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German Medical Science : GMS E-journal 2014Phytoestrogens are present in certain edible plants being most abundant in soy; they are structurally and functionally analogous to the estrogens. Phytoestrogens have... (Review)
Review
Phytoestrogens are present in certain edible plants being most abundant in soy; they are structurally and functionally analogous to the estrogens. Phytoestrogens have been applied for compensation of hormone deficiency in the menopause. At the same time, soy products are used in infant food and other foodstuffs. Furthermore, soy is applied as animal fodder, so that residual phytoestrogens and their active metabolites such as equol can remain in meat and influence the hormonal balance of the consumers. There have been only singular reports on modified gender-related behavior or feminization in humans in consequence of soy consumption. In animals, the intake of phytoestrogens was reported to impact fertility, sexual development and behavior. Feminizing effects in humans can be subtle and identifiable only statistically in large populations.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Female; Feminization; Fertility; Humans; Male; Phytoestrogens; Sexual Development; Soy Foods
PubMed: 25587246
DOI: 10.3205/000203 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022It has been shown that citrus flavanone naringenin and its prenyl derivative 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) possess various pharmacological activities in in vitro and in vivo...
It has been shown that citrus flavanone naringenin and its prenyl derivative 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) possess various pharmacological activities in in vitro and in vivo models. Interestingly, it has been proposed that prenylation can enhance biological potentials, including the estrogen-like activities of flavonoids. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-diabetic potential and molecular mechanism of 8-PN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced insulin-deficient diabetic mice in comparison with naringenin reported to exhibit hypoglycemic effects. The oral administration of naringenin and 8-PN ameliorated impaired glucose homeostasis and islet dysfunction induced by STZ treatment. These protective effects were associated with the suppression of pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and inflammatory responses in mice. Moreover, both naringenin and 8-PN normalized STZ-induced insulin-signaling defects in skeletal muscles and apoptotic protein expression in the liver. Importantly, 8-PN increased the protein expression levels of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) in the pancreas and liver and of fibroblast growth factor 21 in the liver, suggesting that 8-PN could act as an ERα agonist in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying preventive effects of naringenin and 8-PN on the impairment of glucose homeostasis in insulin-deficient diabetic mice.
Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Estrogens; Flavanones; Glucose; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Mice; Phytoestrogens; Streptozocin
PubMed: 35807469
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134227 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2020The value of hops ( L.) in beer production has been undisputed for centuries. Hops is rich in humulones and lupulones which gives the characteristic aroma and bitter... (Review)
Review
The value of hops ( L.) in beer production has been undisputed for centuries. Hops is rich in humulones and lupulones which gives the characteristic aroma and bitter taste, and preserves this golden drink against growing bacteria and molds. Besides α- and β-acids, the lupulin glands of hop cones excrete prenylated flavonoids, which exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities and therefore has therapeutic potential in humans. Recently, interest in hops was raised due to hop prenylated flavanones which show extraordinary estrogen activities. The strongest known phytoestrogen so far is 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), which along with 6-prenylanaringenin (6-PN), 6,8-diprenylnaringenin (6,8-DPN) and 8-geranylnaringenin (8-GN) are fundamental for the potent estrogen activity of hops. This review provides insight into the unusual hop phytoestrogens and shows numerous health benefits associated with their wide spectrum of biological activities including estrogenic, anticancer, neuropreventive, antinflamatory, and antimicrobial properties, which were intensively studied, and potential applications of these compounds such as, as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Beer; Cell Line, Tumor; Estrogens; Flavonoids; Food Analysis; Humans; Humulus; Hypoglycemic Agents; Mice; Phenols; Phytochemicals; Phytoestrogens; Rats
PubMed: 32937790
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184201 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Apr 2023While endocrine therapy is considered as an effective way to treat breast cancer, it still faces many challenges, such as drug resistance and individual discrepancy.... (Review)
Review
While endocrine therapy is considered as an effective way to treat breast cancer, it still faces many challenges, such as drug resistance and individual discrepancy. Therefore, novel preventive and therapeutic modalities are still in great demand to decrease the incidence and mortality rate of breast cancer. Numerous studies suggested that G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a membrane estrogen receptor, is a potential target for breast cancer prevention and treatment. It was also shown that not only endogenous estrogens can activate GPERs, but many phytoestrogens can also function as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) to interact GPERs. In this review, we discussed the possible mechanisms of GPERs pathways and shed a light of developing novel phytoestrogens based dietary supplements against breast cancers.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Phytoestrogens; Receptors, Estrogen; Estrogens; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 36753952
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114341 -
Chinese Medical Journal Feb 2016The purpose of this review is to discuss some critical issues of isoflavones protective against the development of prostate cancer (PCa). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to discuss some critical issues of isoflavones protective against the development of prostate cancer (PCa).
DATA SOURCES
Data cited in this review were obtained primarily from PubMed and Embase from 1975 to 2015.
STUDY SELECTION
Articles were selected with the search terms "isoflavone", "Phytoestrogen", "soy", "genistin", and "PCa ".
RESULTS
Isoflavones do not play an important role on prostate-specific antigen levels reduction in PCa patients or healthy men. The effect of isoflavones on sex hormone levels and PCa risk may be determined by equol converting bacteria in the intestine, specific polymorphic variation and concentrations of isoflavones. The intake of various types of phytoestrogens with lower concentrations in the daily diet may produce synergistic effects against PCa. Moreover, prostate tissue may concentrate isoflavones to potentially anti-carcinogenic levels. In addition, it is noteworthy that isoflavones may act as an agonist in PCa.
