Soy Isoflavones Research Articles

Effect of Soy Isoflavone on Prostate Cancer Cell Apoptosis Through Inhibition of STAT3, ERK, and AKT

Genistein, an isoflavone found in soybeans, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study explored the molecular mechanisms behind genistein’s anticancer effects in prostate cancer DU145 cells. In this study, genistein decreased cell viability, increased annexin V-PE(+) cells, and enhanced the sub-G0/G1 peak by flow cytometric analysis. Increased reactive oxygen species increased mitochondrial depolarization indicating mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibition of ATP formation were also observed in genistein-treated DU145 cells. Genistein upregulated p53 at the mRNA and protein levels and increased caspase-3/7 activity along with the cleavage of Bax, procaspase-3, and PARP. With the increasing genistein concentrations, the percentage of cells in the sub-G0/G1 peak and G2/M phase increased, which was inhibited by treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD together with 100 μM genistein, which had little toxicity to normal prostate epithelial HPrEC cells. Genistein treatment simultaneously inhibited the activation of STAT3 and other closely related oncogenic kinases such as AKT and ERK and p38 and decreased VEGF expression. Taken together, these results suggest that genistein inhibits the growth of DU145 cells and induces apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3, AKT, ERK, and p38 which provides a molecular basis for the anticancer activity of genistein and suggests its potential as a valuable therapeutic candidate for prostate cancer.

Replacing Hydrolyzed Soybean Meal with Recombinant β-Glucosidase Enhances Resistance to Clostridium perfringens in Broilers Through Immune Modulation

Aglycone soy isoflavones have notable immune-regulatory bioactivity, while glycosidic forms in soybean meal pose challenges for absorption. β-Glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) catalyzes the non-reducing terminal β-d-glucosidic bonds, releasing β-d-glucan and aglycones. This study evaluated the impact of enzymatically hydrolyzed soybean meal (ESM) using recombinant β-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger on the growth performance and intestinal immune function of broilers under Clostridium perfringens infection. Prior to the feeding trial, soybean meal was enzymatically digested with recombinant β-glucosidase, ensuring almost complete conversion of glycosides to aglycones. After a week of pre-feeding, a total 180 healthy AA broilers were randomly assigned to three groups—control, semi-replacement of ESM (50% ESM), and full-replacement of ESM (100% ESM)—with 6 replicates of 10 chickens, and the trial lasted 28 days. On the 36th day, broilers were challenged with 1 mL of 1 × 1010 CFU/mL Clostridium perfringens (Cp) via gavage for 3 days. The results showed that the substitution of ESM had no effect on the body weight gain of broilers but significantly reduced the feed consumption and feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.01). The study revealed that Cp significantly disrupted jejunal morphology, while ESM significantly mitigated this damage (p < 0.05). Real-time PCR results demonstrated that compared to the Cp group, ESM restored Cp-induced intestinal barrier impairments (e.g., Occludin, Claudin-1, Muc2), normalized aberrant cellular proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (Caspase-1 and Caspase-3), and upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory factor Il-10 while suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-1β, Il-6, and Il-8) (p < 0.05). Moreover, flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that ESM promoted Treg cell-derived Il-10, which alleviated macrophage-derived inflammation. Substituting conventional soybean meal with β-glucosidase, enzymatically treated, significantly reduced feed consumption and alleviated the intestinal damage and immune dysfunctions induced by Clostridium perfringens infection in broilers.

Genistein inhibited endocytosis and fibrogenesis in keloid via CTGF signaling pathways

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate soy isoflavones' effect and potential use—specifically genistein—in treating human keloid fibroblast cells (KFs) and in a keloid tissue culture model.MethodsTo investigate the effects of genistein on keloid, a wound-healing assay was performed to detect cell migration. Flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of target proteins. KF tissues were isolated, cultured, and divided into the control, silenced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) proteins, and shNC (negative control) groups.ResultsGenistein suppressed cell proliferation and migration, triggering the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and increasing the expression of p53 dose-dependent in keloids. Genistein inhibited the expression of COL1A1, FN, and CTGF mRNA and protein. Knockdown CTGF reduced the migrated ability in KFs. Genistein also abated TGF-β1-induced keloid fibrosis through the endocytosis model. Separated and cultured the keloid patient’s tissues decreased the cell migration ability by genistein treatment and was time-dose dependent.ConclusionsThis study indicated that genistein-induced p53 undergoes cell cycle arrest via the CTGF pathway-inhibited keloid cultured cells, and genistein suppressed the primary keloid cell migration, suggesting that our research provides a new strategy for developing drugs for treating keloids.

