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In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2022Soy contains genistein and daidzein isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, with a similarity in structure to human 17-β estradiol hormone. They imitate the action... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND/AIM
Soy contains genistein and daidzein isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, with a similarity in structure to human 17-β estradiol hormone. They imitate the action of estrogen on organs by binding and activating estrogen receptors. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between soy consumption and breast cancer but not the amount of consumption itself. We performed a systematic review of the literature in order to determine whether the amount of soy and isoflavones consumed has a positive effect in pre- and post-menopausal women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data gathering was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Narrowing down the result set for all relevant data was performed via title, abstract, full-text evaluation and the snowball procedure. The selected articles had all relevant data extracted. Analysis of the data was performed using Cochrane's Review Manager statistical analysis tool in order to draw conclusions regarding the positive effect for the amount of soy and isoflavones consumed.
RESULTS
Significant results were found when statistically analyzing data from prospective studies which compared soy isoflavones consumption, breast cancer risk and occurrence. The data were indicative of a clear inverse correlation between the amount of isoflavones consumed and breast cancer occurrence in pre- and post-menopausal women.
CONCLUSION
The consumption of soy isoflavones can reduce the risk of breast cancer in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Topics: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Genistein; Humans; Isoflavones; Phytoestrogens; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 35241506
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12737 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Aug 2019The menopausal transition, or perimenopause, is characterized by menstrual irregularities, vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood symptoms, and urogenital tract... (Review)
Review
The menopausal transition, or perimenopause, is characterized by menstrual irregularities, vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood symptoms, and urogenital tract atrophy. These changes can also affect the quality of life and one's self-esteem. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered the best option to achieve therapeutic relief of different menopausal symptoms but is usually restricted to moderate or severe symptoms. Moreover, many women refuse HRT for a variety of reasons concerning the fear of cancer and other adverse effects. According to these considerations, new topics are emerging: Dissatisfaction with drug costs and conventional healthcare, desire for personalized medicines, and the public perception that "natural is good". In this context, nonhormonal therapies are mostly evolving, and it is not unusual that women often request a "natural" approach for their symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate nonhormonal therapies that have been identified to reduce the menopausal symptoms.
Topics: Contraindications, Drug; Dietary Supplements; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Hot Flashes; Humans; Menopause; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal; Phytoestrogens; Phytotherapy; Sleep Wake Disorders; Vitamins
PubMed: 31466381
DOI: 10.3390/medicina55090544 -
Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) Mar 2021Concerns that the phytoestrogens (isoflavones) in soy may feminize men continue to be raised. Several studies and case-reports describing feminizing effects including... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Concerns that the phytoestrogens (isoflavones) in soy may feminize men continue to be raised. Several studies and case-reports describing feminizing effects including lowering testosterone levels and raising estrogen levels in men have been published. For this reason, the clinical data were meta-analyzed to determine whether soy or isoflavone intake affects total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E), estrone (E), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). PubMed and CAB Abstracts databases were searched between 2010 and April 2020, with use of controlled vocabulary specific to the databases. Peer-reviewed studies published in English were selected if (1) adult men consumed soyfoods, soy protein, or isoflavone extracts (from soy or red clover) and [2] circulating TT, FT, SHBG, E2 or E1 was assessed. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. With one exception, studies included in a 2010 meta-analysis were included in the current analysis. A total of 41 studies were included in the analyses. TT and FT levels were measured in 1753 and 752 men, respectively; E and E levels were measured in 1000 and 239 men, respectively and SHBG was measured in 967 men. Regardless of the statistical model, no significant effects of soy protein or isoflavone intake on any of the outcomes measured were found. Sub-analysis of the data according to isoflavone dose and study duration also showed no effect. This updated and expanded meta-analysis indicates that regardless of dose and study duration, neither soy protein nor isoflavone exposure affects TT, FT, E or E levels in men.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Estrogens; Feminization; Humans; Isoflavones; Male; Middle Aged; Phytoestrogens; Soybean Proteins; Testosterone; Young Adult
PubMed: 33383165
DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.12.019 -
Nutrients Jan 2023Phytoestrogens are literally estrogenic substances of plant origin. Although these substances are useful for plants in many aspects, their estrogenic properties are... (Review)
Review
Phytoestrogens are literally estrogenic substances of plant origin. Although these substances are useful for plants in many aspects, their estrogenic properties are essentially relevant to their predators. As such, phytoestrogens can be considered to be substances potentially dedicated to plant-predator interaction. Therefore, it is not surprising to note that the word phytoestrogen comes from the early discovery of estrogenic effects in grazing animals and humans. Here, several compounds whose activities have been discovered at nutritional concentrations in animals and humans are examined. The substances analyzed belong to several chemical families, i.e., the flavanones, the coumestans, the resorcylic acid lactones, the isoflavones, and the enterolignans. Following their definition and the evocation of their role in plants, their metabolic transformations and bioavailabilities are discussed. A point is then made regarding their health effects, which can either be beneficial or adverse depending on the subject studied, the sex, the age, and the physiological status. Toxicological information is given based on official data. The effects are first presented in humans. Animal models are evoked when no data are available in humans. The effects are presented with a constant reference to doses and plausible exposure.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Phytoestrogens; Isoflavones; Plants; Estrogens; Models, Animal
PubMed: 36678189
DOI: 10.3390/nu15020317 -
Nutrients May 2021Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and the deterioration of bone microarchitecture leading to bone fragility and an increased... (Review)
Review
Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and the deterioration of bone microarchitecture leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. Conventional anti-osteoporotic pharmaceutics are effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of osteoporosis, however they are associated with various side effects that push many women into seeking botanicals as an alternative therapy. Traditional folk medicine is a rich source of bioactive compounds waiting for discovery and investigation that might be used in those patients, and therefore botanicals have recently received increasing attention. The aim of this review of literature is to present the comprehensive information about plant-derived compounds that might be used to maintain bone health in perimenopausal and postmenopausal females.
