone Mass Caused by Energy Restriction in Young Female Rats

Abstract Objectives Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, in young adulthood have been shown to lower bone mineral density (BMD), possibly due to the dysfunction of growth and gonadal hormones caused by reduced energy intake, which leads to bone loss. Isoflavones in soy protein have estrogen-like effects and are used as an alternative treatment for a wide range of hormonal disorders such as osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soy protein intake on bone fragility caused by energy restriction in young female rats. Methods Six-week-old Sprague–Dawley female rats were acclimated for 1 week and then divided into four groups: (1) ad libitum intake and casein diet group (Cas: n = 8), (2) ad libitum intake and soy diet group (Soy: n = 8), (3) energy-restricted and casein diet group (ER-Cas: n = 8), and (4) energy-restricted and soy diet group (ER-Soy: n = 8). The animals were maintained under these feeding conditions for 10.5 weeks. In the energy-restricted groups, the calorific intake was reduced by 40%. After rearing, viscera, blood, muscle, and bone samples were collected. Bone samples were evaluated for BMD by the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry method. Two-way analysis of variance and multiple comparison tests were used to evaluate the differences among the four groups. Results The bodyweight and uterine weight results revealed a significant main effect of energy restriction on bone mineral content (BMC), bone area, and BMD. BMC and BMD results revealed a significant interaction of soy protein and energy restriction. BMD was highest in the Soy group, followed by the Cas group, ER-Cas group, and ER-Soy group. There was no difference in estradiol among the four groups. Energy restriction had a significant main effect on insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), which was significantly reduced in the ER-Soy group compared with the two ad libitum groups. Conclusions Soy protein showed a tendency of having a positive effect on BMD and IGF-I under ad libitum conditions, whereas under energy restriction, it had a negative effect and did not suppress the effect of energy restriction. Funding Sources This work was supported by the Research Grant of Fuji Foundation for Protein Research and the Cooperative Research Grant of Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance, University of Tsukuba.

Effects of increasing intake of soybean oil on synthesis of testosterone in Leydig cells

BackgroundSoybean oil is a very common edible oil in daily life. With the changes in the dietary composition, the intake of soybean oil increased. However, the effects of dietary intake of soybean oil on testosterone production are still unclear.MethodsIn order to study the effects of increasing intake of soybean oil on the synthesis of testosterone in Leydig cells, we fed male C57BL/6 mice on the diet which added 20% soybean salad oil (SOY group). We detected the hormone levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and serum fatty acid composition by gas chromatography, and analyzed the expression of steroidogenic enzymes by Real-Time PCR or immunoblotting analysis.ResultsAfter the 16-week feeding period, serum linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) significantly increased and serum palmitic acid (PA) significantly decreased in SOY group mice. Compared to the normal diet (ND group), increasing intake of soybean oil raised the luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and up-regulated luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member I (CYP11A1). Testosterone levels in SOY group were higher than that in the ND group, and significantly difference showed.ConclusionsIncreasing intake of soybean oil could raise the serum LA and ALA levels and decrease serum PA levels. This could activate the LH/LHCGR pathway and improve the function of steroid synthesis in Leydig cells, and finally lead to the elevated testosterone levels.