Neuroprotective impact of glycitin on memory impairment in a pentylenetetrazol-induced chronic epileptic rat model: insights into hippocampal histology, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures, often accompanies neurocognitive impairments and is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigates the possible neuroprotective properties of glycitin, a soy isoflavone, on memory impairment, its impact on oxidative stress responses, and inflammatory gene expression in a chronic epileptic rat model induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Glycitin was administered at varying doses to evaluate its potential neuroprotective impact on memory, oxidative stress, and inflammation in this model. Behavioural assessments, memory retention and recall capabilities, histopathological examinations, measurements of oxidative stress biomarkers, and molecular assessments were employed for comprehensive evaluation. The results demonstrated that glycitin significantly improved memory impairment and reduced oxidative stress in epileptic rats. Additionally, glycitin treatment decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), indicating its potential to modulate the inflammatory response associated with epilepsy. These observations underscore the potential of glycitin as a therapeutic candidate for mitigating memory impairments linked to chronic epilepsy due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering insights into novel avenues for the development of targeted interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function and ameliorating oxidative damage and inflammation in epileptic conditions.

Equol Nonproducing Status as an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Cardioembolic Stroke and Poor Functional Outcome.

Background/Objectives: Equol has protective effects against coronary artery disease and dementia by strongly binding to estrogen receptor beta, whereas the intake of soy isoflavone alone does not always confer such protective effects. Equol production is completely dependent on the existence of equol-producing gut microbiota. The effects of equol-producing status on the cerebrovascular diseases remain unclear. The current study was aimed to investigate the association of equol-producing status with the development of stroke and its neurological prognosis. Methods: Frequencies of equol producers were compared between healthy subjects (HS) registered in the Suita Study and patients with acute stroke admitted to our stroke center from September 2019 to October 2021 in a retrospective cohort study. Results: The proportion of HSs and patients with ischemic stroke who were equol producers did not significantly differ (50/103 [48.5%] vs. 60/140 [42.9%], p = 0.38). However, cardioembolic stroke was significantly associated with low a prevalence of equol producers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.99, p = 0.05). A higher left atrial volume index was observed in equol nonproducers (46.3 ± 23.8 vs. 36.0 ± 11.6 mL/m2, p = 0.06). The equol nonproducers had a significantly higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation than the equol producers (27.5% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.04). Furthermore, the equol producers exhibited a significantly favorable functional outcome upon discharge (aOR 2.84, 95% CI 1.20-6.75, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Equol is a promising candidate for interventions aiming to reduce the risk of CES and atrial dysfunction, such as atrial fibrillation and improve neurological prognosis after ischemic stroke.