Topics: Animals; Bone Density; Bone and Bones; Botany; Female; Fractures, Bone; Herbal Medicine; Humans; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal; Phytoestrogens
PubMed: 34064936
DOI: 10.3390/nu13051609 -
Nutrients Sep 2020Plant-based diets are associated with reduced risk of lifestyle-induced chronic diseases. The thousands of phytochemicals they contain are implicated in cellular-based... (Review)
Review
Plant-based diets are associated with reduced risk of lifestyle-induced chronic diseases. The thousands of phytochemicals they contain are implicated in cellular-based mechanisms to promote antioxidant defense and reduce inflammation. While recommendations encourage the intake of fruits and vegetables, most people fall short of their target daily intake. Despite the need to increase plant-food consumption, there have been some concerns raised about whether they are beneficial because of the various 'anti-nutrient' compounds they contain. Some of these anti-nutrients that have been called into question included lectins, oxalates, goitrogens, phytoestrogens, phytates, and tannins. As a result, there may be select individuals with specific health conditions who elect to decrease their plant food intake despite potential benefits. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the science of these 'anti-nutrients' and weigh the evidence of whether these compounds pose an actual health threat.
Topics: Antioxidants; Antithyroid Agents; Cooking; Diet, Vegetarian; Food Handling; Fruit; Humans; Lectins; Nutrients; Oxalates; Phytic Acid; Phytochemicals; Phytoestrogens; Tannins; Vegetables
PubMed: 32987890
DOI: 10.3390/nu12102929 -
Nutrients Aug 2020Dietary phytoestrogens are bioactive compounds with estrogenic activity. With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, the intake of phytoestrogen-rich legumes... (Review)
Review
Dietary phytoestrogens are bioactive compounds with estrogenic activity. With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, the intake of phytoestrogen-rich legumes (especially soy) and legume-derived foods has increased. Evidence from preclinical studies suggests these compounds may have an effect on hormones and health, although the results of human trials are unclear. The effects of dietary phytoestrogens depend on the exposure (phytoestrogen type, matrix, concentration, and bioavailability), ethnicity, hormone levels (related to age, sex, and physiological condition), and health status of the consumer. In this review, we have summarized the results of human studies on dietary phytoestrogens with the aim of assessing the possible hormone-dependent outcomes and health effects of their consumption throughout a lifespan, focusing on pregnancy, childhood, adulthood, and the premenopausal and postmenopausal stages. In pregnant women, an improvement of insulin metabolism has been reported in only one study. Sex hormone alterations have been found in the late stages of childhood, and goitrogenic effects in children with hypothyroidism. In premenopausal and postmenopausal women, the reported impacts on hormones are inconsistent, although beneficial goitrogenic effects and improved glycemic control and cardiovascular risk markers have been described in postmenopausal individuals. In adult men, different authors report goitrogenic effects and a reduction of insulin in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients. Further carefully designed studies are warranted to better elucidate the impact of phytoestrogen consumption on the endocrine system at different life stages.
