Soy Isoflavones and their Effects on Xenobiotic Metabolism

The GmSTF1/2-GmBBX4 negative feedback loop acts downstream of blue-light photoreceptors to regulate isoflavonoid biosynthesis in soybean

Isoflavonoids, secondary metabolites derived from the phenylalanine pathway, are predominantly biosynthesized in legumes, especially soybean (Glycine max). They are not only essential for plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses but also beneficial to human health. In this study, we report that light signaling controls isoflavonoid biosynthesis in soybean. Blue-light photoreceptors (GmCRY1s, GmCRY2s, GmPHOT1s, and GmPHOT2s) and the transcription factors GmSTF1 and GmSTF2 promote isoflavonoid accumulation, whereas the E3 ubiquitin ligase GmCOP1b negatively regulates isoflavonoid biosynthesis. GmPHOT1s and GmPHOT2s stabilize GmSTF1/2, whereas GmCOP1b promotes the degradation of these two proteins in soybean. GmSTF1/2 regulate the expression of approximately 27.9% of the genes involved in soybean isoflavonoid biosynthesis, including GmPAL2.1, GmPAL2.3, and GmUGT2. They also repress the expression of GmBBX4, a negative regulator of isoflavonoid biosynthesis in soybean. In addition, GmBBX4 physically interacts with GmSTF1 and GmSTF2 to inhibit their transcriptional activation activity toward target genes related to isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Thus, GmSTF1/2 and GmBBX4 form a negative feedback loop that acts downstream of photoreceptors in the regulation of isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Our study provides novel insights into the control of isoflavonoid biosynthesis by light signaling in soybean and will contribute to the breeding of soybean cultivars with high isoflavonoid content through genetic and metabolic engineering.

Evaluation of Genistein as a Mitochondrial Modulator and Its Effects on Sperm Quality

Phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, are bioactive compounds found in plants with defense and protection functions. In the human body, they simulate the behavior of the hormone estradiol and can modulate the function of the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study aims to describe the effects of genistein on sperm quality of Wistar rats (male/adult) after a short oral administration protocol (50 mg/day, for 5 days), focusing on mitochondrial function. No signs of toxicity were observed in the animals during the period. The testicular mass of rats from the genistein-treated group was lower than that from the control group. Isoflavone increased the number of viable Leydig and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and primary spermatocytes in the treated group. The rounded spermatid count was similar to the control group, and a decrease in elongated spermatids was observed in the treated group. Genistein treatment increased plasma testosterone levels in the treated group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an in vivo short protocol demonstrating that genistein administration stimulates the overall oxygen consumption in rat seminal samples. Therefore, genistein induced a pro-spermatogenesis effect, enhanced plasma testosterone levels, and increased oxygen consumption, improving sperm mitochondrial efficiency. Similar protocols can be explored in animal and human infertility issues.

Dietary phytochemicals, gut microbiota composition, and health outcomes in human and animal models

The role of the composition of the gut microbiota on human health is not well understood. However, during the past decade, an increased emphasis has been placed on the influence of the impact of nutrition on the composition of gut microbiota and how the gut microbiota affects human health. The current review focuses on the role of some of the most studied phytochemicals on the composition of the gut microbiota. First, the review highlights the state of the research evidence regarding dietary phytochemical consumption and gut microbiota composition, including the influence of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and sterols that are present in vegetables, nuts, beans, and other foods. Second, the review identifies changes in health outcomes with altered gut microbiota composition, in both animal and human model studies. Third, the review highlights research that includes both associations between dietary phytochemical consumption and gut microbiota composition, and associations between the gut microbiota composition and health outcomes, in order to elucidate the role of the gut microbiota in the relationship between dietary phytochemical consumption and health outcomes in humans and animals. The current review indicated that phytochemicals can beneficially alter gut microbiota composition and decrease the risk for some diseases, such as cancers, and improve some cardiovascular and metabolic risk biomarkers. There is an urgent demand for high-quality studies that determine the relationships between the consumption of phytochemicals and health outcomes, examining gut microbiota as a moderator or mediator.