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Effect of soy isoflavones on measures of estrogenicity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundDespite recommendations to increase plant food consumption for public and planetary health and the role that soy foods can play in plant-predominant diets, controversies around the effects of soy foods and especially soy isoflavones, are a barrier to their intake. Given their cardioprotective effects and ability to alleviate menopausal symptoms, addressing these concerns is particularly relevant to women. ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to determine the effect of soy isoflavones on measures of estrogenicity in postmenopausal women. MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched through August 2024 for randomized trials 3-months investigating soy isoflavones versus non-isoflavone controls in postmenopausal women. Outcomes included endometrial thickness (ET), vaginal maturation index (VMI), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol. Independent authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias. GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) was used to assess certainty of evidence. ResultsWe included 40 trials (52 trial comparisons, n=3285) assessing the effect of a median reported dose of 75mg/day of soy isoflavones in substitution for non-isoflavone controls over a median of 24 weeks. Soy isoflavones had no statistically significant effect on any measure of estrogenicity; ET (mean difference, -0.22mm [95% confidence interval, -0.45, 0.01mm], PMD=0.059), VMI (2.31 [-2.14, 6.75], PMD=0.310), FSH (-0.02IU/L [-2.39, 2.35IU/L], PMD=0.987), and estradiol (1.61pmol/L [-1.17, 4.38pmol/L], PMD=0.256). The certainty of evidence was high-to-moderate for all outcomes. ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests that soy isoflavones do not exhibit estrogenic effects compared to non-isoflavone controls on 4 measures of estrogenicity in postmenopausal women. This synthesis supports that soy isoflavones likely act as selective estrogen receptor modulators, differing clinically from the hormone estrogen. Addressing public health concerns may promote soy foods as high-quality plant protein sources with low environmental impact and cost, particularly benefiting postmenopausal women, and aligning with sustainable dietary patterns and guidelines. RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42023439239)

Protection Effect of Soy Isoflavones (Genistein and Daidzein) on Hematologic Parameters in Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe, high-morbidity condition with limited effective preventative and therapeutic strategies despite advancements in understanding and treatment. Specific Background: Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) presents significant challenges in renal research, but soy isoflavones, particularly GN and DZ, have shown potential in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Knowledge Gap: Soy isoflavones, while potentially providing renal protection, their impact on renal and hematologic parameters in glycerol-induced AKI models has not been thoroughly studied. Aims: The study evaluated the effectiveness of soy isoflavones in regulating renal and hematologic parameters in a glycerol-induced AKI rat model, assessing their potential as therapeutic agents. Results: The study involving adult female Wistar rats showed that pretreatment with glycerol or dihydroxystilbene significantly reduced urinary β2-microglobulin, albumin, BUN, and serum creatinine levels in the AKI-induced group, reversing hematological changes. Novelty: The study explores the protective effects of soy isoflavones on renal function and hematologic parameters in AKI, highlighting GN's superior efficacy over DZ. Implications: Soy isoflavones, particularly GN, may be potential preventive or therapeutic strategies for AKI caused by rhabdomyolysis, warranting further research for clinical applications. Highlights: GN and DZ reduce kidney damage in glycerol-induced AKI. GN is more effective than DZ in kidney and blood parameters. Soy isoflavones could treat or prevent AKI. Keywords: Acute kidney injury, soy isoflavones, glycerol-induced AKI, renal protection, hematologic parameters

Short-Term Exposure to Foodborne Xenoestrogens Affects Breast Cancer Cell Morphology and Motility Relevant for Metastatic Behavior In Vitro.

Breast cancer is highly susceptible to metastasis formation. During the time of disease progression, tumor pathophysiology can be impacted by endogenous factors, like hormonal status, as well as by environmental exposures, such as those related to diet and lifestyle. New lines of evidence point toward a potential role for foodborne endocrine disruptive chemicals in this respect; however, mechanistic understanding remains limited. At the molecular level, crucial steps toward metastasis formation include cell structural changes, alteration of adhesion, and reorganization of cytoskeletal proteins involved in motility. Hence, this study investigates the potential of dietary xenoestrogens to impact selected aspects of breast cancer cell mechanotransduction. Taking the onset of the metastatic cascade as a model, experiments focused on cell-matrix adhesion, single-cell migration, and adaptation of cell morphology. Dietary mycoestrogens alternariol (AOH, 1 μM) and α-zearalenol (α-ZEL, 10 nM), soy isoflavone genistein (GEN, 1 μM), and food packaging plasticizer bisphenol A (BPA, 10 nM) were applied as single compounds or in mixtures. Pursuing the hypothesis that endocrine active molecules could affect cell functions beyond the estrogen receptor-dependent cascade, experiments were performed comparing the MCF-7 cell line to the triple negative breast cancer cells MDA MB-231. Indeed, the four compounds functionally affected the motility and the adhesion of both cell types. These responses were coherent with rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton and with the modulation of the expression of integrin β1 and cathepsin D. Mechanistically, molecular dynamics simulations confirmed a potential interaction with fragments of the α1 and β1 integrin subunits. In sum, dietary xenoestrogens proved effective in modifying the motility and adhesion of breast cancer cells, as predictive end points for metastatic behavior in vitro. These effects were measurable after short incubation times (1 or 8 h) and contribute to shed novel light on the activity of compounds with hormonal mimicry potential in breast cancer progression.