Soy protein supplementation in men following radical prostatectomy: a 2-year randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Many studies have addressed effects of dietary supplementation with soy protein, but most have been inconsistent and few have been long-term studies in men. This study was a secondary analysis of body weight, blood pressure, thyroid hormones, iron status, and clinical chemistry in a 2-y trial of soy protein supplementation in middle-aged to older men. Data were analyzed as secondary outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of dietary supplementation with 20 g/d soy protein isolate, providing 41 mg/d total isoflavones and 23 mg/d genistein, in 44- to 75-y-old men who were at risk of cancer recurrence following prostatectomy randomized to soy (n=50) or a casein-based placebo (n=43). Weight, blood pressure, and blood samples were collected at baseline, every 2 mo in year 1, and every 3 mo in year 2. Compared with casein, soy supplementation did not affect body weight, blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, and thyroid hormones. Serum ferritin concentrations doubled over 2 y in both groups (117-129%), whereas hemoglobin and hematocrit increased slightly. In an exploratory subgroup analysis of soy group data, weight increased in subjects producing equol but not in nonproducers. Blood pressure was reduced in nonequol producers but not in producers. Other endpoints were not affected by equol production status. Soy protein supplementation for 2 y compared with a casein-based placebo did not affect body weight, blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, iron status parameters, calcium, phosphorus, and thyroid hormones. Exploratory analysis suggests that equol production status of subjects on soy may modify effects of soy on body weight and possibly blood pressure. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00765479.

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Six-Month Intervention Study of Soy Protein Isolate in Men with Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy: A Pilot Study

There is evidence to suggest that soy may be beneficial for prostate cancer patients, but few randomized trials have addressed this. We examined the effect of 6–8 mo soy protein supplementation on prostate specific antigen (PSA) serum levels in men who recurred (PSA > 0.1 ng/ml) within three years of prostatectomy. Sixteen men were randomized to 20 g soy protein (∼24–26/day genistein; ∼40–43/day total isoflavones) or casein placebo. PSA was measured at base line and at 1, 2, 4, and 6–8 mo. Serum genistein levels greatly increased from baseline and cholesterol decreased in the soy group. In both treatment arms PSA increased similarly and PSA doubling times were not different over the 6–8 mo study duration. Two subjects in each group had stable PSA. A literature search for clinical studies of soy, isoflavones, and PSA revealed that supplementation with soy or isoflavones did not affect PSA in virtually all clinical studies identified. Although this study is too small to draw a definitive conclusion on the effect of soy protein on PSA in men with biochemical failure, the null finding in this study is consistent with the results of virtually all reports of soy and soy isoflavones in the literature.

A Non-Probiotic Fermented Soy Product Reduces Total and LDL Cholesterol: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

Traditional Asian fermented soy food products are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk in prospective studies, but few randomized controlled trials have been conducted in at-risk populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a commercial non-probiotic fermented soy product on blood lipids in adults with cardiovascular risk biomarkers. In a randomized, crossover, intervention study, 27 men and women (aged 29–75 y) exhibiting at least two risk factors, consumed two packets (12.5 g each) daily of a fermented powdered soy product, or an isoenergic control powder made from germinated brown rice for 12 weeks each. The consumption of the fermented soy product resulted in a significantly greater mean change from baseline (compared to the germinated rice, all p < 0.05) in total cholesterol of −0.23 mmol/L (CI: −0.40, −0.06) compared with 0.14 mmol/L (CI: −0.03, 0.31), respectively; and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol −0.18 mmol/L (CI: −0.32, −0.04) compared with 0.04 mmol/L (CI: −0.01, 0.018) respectively. This was accompanied by an increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the germinated rice group, a decrease in apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in the fermented soy group, and a between-treatment effect in apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1); however, the ratio of the LDL:HDL and of Apo B:ApoA1 did not differ between the groups. The ratio of total cholesterol:LDL decreased in men in the fermented soy group (p < 0.001). Twenty-four-hour urine collection at the end of each treatment period resulted in an increased excretion expressed as a ratio in μmol/d between treatments of 10.93 (CI: 5.07, 23.54) for daidzein; 1.24 (CI: 1.14, 4.43) for genistein; and, 8.48 (CI: 4.28, 16.80) for glycitein, all p < 0.05. The fermented soy powder consumed by participants in this study without implementing other changes in their typical diets, decreased the total and LDL cholesterol, and may serve as a dietary strategy to manage blood lipids. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03429920.

