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CA: a Cancer Journal For Clinicians 2007Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived substances that are structurally or functionally similar to estradiol. Interest in phytoestrogens has been fueled by... (Review)
Review
Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived substances that are structurally or functionally similar to estradiol. Interest in phytoestrogens has been fueled by epidemiologic data that suggest a decreased risk of breast cancer in women from countries with high phytoestrogen consumption. Women with a history of breast cancer may seek out these "natural" hormones in the belief that they are safe or perhaps even protective against recurrence. Interpretation of research studies regarding phytoestrogen intake and breast cancer risk is hampered by differences in dietary measurement, lack of standardization of supplemental sources, differences in metabolism amongst individuals, and the retrospective nature of much of the research in this area. Data regarding the role of phytoestrogens in breast cancer prevention is conflicting, but suggest early exposure in childhood or early adolescence may be protective. In several placebo-controlled randomized trials among breast cancer survivors, soy has not been found to decrease menopausal symptoms. There is very little human data on the role of phytoestrogens in preventing breast cancer recurrence, but the few studies conducted do not support a protective role. There is in vivo animal data suggesting the phytoestrogen genistein may interfere with the inhibitive effects of tamoxifen on breast cancer cell growth.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Diet; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Genistein; Hot Flashes; Humans; Isoflavones; Lignans; Phytoestrogens; Postmenopause; Premenopause; Receptors, Estrogen; United States
PubMed: 17855484
DOI: 10.3322/CA.57.5.260 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Jun 2023Neurodegenerative disorders are heterogeneous, debilitating, and incurable groups of brain disorders that have common features including progressive degeneration of the... (Review)
Review
Neurodegenerative disorders are heterogeneous, debilitating, and incurable groups of brain disorders that have common features including progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system. Phytoestogenic-isoflavones have been identified as active compounds that can modulate different molecular signaling pathways related to the nervous system. The main aim is to shed the light on the molecular mechanisms followed by phytoestrogen-isoflavones profound in the Trifolium pratense and discuss the latest pharmacological findings in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Data were collected using different databases. The search terms used included "Phytoestrogens," "Isoflavones," "neurodegenerative disorders," "Neuronal plasticity," etc., and combinations of these keywords. As a result, this review article mainly demonstrates the potential neuroprotective properties of phystoestrogen-isoflavones present in the Trifolium pratense (Red clover), particularly in neurodegenerative disorders. Phytochemical studies have shown that Trifolium pratense mainly includes more than 30 isoflavone compounds. Among them, phytoestrogen-isoflavones, such as biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein (Gen), etc.,are characterized by potent neuroprotective properties against different neurodegenerative disorders. There are preclinical and clinical scientific evidence on their mechanisms of action involve molecular interaction with estrogenic receptors, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antiapoptotic, autophagic inducing, and so on. phytoestrogen-isoflavones are the major bioactive components in the Trifolium pratense that exhibit therapeutic efficacy in the case of neurodegenerative disorders. This review provides detailed molecular mechanisms targeted by phytoestrogen-isoflavones and experimental key findings for the clinical use of prescriptions containing Trifolium pratense-derived isoflavones for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Topics: Phytoestrogens; Trifolium; Neuroprotective Agents; Isoflavones; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 37195042
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7870 -
Stroke Aug 2021The incidences of intracranial aneurysm and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are high in postmenopausal women. Although population-based studies suggest that hormone...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The incidences of intracranial aneurysm and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are high in postmenopausal women. Although population-based studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy is beneficial for postmenopausal women with intracranial aneurysms, estrogen replacement may no longer be recommended for the prevention of chronic diseases given its association with adverse outcomes, such as cancer and ischemic stroke. The isoflavone daidzein and its intestinal metabolite equol are bioactive phytoestrogens and potent agonists of estrogen receptors. Given their estrogenic properties, we investigated whether the isoflavones daidzein and equol are protective against the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms in a mouse model of the postmenopausal state.
METHODS
We induced intracranial aneurysms in ovariectomized adult female mice using a combination of induced systemic hypertension and a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid. We fed the mice with an isoflavone-free diet with/without daidzein supplementation, or in a combination of intraperitoneal equol, or oral vancomycin treatment. We also used estrogen receptor beta knockout mice.