Fermentation with Bacillus natto and Bifidobacterium improves the functional, physicochemical properties, and taste qualities of coix seed-natto

Coix seed-natto (CS-natto) is a nutritious food rich in various functional components such as nattokinase (NK), and the strains’ fermentation is crucial for enhancing its quality. This work utilized Bacillus natto GUTU09 (B9) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLH1 or BLH6 to ferment soybeans that were soaked in a saccharified liquid made from CS, resulting in the preparation of CS-natto, studied the physicochemical and functional characteristics during fermentation, and analyzed the correlation of various indicators. Finally, an electronic tongue analysis was conducted on CS-natto. The results indicated that fermentation significantly increases NK and antioxidant activity in CS-natto, with NK activity in BLH6-B9 natto reaching 425.00 FU/g. Co-fermentation notably enhanced the content and composition of phenolic substances. Furthermore, the study revealed that the organic acid and soy isoflavone content in co-fermentation were significantly higher than in single-strain fermentation. Fermentation could elevate the levels of amino peptide nitrogen and soluble peptides. Additionally, the addition of Bifidobacterium exhibited a synergistic effect on the fermentation of B9 to produce natto. Correlation analysis indicated that Bifidobacterium promoted B9 to produce NK. The BLH1 encouraged the conversion of organic acids. Daidzein and daidzin were positively correlated (P<0.01), suggesting a potential mutual conversion. Finally, electronic tongue analysis indicated that co-fermentation could effectively enhance the taste. The results indicated that CS-natto could serve as an improved dietary supplement offering enhanced quality and more beneficial effects on people’s health.

Sedative Effects of Daidzin, Possibly Through the GABAA Receptor Interaction Pathway: In Vivo Approach with Molecular Dynamic Simulations.

The soy isoflavone daidzin (DZN) has been considered a hopeful bioactive compound having diverse biological activities, including anxiolytic, memory-enhancing, and antiepileptic effects, in experimental animals. However, its sedative and hypnotic effects are yet to be discovered. This study aimed to evaluate its sedative/hypnotic effect on Swiss mice. Additionally, in silico studies were also performed to see the possible molecular mechanisms behind the tested neurological effect. For this, male Swiss albino mice were treated with DZN (5, 10, or 20mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) with or without the standard GABAergic medication diazepam(DZP) and/or flumazenil(FLU) and checked for the onset and duration of sleeping time using thiopental sodium-induced as well as DZP-induced sleeping tests. A molecular docking study was also performed to check its interaction capacity with the α1 and β2 subunits of the GABAA receptor. Findings suggest that DZN dose-dependently and significantly reduced the latency while increasing the duration of sleep in animals. In combination therapy, DZN shows synergistic effects with the DZP-2 and DZP-2 + FLU-0.01 groups, resulting in significantly (p < 0.05) reduced latency and increased sleep duration. Further, molecular docking studies demonstrate that DZN has a strong binding affinity of - 7.2kcal/mol, which is closer to the standard ligand DZP (- 8.3kcal/mol) against the GABAA (6X3X) receptor. Molecular dynamic simulations indicated stability and similar binding locations for DZP and DZN with 6X3X. In conclusion, DZN shows sedative effects on Swiss mice, possibly through the GABAA receptor interaction pathway.

PGC1α in Skeletal Muscle Mediates Anti-Obesity Effects of Soy Isoflavones.