Natural Soybean Milk-Derived Bioactive Coatings for Enhanced Wound Healing

Foodborne biomaterials, derived from diets, comprise selfassembled collections of many micro- or nanoscale units with abundant nutrients and active substances. In this study, soybean milk (SBM) was selected as a tissue engineering product for simple and feasible wound repair. SBM is a common drink prepared from soybeans and is rich in soy protein, soy isoflavones, and other bioactive components. Thus, SBM has substantial potential for antioxidation and tissue remodeling. Here, the multifunctional effect of SBM as a bioactive coating for promoting wound healing was studied. The results showed that SBM has good biocompatibility and biological activity. It efficiently scavenges intracellular reactive oxygen species, significantly enhances epithelial cell migration, and improves angiogenesis, thereby accelerating tissue remodeling. The results of animal experiments further confirmed that the SBM-bioinspired coating has promising applications for cutaneous wound regeneration.

Effects of Soy Isoflavones and Green Tea Extract on Simvastatin Pharmacokinetics and Influence of the SLCO1B1 521T > C Polymorphism

Objectives

Green tea and soy products are extensively consumed by many people and they may influence the activity of drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters to result in drug interactions. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of green tea and soy isoflavone extracts on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin in healthy subjects and to clarify the role of polymorphisms in the SLCO1B1 drug transporter in this effect.

Methods

This was an open-label, three-phase randomized crossover pharmacokinetic study. A single dose of simvastatin 20 mg was taken on three occasions (without herbs, with green tea, and with soy isoflavones) by healthy male Chinese subjects. The green tea and soy isoflavone extracts were given at a dose containing EGCG 800 mg once daily or soy isoflavones about 80 mg once daily for 14 days before simvastatin dosing with at least 4-weeks washout period between phases.

Results

All the 18 subjects completed the study. Intake of soy isoflavones was associated with reduced systemic exposure to simvastatin acid [geometric mean (% coefficient of variation) AUC_0-24h from 16.1 (44.2) h⋅μg/L to 12.1 (54.6) h⋅μg/L, P < 0.05) but not the lactone. Further analysis showed that the interaction between simvastatin and the soy isoflavones only resulted in a significant reduction of AUC in subjects with the SLCO1B1 521TT genotype and not in those with the 521C variant allele. There was no overall effect of the green tea extract on simvastatin pharmacokinetics but the group with the SLCO1B1 521TT genotype showed reduced AUC values for simvastatin acid.

Conclusion

This study showed repeated administration of soy isoflavones reduced the systemic bioavailability of simvastatin in healthy volunteers that was dependent on the SLCO1B1 genotype which suggested that soy isoflavones-simvastatin interaction is impacted by genotype-related function of this liver uptake transporter.

Genistein accelerates glucose catabolism via activation the GPER-mediated cAMP/PKA-AMPK signaling pathway in broiler chickens

Genistein, the most abundance of phytoestrogens in soybeans, has beneficial effects in regulating metabolism-related disease; however, there is few available literatures about whether genistein regulates glucose metabolism that in turn affects the lipid accumulation in animals or humans. The current study showed that genistein promoted glucose uptake by enhancing glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) protein level; and it also increased the activity of phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and the mRNA level of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) both in broiler chickens or hepatocytes. Moreover, genistein obviously increased the p-LKB1 and p-AMPKα protein levels both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the enhancement of genistein on glucose uptake and catabolism were reversed in hepatocytes pre-treated with AMPK inhibitor Compound C, and the increasing of genistein on the p-LKB1 and p-AMPKα protein levels were also reversed in hepatocytes pre-treated with PKA inhibitor H89. Importantly, the results showed that genistein simultaneously increased the estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) protein levels, but the elevation effect of genistein on cAMP content was completely reversed in hepatocytes pre-treated with GPER antagonist G15, rather than ERβ inhibitor PHTPP. Meanwhile, the increasing of p-LKB1 and p-AMPKα protein levels induced by genistein were also reversed in hepatocytes pre-treated with G15. Collectively, our data demonstrated that genistein improves glucose metabolism via activating the GPER-mediated cAMP/PKA-AMPK signaling pathway. These findings provide theoretical basis for genistein as a promising nutritional supplemental to alleviate metabolism disorders and related diseases in animals or even humans.