Preventive Role of Soy Protein in Fructose Induced Metabolic Dysfunction in Rats via Inhibition of Nuclear Factor kappa B Pathway

Soy protein is an important component of soybeans that has beneficial role in improving insulin resistance. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a crucial pathway that has been implicated in the development of metabolic syndrome. Our study aimed to examine the protective effect of soy protein isolate - as a natural NF-κB inhibitor - and its possible mechanism of action in amelioration of inflammatory and metabolic disorders induced in male albino rats by high fructose diet (10% w/v) via using synthetic NF-κB inhibitor (IMD-0354). Rats were randomized into normal control group, soy group, NF-κB inhibitor (IMD-0354) group, high fructose group, high fructose with soy group, high fructose with NF-κB inhibitor group, high fructose with soy and NF-κB inhibitor group. Serum glucose, serum insulin, serum free fatty acids, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), NF-κB, phosphorylated insulin receptor (pISR), carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) were determined and histopathological examination of liver tissue was performed. The concurrent administration of IMD-0354 and/or soy protein with high fructose significantly increased pISR and decreased FFAs, NF-κB, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and ChREBP as well as improved the pathological conditions of the livers. The metabolic and inflammatory disorders induced by chronic consumption of fructose could be inhibited by co-administration of soy protein through regulation of NF-κB signalling pathway.

Abstract 4642: Effects of soy protein diet on plasma isoflavones levels in obese DMBA-induced mammary tumor rat model

Abstract Obesity epidemic in the US and world grows as the number of overweight and obese adults continues to rise. Obese women have higher mortality rates from all cancers including breast cancer. Several studies have reported the protective effects of soy intake on breast cancer development, while other studies report the adverse effects of soy protein diet on breast cancer development. Soybeans contain isoflavones genistein, daidzein and glycitein, known as isoflavonoids, which are structurally similar to mammalian estrogens, have estrogenic properties and are potential anticarcinogens. Gut flora metabolizes daidzein into equol, a non-steroidal estrogen and has cancer chemopreventive property. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of obesity and a high isoflavones soy protein diet on plasma isoflavones; genistein, daidzein, glycitein, equol and O-Desmethylangolensin (O-MDA) levels using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumor model. Five-week-old female Zucker rats (45 obese fa/fa and 54 lean) were used. After one week of acclimation (age 42 days), rats were randomly assigned to the following diet groups; 1) Lean, casein; 2) Obese, casein; 3) Lean, soy and 4) Obese, soy. Rats had ad lib access to water and diet with either casein or soy protein isolate as source of protein. All rats were orally gavaged at age 50 days with 65 mg/kg DMBA. Rats were weighed and palpated twice weekly and sacrificed 21 weeks post-DMBA treatment. Plasma was collected to measure genistein, daidzein, glycitein, equol and O-MDA levels using liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). At end of the experiment, 69% of the Lean casein rats developed mammary tumors compared to 50% in lean soy group (p= 0.176). In the obese group, 76% of the soy-fed rats developed mammary tumors compared to 15% (P&amp;lt;0.001) of obese casein- fed rats. Plasma daidzein and genistein concentration were not significantly different in lean vs obese soy-fed rats. However, O-MDA and equol concentration were significantly lower (P&amp;lt;0.05) in obese soy-fed rats compared to lean soy rats. These data suggests that obese rats fed soy protein diet containing high isoflavone levels promoted DMBA-induced mammary tumor development compared to a casein-based diet. Also, obese soy-fed rats exhibited significantly lower plasma equol concentrations than those observed in lean soy-fed rats and this reduction may aid in explaining soy's impaired cancer chemopreventative effects in obese breast cancer model. Citation Format: Reza Hakkak, Soheila Korourian. Effects of soy protein diet on plasma isoflavones levels in obese DMBA-induced mammary tumor rat model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4642.