Obesity, a factor increasing the risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, can be reduced by the intake of soy isoflavones. In this study, we investigated whether skeletal muscle PGC1α, a transcriptional activator known to promote a variety of exercise-related metabolic processes, is involved in the anti-obesity effects of soy isoflavones using skeletal muscle-specific PGC1α knockout mice. The results showed that the intake of soy isoflavones reduced white adipose tissue weight and increased expression of energy metabolism-related genes such as mitochondrial function, lipolysis, and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. However, these effects were not observed in skeletal muscle-specific PGC1α knockout mice. In C2C12 myoblasts with overexpressing PGC1α, soy isoflavone treatment increased energy-metabolism related genes. Therefore, PGC1α of skeletal muscle is likely to be involved in the anti-obesity effects of soy isoflavones.

Role of Nutrients Regulating Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature cells with an immunosuppressive function. MDSCs have been related to inflammation in many settings, including infections, transplantation, obesity, aging, or cancer. In oncological settings, MDSCs participate in tumor immunoescape, growth, and metastasis. Certain nutrients can modify chronic inflammation by their interaction with MDSCs. Therefore, the possible influence of certain nutrients on immune surveillance by their actions on MDSCs and how this may affect the prognosis of cancer patients were evaluated in this scoping review. We identified seven papers, six of which were murine model studies and only one was a human clinical trial. Globally, a significant reduction in cancer growth and progression was observed after achieving a reduction in both MDSCs and their immunosuppressive ability with nutrients such as selected vegetables, icaritin, retinoic acid, curdlan, active vitamin D, soy isoflavones, and green tea. In conclusion, the consumption of certain nutrients may have effects on MDSCs, with beneficial results not only in the prevention of tumor development and growth but also in improving patients' response.

Restoration of Radiosensitivity by Soya Isoflavone Genistein is Accomplished by Facilitating DNA Damage Response in Radioresistant Cervical Cancer in vitro

ABSTRACT Context: Enhancing radiotherapeutic efficacy in tumor cells and sparing the normal tissues are major clinical concerns for the betterment of cancer therapy. Genistein (GEN) being a radiosensitizer ameliorates the effectiveness of radiation-induced cell killing by inducing DNA damage. This molecule is accountable for minimizing radiation-related toxicity and protecting healthy cells. However, the explicit mechanism of action of such molecules needs exploration. Aims: The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanistic action of GEN in cervical cancer cell radiosensitization. Settings and Design: Cervical squamous carcinoma cell SiHa and a radioresistant subline SiHa/RR (developed and isolated from SiHa) were taken for this study. The experiments were performed by pretreating the cells with IC30 dose of GEN, followed by acute irradiation to detect the impact of GEN in imparting radiosensitivity. Subjects and Methods: Optimal dose selection of GEN was performed by MTT assay, and radiosensitizing potency was determined by pretreating the cells with IC30 dose of GEN, followed by challenging with acute incremental doses of radiation. Mechanistic parameters were checked by clonogenic assay, cell cycle analysis, DNA damage estimation, apoptosis, and wound healing-sphere-forming assay. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed in GraphPad software by performing the Student’s t-test. Results: Results depicted decreased numbers of colonies, increased frequency of DNA damage and apoptotic cells, and suppressed wound healing ability along with restrained sphere-forming ability upon the intervention of cells with GEN before radiation exposure. Such observations implied that GEN pretreatment renders improved radiosensitivity in cervical cancer by increased DNA damage-mediated G2/M arrest with subsequent apoptosis. Conclusions: GEN by inducing DNA damage stimulates radiation-induced cell killing in vitro.

Incorporating whole soybean pulp into wheat flour for nutrient-enriched steamed bread: Exploring the impact on physical and nutritional characteristics.