RESULTS
Both dietary daidzein and supplementation with its metabolite, equol, were protective against aneurysm formation in ovariectomized mice. The protective effects of daidzein and equol required estrogen receptor-β. The disruption of the intestinal microbial conversion of daidzein to equol abolished daidzein’s protective effect against aneurysm formation. Mice treated with equol had lower inflammatory cytokines in the cerebral arteries, suggesting that phytoestrogens modulate inflammatory processes important to intracranial aneurysm pathogenesis.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study establishes that both dietary daidzein and its metabolite, equol, protect against aneurysm formation in ovariectomized female mice through the activation of estrogen receptor-β and subsequent suppression of inflammation. Dietary daidzein’s protective effect required the intestinal conversion to equol. Our results indicate the potential therapeutic value of dietary daidzein and its metabolite, equol, for the prevention of the formation of intracranial aneurysms and related subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Topics: Animals; Equol; Female; Inflammation Mediators; Intracranial Aneurysm; Isoflavones; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Ovariectomy; Phytoestrogens
PubMed: 34157864
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.032042 -
Nutrients Jun 2022The aim of this report was to determine the impact of flaxseed, soy and red clover, and their bioactive substances on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of this report was to determine the impact of flaxseed, soy and red clover, and their bioactive substances on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women in cardiovascular diseases prevention. We used the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis indicates that the intake of flaxseed by postmenopausal women is associated with a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (weighted-mean difference (WMD) = -0.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.38 to -0.13; = 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (WMD = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.08; = 0.0006), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD = -0.06; 95% CI: -0.11 to -0.01; = 0.0150). The effect of soy protein on the lipid profile showed a significant decrease in TC levels: WMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.25-0.05; = 0.0048, LDL-C levels: WMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.25-0.05; = 0.0067, as well as a significant increase in HDL-C levels: WMD = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02-0.08; = 0.0034. Changes in the lipid profile showed a significant reduction in TC levels after the use of red clover (WMD = -0.11; 95% CI: -0.18--0.04; = 0.0017) and a significant increase in HDL-C levels (WMD = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.07; = 0.0165). This meta-analysis provides evidence that consuming flaxseed, soy and red clover can have a beneficial effect on lipids in postmenopausal women and suggest a favorable effect in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, LDL; Female; Flax; Humans; Phytoestrogens; Postmenopause; Glycine max; Trifolium
PubMed: 35745197
DOI: 10.3390/nu14122467 -
Medicine May 2024Cancer remains a significant challenge in the field of oncology, with the search for novel and effective treatments ongoing. Calycosin (CA), a phytoestrogen derived from... (Review)
Review
Cancer remains a significant challenge in the field of oncology, with the search for novel and effective treatments ongoing. Calycosin (CA), a phytoestrogen derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has garnered attention as a promising candidate. With its high targeting and low toxicity profile, CA has demonstrated medicinal potential across various diseases, including cancers, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Studies have revealed that CA possesses inhibitory effects against a diverse array of cancers. The underlying mechanism of action involves a reduction in tumor cell proliferation, induction of tumor cell apoptosis, and suppression of tumor cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, CA has been shown to enhance the efficacy of certain chemotherapeutic drugs, making it a potential component in treating malignant tumors. Given its high efficacy, low toxicity, and multi-targeting characteristics, CA holds considerable promise as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. The objective of this review is to present a synthesis of the current understanding of the antitumor mechanism of CA and its research progress.