Effects of Anemoside B4 on Diarrhea Incidence, Serum Indices, and Fecal Microbial of Suckling Calves

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Anemoside B4 on diarrhea incidence, serum indices, and fecal microbial of suckling calves. Sixty newborn Chinese Holstein calves with similar body weight (43.7 ± 3.9 kg) were randomly divided into four groups with 15 calves each, fed the diet which was supplied 0 (CON), 15 (A1), 30 (A2), and 45 (A3) mg/day of Anemoside B4, respectively. The trial period is 56 days. The blood and fecal samples were collected at 28 and 56 days of age. Results show that during the whole trial period, the diarrhea incidence in Group A1, A2, and A3 was significantly lower than that in Group CON (p < 0.05). Compared with the Group CON, Anemoside B4 supplementation significantly decreased the contents of serum D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase at 28-day-old (p < 0.05). At 56-day-old, the content of serum D-lactic acid in Group A3 tended to be higher (0.05 < p < 0.01), and the content of serum diamine oxidase in Group A3 increased significantly, in comparison with Group CON (p < 0.05). Group A3 increased the level of Chao1 and Simpson indices at 28-day-old (0.05 < p < 0.01), and Chao1, Observed_species, Shannon, and Simpson indices at 56-day-old (p < 0.05), in comparison to Group CON. Compared with Group CON, 45 mg / day Anemoside B4 supplementation significantly increased the contents of Bacteroidota (at the phylum level), Prevotella (at the genus level) at 28-day-old (p < 0.05), and the content of Sutterella (at the genus level) at 56-day-old (p < 0.05), promoted the processes of energy metabolism, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between Prevotella and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, energy metabolism, and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism. A positive correlation was observed between Sutterella and energy metabolism. In conclusion, Anemoside B4 could effectively alleviate calf diarrhea, protect the integrity of intestinal mucosa, and change the structure of intestinal microbiota, indicating the potential value of Anemoside B4 in regulating intestinal microbiota and the prevention of intestinal diseases.

[Equol and its enantiomers inhibited urethane-induced lung cancer in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and mechanisms of equol and its enantiomers on urethane-induced lung cancer in mice.

METHODS

A total of 120 5-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 8 groups: lung cancer tumor control group (CG), genistein control group (GCG), low dose racemic equol group (LEG), high dose racemic equol group (HEG), low dose R-equol group (LRE), high dose R-equol group (HRE), low dose S-equol group (LSE) and high dose S-equol group (HSE). Urethane was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks to induce lung cancer and then the mice were fed for 4 months. The body weight and food intake of each group were measured and recorded weekly. After the mice were sacrificed, the blood, livers and lungs of the mice were collected. The incidence of lung cancer in each group was recorded. The concentration of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxygunosine (8-OHdG) were detected by the corresponding kits. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in the livers. Between-group differences in body weight and food intake of the mice were compared using repeated measures ANOVA, and ANOVA for the differences between non-repeated measurements, with post hoc analysis using Tukey's method if there were between-group differences. Comparisons of categorical data were performed by chi-square test, and if there were differences between the groups, the Bonferroni method was used for pairwise comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 49 in the 120 mice developed lung cancer. The overall incidence of lung cancer was 40.8%. Compared with the control group, the incidence of lung cancers in each experimental group was lower, and the difference was statistically significant. The incidence of lung cancer in the high-dose experimental group was significantly lower than that in the low-dose experimental group. However, the incidence of lung cancer was similar in the three equol groups and the genistein group at the same dose. Compared with the control group, the high-dose experimental group had higher serum SOD concentration, lower MDA and 8-OHdG concentrations, and the differences were statistically significant. Western blotting analysis showed that the expression levels of Nrf2 protein in the experimental groups were higher than those in the control group except the low-dose racemic equol group, and the Nrf2 protein expression level in the high-dose equol groups was higher than that in the low-dose equol groups.