This research explored the impact of incorporating various levels of whole soybean pulp (WSP) (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) into wheat flour on the physical and nutritional qualities of steamed bread. In comparison with the traditional steamed bread, the substitution of up to 20% WSP did not significantly alter the specific volume, hardness, and chewiness of the steamed bread. Additionally, the crumb texture of the steamed bread with 20% WSP maintained small and uniform pores, with optimal springiness and cohesiveness. Nutritionally, the substitution of 10%-50% WSP enhanced total dietary fiber, total phenolics, and protein by 9.40%-89.79%, 14.96%-116.31%, and 3.45%-34.36%, respectively. Isoflavones in the steamed bread increased markedly from 22.92µg/g to a range of 140.12-997.12µg/g. The expected glycemic index showed a decrease from 90.24 to between 85.85 and 70.75, whereas amino acid scores improved from 59.22 to a range of 64.58-65.08, with lysine (Lys) scores notably increasing from 59.22 to between 64.96 and 88.80. In conclusion, partially replacing wheat flour with WSP is an effective method for enhancing the nutritional profile and addressing the essential amino acid imbalance in steamed bread. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study partially replaced flour with WSP to improve the steamed bread's nutritional quality. The optimal substitution level was determined to be 20% WSP, which improves the bread's nutritional value without significantly impacting its physical qualities. Furthermore, WSP is produced from soaked soybeans through hot water milling. This process simplifies soybean processing, lowers energy consumption and costs, and reduces pollution. It also effectively retains essential nutrients, such as protein, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and soy isoflavones, ensuring the full utilization of soybeans.

Daidzein ameliorates peripheral neuropathy in Sprague Dawley rats.

Neuropathy is the most common disorder comprising peripheral nerve damage in diabetic patients. Prolonged hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress cause metabolic imbalance and are the key reasons for the development of diabetic neuropathy. Daidzein, a soy isoflavone possesses potent anti-hyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity. The present study aims to check the protective effect of Daidzein in diabetic neuropathy in rats. The experimental animal model involved induction of diabetes in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55mg/kg). Following confirmation of diabetes, the diabetic rats were subjected to oral treatment with varying doses of Daidzein (25, 50, and 100mg/kg) and pregabalin (30mg/kg) for a duration of 4weeks, initiated 6weeks after diabetes induction. Results indicated that Daidzein treatment led to a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels and an improvement in body weight among diabetic animals. Moreover, Daidzein demonstrated a positive impact on sensory functions, as evidenced by the effect on tail withdrawal and response latency. Mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia, common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, were also significantly reduced with both Daidzein and pregabalin treatment. Notably, nerve conduction velocities exhibited improvement following the administration of Daidzein and pregabalin. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms revealed that Daidzein treatment resulted in a notable enhancement of antioxidant enzyme levels and a reduction in the overexpression of NOX-4 in the sciatic nerve. This suggests that Daidzein's therapeutic effect is associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress via NOX-4. In summary, the findings of study suggests that, Daidzein treatment significantly attenuated diabetic neuropathy by inhibiting oxidative stress via NOX-4 inhibition.

Dietary Plant Metabolites Induced Epigenetic Modification as a Novel Strategy for the Management of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is a widespread malignancy among men, with a substantial global impact on morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in conventional therapies, the need for innovative and less toxic treatments remains a priority. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary plant metabolites possess epigenetic-modifying properties, making them attractive candidates for prostate cancer treatment. The present work reviews the epigenetic effects of dietary plant metabolites in the context of prostate cancer therapy. We first outline the key epigenetic mechanisms involved in prostate cancer pathogenesis, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and miRNA or Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNA) dysregulation. Next, we delve into the vast array of dietary plant metabolites that have demonstrated promising anti-cancer effects through epigenetic regulation. Resveratrol, minerals, isothiocyanates, curcumin, tea polyphenols, soy isoflavones and phytoestrogens, garlic compounds, anthocyanins, lycopene, and indoles are among the most extensively studied compounds. These plant-derived bioactive compounds have been shown to influence DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications, and microRNA expression, thereby altering the gene expression allied with prostate cancer progression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. We also explore preclinical and clinical studies investigating the efficacy of dietary plant metabolites as standalone treatments or in combination with traditional treatments for people with prostate cancer. The present work highlights the potential of dietary plant metabolites as epigenetic modulators to treat prostate cancer. Continued research in this field may pave the way for personalized and precision medicine approaches, moving us closer to the goal of improved prostate cancer management.