Topics: Adult; Child; Diet; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Hormones; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Isoflavones; Lignans; Longevity; Male; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Phytoestrogens; Postmenopause; Pregnancy; Premenopause; Glycine max; Vegetables
PubMed: 32824177
DOI: 10.3390/nu12082456 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2021Based on their nutrient composition, soybeans and related foods have been considered to be nutritious and healthy for humans. Particularly, the biological activity and... (Review)
Review
Based on their nutrient composition, soybeans and related foods have been considered to be nutritious and healthy for humans. Particularly, the biological activity and subsequent benefits of soy products may be associated with the presence of isoflavone in soybeans. As an alternative treatment for menopause-related symptoms, isoflavone has gained much popularity for postmenopausal women who have concerns related to undergoing hormone replacement therapy. However, current research has still not reached a consensus on the effects of isoflavone on humans. This overview is a summary of the current literature about the processing of soybeans and isoflavone types (daidzein, genistein, and S-equol) and supplements and their extraction and analysis as well as information about the utilization of isoflavones in soybeans. The processes of preparation (cleaning, drying, crushing and dehulling) and extraction of soybeans are implemented to produce refined soy oil, soy lecithin, free fatty acids, glycerol and soybean meal. The remaining components consist of inorganic constituents (minerals) and the minor components of biologically interesting small molecules. Regarding the preventive effects on diseases or cancers, a higher intake of isoflavones is associated with a moderately lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. It may also reduce the risks of breast and colorectal cancer as well as the incidence of breast cancer recurrence. Consumption of isoflavones or soy foods is associated with reduced risks of endometrial and bladder cancer. Regarding the therapeutic effects on menopausal syndrome or other diseases, isoflavones have been found to alleviate vasomotor syndromes even after considering placebo effects, reduce bone loss in the spine and ameliorate hypertension and in vitro glycemic control. They may also alleviate depressive symptoms during pregnancy. On the other hand, isoflavones have not shown definitive effects regarding improving cognition and urogenital symptoms. Because of lacking standardization in the study designs, such as the ingredients and doses of isoflavones and the durations and outcomes of trials, it currently remains difficult to draw overall conclusions for all aspects of isoflavones. These limitations warrant further investigations of isoflavone use for women's health.
Topics: Animals; Chemical Fractionation; Dietary Supplements; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Hot Flashes; Humans; Isoflavones; Menopause; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Phytoestrogens; Plant Extracts; Glycine max; Spectrum Analysis; Structure-Activity Relationship; Syndrome
PubMed: 33809928
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063212 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2022With technological advancements in the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries, numerous research studies have focused on the propolis produced by stingless bees (... (Review)
Review
With technological advancements in the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries, numerous research studies have focused on the propolis produced by stingless bees ( tribe) and honeybees as alternative complementary medicines for the potential treatment of various acute and chronic diseases. Propolis can be found in tropical and subtropical forests throughout the world. The composition of phytochemical constituents in propolis varies depending on the bee species, geographical location, botanical source, and environmental conditions. Typically, propolis contains lipid, beeswax, essential oils, pollen, and organic components. The latter include flavonoids, phenolic compounds, polyphenols, terpenes, terpenoids, coumarins, steroids, amino acids, and aromatic acids. The biologically active constituents of propolis, which include countless organic compounds such as artepillin C, caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, apigenin, chrysin, galangin, kaempferol, luteolin, genistein, naringin, pinocembrin, coumaric acid, and quercetin, have a broad spectrum of biological and therapeutic properties such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstruct pulmonary disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract-related diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, as well as neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and immuno-inflammatory agents. Therefore, this review aims to provide a summary of recent studies on the role of propolis, its constituents, its biologically active compounds, and their efficacy in the medicinal and pharmaceutical treatment of chronic diseases.
Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Antioxidants; Apigenin; Caffeic Acids; Coumaric Acids; Coumarins; Flavonoids; Genistein; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Kaempferols; Lipids; Luteolin; Oils, Volatile; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Propolis; Quercetin; Terpenes
PubMed: 36144852
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186120 -
Cells Jun 2021The relationship between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris has yet to be explored in the literature. Acne vulgaris is a chronic... (Review)
Review
The relationship between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris has yet to be explored in the literature. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit. The pathogenesis of acne involves several hormonal pathways, including androgens, insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1), estrogens, and corticosteroids. EDCs influence these pathways primarily through two mechanisms: altering endogenous hormone levels and interfering with hormone receptor function. This review article describes the mechanistic links between EDCs and the development of acne lesions. Highlighted is the contributory role of androgen receptor ligands, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and mono-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate (MEHP), via upregulation of lipogenic genes and resultant exacerbation of cholesterol synthesis. Additionally discussed is the protective role of phytoestrogen EDCs in counteracting androgen-induced sebocyte maturation through attenuation of PPARy transcriptional activity (i.e., resveratrol) and restoration of estrogen-regulated TGF-B expression in skin cells (i.e., genistein). Examination of the relationship between EDCs and acne vulgaris may inform adjunctive avenues of treatment such as limiting environmental exposures, and increasing low-glycemic, plant-rich foods in the diet. With a better understanding of the cumulative role that EDCs play in acne, clinicians can be better equipped to treat and ultimately improve the lives of their patients.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Endocrine Disruptors; Female; Humans; Phytoestrogens; Young Adult
PubMed: 34207527
DOI: 10.3390/cells10061439