CONCLUSION

Racemic equol and its enantiomers mayinhibit lung carcinogenesis through antioxidant effects.

Isoflavones alter male and female fertility in different development windows

Isoflavones are a group of secondary metabolites found in plants belonging to the class of phytoestrogens. These, because they have a chemical structure similar to the endogenous hormone 17β-estradiol, act as endocrine disruptors over the different development window periods. This study aimed to evaluate male and female reproductive systems' responses when exposed to isoflavones during the development window. It is characterized as a bibliographic review, built after analyzing clinical and preclinical articles indexed in English, Portuguese, and Spanish published in the last ten years. The isoflavones, aglycone or glucosides, have essential therapeutic properties in the relief of postmenopausal symptoms in women, reduce the proliferation of cancers, in addition to being antioxidants. On the other hand, they can still behave in a similar way to 17β-estradiol, binding to hormone receptors and acting as endocrine disruptors over the gestational period until pre-puberty, negatively affecting the development of the reproductive system. The effects on reproduction are not dose-response but are influenced by the type of isoflavone and period. There are variations in the serum concentration of hormones and action on their negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in males. Reproductive functions are also affected by spermatogenesis, such as decreased sperm count, lower reproductive performance, reduced litter size, low sperm production, and reduced seminal vesicle size. In females, puberty is reached later, irregular estrous cycle, reduced weight of the ovary, uterus, lower serum levels of estradiol and progesterone, reduced fertility, or interrupted fertility. At the end of the analysis of the selected publications, it can be concluded that despite the beneficial therapeutic effects in the face of pathologies, the unknown consumption of doses and types of isoflavones in food can damage the development and reproduction of individuals. Therefore, further studies must be carried out to elucidate the usual safe doses of the analyzed phytoestrogen. Greater control over insertion in foods targeted at pediatric consumers should be implemented until we have adequate safety.

The Influence of Plant Isoflavones Daidzein and Equol on Female Reproductive Processes

In this review, we explore the current literature on the influence of the plant isoflavone daidzein and its metabolite equol on animal and human physiological processes, with an emphasis on female reproduction including ovarian functions (the ovarian cycle; follicullo- and oogenesis), fundamental ovarian-cell functions (viability, proliferation, and apoptosis), the pituitary and ovarian endocrine regulators of these functions, and the possible intracellular mechanisms of daidzein action. Furthermore, we discuss the applicability of daidzein for the control of animal and human female reproductive processes, and how to make this application more efficient. The existing literature demonstrates the influence of daidzein and its metabolite equol on various nonreproductive and reproductive processes and their disorders. Daidzein and equol can both up- and downregulate the ovarian reception of gonadotropins, healthy and cancerous ovarian-cell proliferation, apoptosis, viability, ovarian growth, follicullo- and oogenesis, and follicular atresia. These effects could be mediated by daidzein and equol on hormone production and reception, reactive oxygen species, and intracellular regulators of proliferation and apoptosis. Both the stimulatory and the inhibitory effects of daidzein and equol could be useful for reproductive stimulation, the prevention and mitigation of cancer development, and the adverse effects of environmental stressors in reproductive biology and medicine.

Physiologically Active Molecules and Functional Properties of Soybeans in Human Health-A Current Perspective

In addition to providing nutrients, food can help prevent and treat certain diseases. In particular, research on soy products has increased dramatically following their emergence as functional foods capable of improving blood circulation and intestinal regulation. In addition to their nutritional value, soybeans contain specific phytochemical substances that promote health and are a source of dietary fiber, phospholipids, isoflavones (e.g., genistein and daidzein), phenolic acids, saponins, and phytic acid, while serving as a trypsin inhibitor. These individual substances have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing chronic diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, cardiac diseases, diabetes, and senile dementia, as well as in treating cancer and suppressing osteoporosis. Furthermore, soybean can affect fibrinolytic activity, control blood pressure, and improve lipid metabolism, while eliciting antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antibacterial effects. In this review, rather than to improve on the established studies on the reported nutritional qualities of soybeans, we intend to examine the physiological activities of soybeans that have recently been studied and confirm their potential as a high-functional, well-being food.