Effects of alginate synergized with polyphenol compounds on the retrogradation properties of corn starch

This study aimed to investigate the impact of alginate (AG) on the retrogradation properties of corn starch (CS) in conjunction with three phenolic compounds, including naringin (NA), rutin (RT), and soy isoflavones (SI). The findings indicated that AG, NA, RT, and SI collectively resulted in a significant reduction in the hardness, retrogradation enthalpy, and relaxation time of CS gel. This effect was more pronounced when compared to NA, RT, and SI individually. The findings suggested that the elemental system comprising AG, phenolic compounds, and CS yielded enhanced water retention capacity and thermal stability. Moreover, a noticeable decrease in the short-range ordered structure and crystallinity was observed, indicating that AG and phenolic compounds effectively inhibited the retrogradation of CS; notably, the synergistic interaction between AG and SI resulted in the most favorable outcome. The results of this study provide new ideas for the design, development, and quality improvement of starch-based food.

Effects of Soy Isoflavones and Evening Primrose Oil on Female Aging and Diseases

Effects of Soy Isoflavones and Evening Primrose Oil on Female Aging and Diseases

Potential therapeutic properties of broccoli extract and soy isoflavones on improvement endometriosis and involved oxidative parameters.

In Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity that is associated with chronic pelvic pain and subfertility. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of broccoli extract (BE) alone and in combination with soy isoflavones (SI) on endometrial implants in female rat. In this study, endometriosis was induced surgically in 40 mature female rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups that were treated by oral gavage for 6weeks with 0.5 mL of saline 0.9 %/day (control group), BE (3,000 mg/kg/day), SI (50 mg/kg/day), BE/soy isoflavones (BE 3000 mg/kg/day+soy isoflavones 50 mg/kg/day) and diphereline as a standard medication (3 mg/kg) intramuscularly. At the end of treatments, the volume and histopathology of the endometrial implants were compared among the 5 groups. The serum levels of oxidative parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were also compared between the groups. The volume of the implants significantly decreased in diphereline group (p=0.002). The histopathological grade of endometrial implants in BE/SI and diphereline group were significantly decreased compared to the control group (p=0.001). The serum levels of SOD in BE group were enhanced significantly in comparison to the control group (p=0.034). BE in combination with SI decreased the growth and histopathologic grades of transplanted endometrial implants. These herbal compounds may have the potential therapeutic effect to be used as an alternative medication for the treatment of endometriosis.

Urinary Equol and Equol-Predicting Microbial Species Are Favorably Associated With Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Chinese Adults.

The association between soy isoflavones intake and cardiometabolic health remains inconclusive. We investigated the associations of urinary biomarkers of isoflavones including daidzein, glycitein, genistein, equol (a gut microbial metabolite of daidzein), and equol-predicting microbial species with cardiometabolic risk markers. In a 1-year study of 305 Chinese community-dwelling adults aged ≥18 years, urinary isoflavones, fecal microbiota, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipids, and anthropometric data were measured twice, 1 year apart. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was also measured after 1 year. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze repeated measurements. Logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% CI for the associations for arterial stiffness. Each 1 μg/g creatinine increase in urinary equol concentrations was associated with 1.47%, 0.96%, and 3.32% decrease in triglycerides, plasma atherogenic index, and metabolic syndrome score, respectively (all P<0.05), and 0.61% increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.025). Urinary equol was also associated with lower risk of arterial stiffness (aOR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.09-0.90]; Ptrend=0.036). We identified 21 bacterial genera whose relative abundance was positively associated with urinary equol (false discovery rate-corrected P<0.05) and constructed a microbial species score to reflect the overall equol-predicting capacity. This score (per 1-point increase) was inversely associated with triglycerides (percentage difference=-1.48%), plasma atherogenic index (percentage difference=-0.85%), and the risk of arterial stiffness (aOR, 0.27 [95% CI, 0.08-0.88]; all P<0.05). Our findings suggest that urinary equol and equol-predicting microbial species may improve cardiometabolic risk parameters in Chinese adults.