Fermented Soy Supplementation Improves Quality of Life Indicators: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial in Adults Experiencing Heartburn

Abstract Objectives The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effects of a fermented soy supplement on heartburn relief, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life. Methods A 5-week, randomized, double-blind pilot study was conducted with adults (n = 51; 37F/14 M, 31 ± 12y) experiencing mild or moderate heartburn. Following a 1-week baseline, participants self-treated heartburn symptoms with up to 3, 1 g sachets of a non-GMO soy flour fermented by Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. delbrueckii Rosell-187 or placebo (maltodextrin) sachets per incident for 3 weeks followed by a 1-week washout. Differences from baseline between treatments were compared using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test (alpha 0.05). Symptom intensity at 5, 15 and 30-min post administration was assessed using a Likert-like scale (1, no symptoms to 5, severe discomfort). The Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) (1-no discomfort to 7-very severe discomfort) and Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (GERD-QOL) (4-strongly disagree to 0-strongly agree) were administered during baseline, intervention, and washout. Results No significant differences between intervention groups were seen for heartburn severity or frequency, GSRS syndromes or GERD-QOL domains. However, individual QOL items related to inconvenience of taking medications (−1.0 ± 1.3 vs −0.04 ± 1.8, P &amp;lt; 0.05), fear of eating (−1.4 ± 1.3 vs −0.2 ± 1.7, P &amp;lt; 0.05), inability to concentrate at work (−0.9 ± 1.6 vs −0.3 ± 1.0, P &amp;lt; 0.05), and disturbance of after-meal activities and rest (−1.6 ± 1.5 vs −0.7 ± 1.5, P &amp;lt; 0.05) significantly improved with fermented soy compared to control. In addition, the frequency of heartburn (0.3 ± 0.3 vs 0.1 ± 0.3, P &amp;lt; 0.05) and the GSRS symptoms of diarrhea (0.3 ± 1.4 vs −0.3 ± 1.2, P &amp;lt; 0.05) and bloating (0.7 ± 1.7 vs 0.1 ± 1.3, P &amp;lt; 0.05) were significantly improved during washout vs. baseline for the fermented soy group, demonstrating a possible carryover effect over time. Conclusions Further research is suggested to test the effect of daily supplementation of fermented soy on heartburn frequency, gastrointestinal symptoms and QOL in a trial of longer duration. Funding Sources Lallemand Bio-Ingredients

Effects of soybean oil replacement by açai oil in laying hen diets on fatty acid profile and egg quality

The objective of this study was to determine whether substitution of soybean oil by açai oil in the feed of laying hens at the end of the production cycle would improve health and performance, as well as egg quality. We used 56 laying hens (Hy Line Brown; 80 weeks old). The animals were kept in an experimental house, housed in cages with four animals each in a completely randomized design, with two treatments of seven replicates each. The treatments were soybean group (basal diet) and açai group (basal diet, replacement of soybean oil by Acai oil). All animals received water ad libitum. Before starting the experiment, eggs were collected for 3 days to measure the initial laying rate, which was 85 % of the average postural rate for the groups. After 21 days of experiment, we observed lower laying rate and higher mortality rate in the açai-containing group than in the control group. By contrast, the açai group had higher egg weight than control group. Regarding the sum of saturated fatty acids (Σ SFA), the control group displayed a higher sum than açai group. The sum of monounsaturated fatty acids (Σ MUFA) was higher in the group consuming açai than in the soy group. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) analysis showed lower activity in the açai oil group than in the soy group. Lymphocyte counts were lower in the açai group than in the soy group at 21 days of experiment. These data suggest that replacement of soybean oil with açai berry in the laying hen feed stimulated antioxidant responses, resulting in better egg quality. However, we do not recommend the use of açai oil as a substitute for soybean oil, because it resulted in high mortality rates and lower production rates.