Effects of Soybean Isoflavone and Astragalus Polysaccharide Mixture on Colostrum Components, Serum Antioxidant, Immune and Hormone Levels of Lactating Sows

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of soybean isoflavone (SI) and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) mixture on the colostrum components, serum antioxidant, immune and hormone levels of lactating sows. A total of 72 healthy Yorkshire × Landrace lactating sows, were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates and three lactating sows for each replicate. The control group was fed the basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed the basal diet with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg SI and APS mixture in the form of powder, respectively. Compared with the control group, (a) the total lactation yield of the 200 mg/kg group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 21 days, (b) there was no significant difference in colostrum composition, (c) TG, CHO and MDA content in each treatment group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), (d) IgA, GH, IGF-1, TNF-α and SOD contents in the 200 mg/kg group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The SI and APS mixture could improve the average daily feed intake, lactation yield, serum antioxidant activities, immune function, and hormone levels of lactating sows, and the optimum dosage in this study was 200 mg/kg.

Colonization Potential to Reconstitute a Microbe Community in Pseudo Germ-Free Mice After Fecal Microbe Transplant From Equol Producer

Human intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the conversion of isoflavones into equol. Usually, human microbiota-associated (HMA) animal models are used, since it is difficult to establish the mechanism and causal relationship between equol and microbiota in human studies. Currently, several groups have successfully established HMA animal models that produce equol through germ-free mice or rats; however, the HMA model of producing equol through pseudo germ-free mice has not been established. The objective of this study is to establish an HMA mice model for equol production through pseudo germ-free mice, mimicking the gut microbiota of an adult human equol producer. First, a higher female equol producer was screened as a donor from 15 volunteers. Then, mice were exposed to vancomycin, neomycin sulfate, metronidazole, and ampicillin for 3 weeks to obtain pseudo germ-free mice. Finally, pseudo germ-free mice were inoculated with fecal microbiota of the equol producer for 3 weeks to establish HMA mice of producing equol. The results showed that (i) the ability to produce equol was partially transferred from the donor to the HMA mice. (ii) Most of the original intestinal microbiota of mice were eliminated after broad-spectrum antibiotic administration. (iii) The taxonomy data from HMA mice revealed similar taxa to the donor sample, and the species richness returned to the level close to the donor. (iv) The family Coriobacteriaceae and genera Collinsella were successfully transferred from the donor to HMA mice. In conclusion, the HMA mice model for equol production, based on pseudo germ-free mice, can replace the model established by germ-free mice. The model also provides a basis for studying microbiota during the conversion from isoflavones into equol.

Platelet Responses in Cardiovascular Disease: Sex-Related Differences in Nutritional and Pharmacological Interventions

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent one of the biggest causes of death globally, and their prevalence, aetiology, and outcome are related to genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors, among which sex- and age-dependent differences may play a key role. Among CVD risk factors, platelet hyperactivity deserves particular mention, as it is involved in the pathophysiology of main cardiovascular events (including stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular injury) and is closely related to sex/age differences. Several determinants (e.g., hormonal status and traditional cardiovascular risk factors), together with platelet-related factors (e.g., plasma membrane composition, receptor signaling, and platelet-derived microparticles) can elucidate sex-related disparity in platelet functionality and CVD onset and outcome, especially in relation to efficacy of current primary and secondary interventional strategies. Here, we examined the state of the art concerning sex differences in platelet biology and their relationship with specific cardiovascular events and responses to common antiplatelet therapies. Moreover, as healthy nutrition is widely recognized to play a key role in CVD, we also focused our attention on specific dietary components (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids and flavonoids) and patterns (such as Mediterranean diet), which also emerged to impact platelet functions in a sex-dependent manner. These results highlight that full understanding of gender-related differences will be useful for designing personalized strategies, in order to prevent and/or treat platelet-mediated vascular damage.