Topics: Isoflavones; Humans; Phytoestrogens; Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation; Apoptosis; Cell Movement; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
PubMed: 38701310
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038023 -
Andrology Jul 2016This study uses current epidemiological data to evaluate whether phytoestrogen intake is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. We performed a random-effect... (Review)
Review
This study uses current epidemiological data to evaluate whether phytoestrogen intake is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. We performed a random-effect meta-analysis of published data retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and CNKI, which was supplemented by a manual search of relevant references. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was evaluated to assess the stability of the results. Egger's test and funnel plots were used to detect the existence of publication bias. We retrieved 507 papers, and 29 studies were ultimately confirmed as eligible. The meta-analysis showed that phytoestrogen intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.77 (95% CI 0.66-0.88; I(2) = 77.6%). The food/nutritional sources that were significantly associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer included soy and soy products, tofu, legumes, daidzein, and genistein. Subgroup analysis indicated that the associations were significant among Asians and Caucasians, but not among Africans. Meta-regression revealed that the pooled OR increased with the number of cases in the studies. The results might be affected by publication bias based on the Eggers' test (p = 0.011) and the asymmetry of the funnel plot. Phytoestrogen intake may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in Asians and Caucasians. Regular intake of food that is rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy/soy products or legumes, should be recommended.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Male; Phytoestrogens; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk; Risk Reduction Behavior
PubMed: 27260185
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12196 -
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 -
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and... Jan 2014One of the most important environmental factors to promote epigenetic alterations in an individual is nutrition and exposure to plant compounds. Phytoestrogens and other... (Review)
Review
One of the most important environmental factors to promote epigenetic alterations in an individual is nutrition and exposure to plant compounds. Phytoestrogens and other phytochemicals have dramatic effects on cellular signaling events, so have the capacity to dramatically alter developmental and physiological events. Epigenetics provides one of the more critical molecular mechanisms for environmental factors such as phytoestrogens/phytochemicals to influence biology. In the event these epigenetic mechanisms become heritable through epigenetic transgenerational mechanisms the impacts on the health of future generations and areas such as evolutionary biology need to be considered. The current review focuses on available information on the environmental epigenetics of phytoestrogen/phytochemical exposures, with impacts on health, disease and evolutionary biology considered. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Phytoestrogens'.
Topics: Animals; Diet; Endocrine Disruptors; Environmental Exposure; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenomics; Evolution, Molecular; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Phytoestrogens
PubMed: 23274117
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.12.011 -
Biotechnology Advances Nov 2020Phytoestrogens are a class of plant produced polyphenolic compounds with diphenolic structure, which is similar to 17β-estradiol. These phytoestrogens preferentially... (Review)
Review
Phytoestrogens are a class of plant produced polyphenolic compounds with diphenolic structure, which is similar to 17β-estradiol. These phytoestrogens preferentially bind to estrogen receptors, however, with weak affinity. Recently, many studies have found that these phytoestrogens can be transformed by gut microbiota through novel enzymatic reactions into metabolites with altered bioactivity. Recent studies have also implied that these metabolites could possibly modulate the host gut ecosystem, gene expression, metabolism and the immune system. Thus, isolating gut microbes capable of biotransforming phytoestrogens and characterizing the novel enzymatic reactions involved are principal to understand the mechanisms of beneficial effects brought by gut microbiota and their metabolism on phytoestrogens, and to provide the theoretical knowledge for the development of functional probiotics. In the present review, we summarized works on gut microbial biotransformation of phytoestrogens, including daidzin (isoflavone), phenylnaringenin (prenylflavonoid), lignans, resveratrol (stilbene) and ellagitannins. We mainly focus on gut bacterial isolation, metabolic pathway characterization, and the bidirectional interaction of phytoestrogens with gut microbes to illustrate the novel metabolic capability of gut microbiota and the methods used in these studies.
Topics: Biotransformation; Diet; Ecosystem; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Phytoestrogens
PubMed: 32531317
DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107576 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... 2015Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm and the second most common cause of cancer death in women. This malignancy is recognized to be... (Review)
Review
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm and the second most common cause of cancer death in women. This malignancy is recognized to be estrogen-dependent and due to this feature, hormone replacement therapy is regarded as potentially dangerous in breast cancer survivors who seek relief of their menopausal symptoms. Whereas hot flashes are detected in nearly half of postmenopausal women with a relatively high frequency and severity, botanic sources of estrogens have been proposed as an alternative treatment. Nevertheless, estrogenic properties of these compounds suggest possibility of stimulating cancer recurrence or worsening prognosis in survivors. As well, effects in improving vasomotor climacteric changes is controversial. Many studies have considered the subject, some focusing on efficacy of phytoestrogens for control of menopausal symptoms, and others discussing effects of these compounds on breast cancer outcome in terms of survival or recurrence. The present article is a concise review of the effects of consumption of phytoestrogens on menopausal symptoms, namely hot flashes, and breast cancer recurrence and mortality in survivors of the disease. Overall, the major part of the current existing literature is in favor of positive effects of phytoestrogens on breast cancer prognosis, but the efficacy on menopausal symptoms is probably minimal at the best.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Hot Flashes; Humans; Menopause; Phytoestrogens
PubMed: 25921102
DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.8.3091