Effects of a low-fat dietary regimen enriched with soy in children affected with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inheritable, autosomal dominant disorder leading to pathologically increased levels of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Dietary treatment remains an important tool in the management of affected children even after the decision for the initiation of pharmacotherapy is made. However, little evidence is available regarding the optimal dietary regimen for the treatment of children affected with FH. We present results from a randomized controlled trial in paediatric patients affected with heterozygous FH, assessing the effect of a soy-enriched fat modified diet (soy group) compared to fat modified diet (Control group) alone on LDL-C over a period of 13 weeks. Furthermore, we monitored isoflavone levels in plasma and urine as markers of adherence to the dietary treatments. LDL-C decrease was statistically significantly greater in the soy group compared to the control group at week 7 (Control group 176.3±27.8mg/dl, soy group 154.7±29.2mg/dl, p=0.038), and showed a trend towards significant at week 13 (Control group 179.9±41.8mg/dl, soy group 155.0±30.2mg/dl, p=0.089). Relative LDL-C decrease correlated significantly with the following plasma isoflavone concentrations measured in week 7: daidzein (p<0.004, r=0.576) and genistein (p<0.017, r=0.490). We provide evidence from a small randomized-controlled trial for the effectiveness and safety of a dietary treatment with soy in paediatric patients affected with heterozygous FH. The decrease in LDL-C was highly correlated with isoflavone levels, further highlighting a direct effect of soy ingestion. This study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No. NCT03563547.

Effect of whole soy and purified daidzein on androgenic hormones in chinese equol-producing post-menopausal women: a six-month randomised, double-blinded and Placebo-Controlled trial

A randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial was performed to examine the effects of whole soy and isoflavone daidzein on serum androgenic hormones in Chinese equol-producing post-menopausal women. A total of 270 eligible women aged 45–70 years were randomised to either one of the three iso-caloric supplements: 40 g soy flour (whole soy group), 40 g low-fat milk powder +63 mg daidzein (daidzein group) or 40 g low-fat milk powder (placebo group) daily for 6 months. Fasting venous samples were tested for serum androstenedione (AD), testosterone (T), prolactin, sex hormone binding globulin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated that serum T (p = .022) and AD (p = .05) levels modestly but significantly decreased after 6-month daidzein treatment in comparison with placebo, with a mean difference of –0.057 nmol/L (95%CI: –0.185 to 0.070, p = .018) and –0.118 ng/mL (95%CI: –0.240–0.004, p = .045), respectively. This 6-month trial suggested that purified daidzein may exhibit less androgenic effect.Trial registration: The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier of NCT01270737. (URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01270737.)

Effect of whole soy and isoflavones daidzein on bone turnover and inflammatory markers: a 6-month double-blind, randomized controlled trial in Chinese postmenopausal women who are equol producers.

Background:Human studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of soy or isoflavones on bone metabolism. However, conflicting data remain. Equol is the intestinal metabolite of the isoflavone daidzein. The health benefits of soy are more pronounced in equol producers than those not producing equol. This 6-month randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effect of whole soy (soy flour) and purified daidzein on bone turnover markers (BTMs) in Chinese postmenopausal women who are equol producers.Methods:A total of 270 eligible women were randomized to either one of the three isocaloric supplements as follows: 40 g soy flour (whole soy group), 40 g low-fat milk powder + 63 mg daidzein (daidzein group), or 40 g low-fat milk powder (placebo group) given as a solid beverage daily for 6 months. The following fasting venous samples were collected at the baseline and end of the trial to analyze BTMs: serum cross-linked C-telopeptides of type I collagen, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, and 25(OH)D3. Inflammation-related biomarkers, such as serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, transferrin, and homocysteine, were also tested to explore potential mechanisms.Results:A total of 253 subjects validly completed the study protocol. Urinary isoflavones suggested a good compliance to the treatments. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses indicated no significant difference in the 6-month or percentage changes in the parameters of bone metabolism and inflammatory markers among the three treatment groups.Conclusions:Whole soy and purified daidzein at provided dosages exhibited no significant effect on the bone metabolism and inflammation levels among Chinese equol-producing postmenopausal women.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01270737.