CONCLUSIONS
Isoflavones play a protective role against the development of PCa. However, careful consideration should be given when isoflavones are used in the prevention and treatment of PCa.
Topics: Humans; Isoflavones; Male; Phytoestrogens; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 26831238
DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.174488 -
BMC Women's Health May 2023Uterine leiomyomata (UL) is a common gynecological disease in women. Studied on the relationship between single metabolites of urinary phytoestrogens and UL, especially...
BACKGROUND
Uterine leiomyomata (UL) is a common gynecological disease in women. Studied on the relationship between single metabolites of urinary phytoestrogens and UL, especially for the combined effects of mixed metabolites on UL still are insufficient.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, we included 1,579 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Urinary phytoestrogens were assessed by measuring urinary excretion of daidzein, genistein, equol, O-desmethylangolensin, enterodiol and enterolactone. The outcome was defined as UL. Weighted logistic regression was used to analyze the association between single metabolites of urinary phytoestrogens and UL. Notably, we adopted the weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile g-computation (qgcomp) models, to investigate the combined effects of six mixed metabolites on UL.
RESULTS
The prevalence of UL was approximately 12.92%. After adjusting age, race/ethnicity, marital status, drinking status, body mass index, waist circumference, menopausal status, ovary removed status, use of female hormones, hormones/hormone modifiers, total energy, daidzein, genistein, O-desmethylangolensin, enterodiol, and enterolactone, the association of equol with UL was significant [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-3.38]. In the WQS model, mixed metabolites of urinary phytoestrogen had a positive association with UL (OR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.12-2.51), with the highest weighted chemical of equol. In the gpcomp model, equol had the largest positive weight, followed by genistein and enterodiol. In the BKMR model, equol and enterodiol have positive correlation on UL risk, while enterolactone has negative correlation.
CONCLUSION
Our results implied a positive association between the mixed metabolites of urinary phytoestrogen and UL. This study provides evidence that urinary phytoestrogen-metabolite mixture was closely related to the risk of female UL.
Topics: Humans; Female; Phytoestrogens; Genistein; Equol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutrition Surveys; Bayes Theorem; Leiomyoma
PubMed: 37179289
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02381-5 -
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 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Oct 2017A great interest has been developed last decades on the role of phytoestrogens as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. In fact, numerous studies have shown the... (Review)
Review
A great interest has been developed last decades on the role of phytoestrogens as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. In fact, numerous studies have shown the effects of soy isoflavones on climacteric symptomatology by significantly reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, as well on cardiovascular health. The aim of this paper was to review the last studies, mainly randomized controlled trials, on the effect of isoflavones on climacteric symptoms and their impact on women's quality of life, as well as on other health markers. Following a review of meta-analyzes and recent clinical trials, evidence has been obtained of the efficacy of isoflavones use in reducing hot flashes, improving the quality of life, lowering the cardiovascular risk by optimizing lipid profile, and Improving bone mineral density and other markers of bone resorption. Most of the authors concluded on the favorable effect of regular consumption of soy isoflavones on the health and quality of life of peri and postmenopausal women.
Topics: Diet; Female; Humans; Menopause; Middle Aged; Phytoestrogens; Glycine max; Women's Health
PubMed: 29156930
DOI: 10.20960/nh.1569 -
MBio Apr 2019With recent poaching of southern white rhinoceros (SWR []) reaching record levels, the need for a robust assurance population is urgent. However, the global captive SWR...
With recent poaching of southern white rhinoceros (SWR []) reaching record levels, the need for a robust assurance population is urgent. However, the global captive SWR population is not currently self-sustaining due to the reproductive failure of captive-born females. Dietary phytoestrogens have been proposed to play a role in this phenomenon, and recent work has demonstrated a negative relationship between diet estrogenicity and fertility of captive-born female SWR. To further examine this relationship, we compared gut microbial communities, fecal phytoestrogens, and fertility of SWR to those of another rhinoceros species-the greater one-horned rhinoceros (GOHR []), which consumes a similar diet but exhibits high levels of fertility in captivity. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and mass spectrometry, we identified a species-specific fecal microbiota and three dominant fecal phytoestrogen profiles. These profiles exhibited various levels of estrogenicity when tested in an estrogen receptor activation assay for both rhinoceros species, with profiles dominated by the microbial metabolite equol stimulating the highest levels of receptor activation. Finally, we found that SWR fertility varies significantly not only with respect to phytoestrogen profile, but also with respect to the abundance of several bacterial taxa and microbially derived phytoestrogen metabolites. Taken together, these data suggest that in addition to species differences in estrogen receptor sensitivity to phytoestrogens, reproductive outcomes may be driven by the gut microbiota's transformation of dietary phytoestrogens in captive SWR females. Southern white rhinoceros (SWR) poaching has reached record levels, and captive infertility has rendered SWR assurance populations no longer self-sustaining. Previous work has identified dietary phytoestrogens as a likely cause of this problem. Here, we investigate the role of gut microbiota in this phenomenon by comparing two rhinoceros species to provide the first characterizations of gut microbiomes for any rhinoceros species. To our knowledge, our approach, combining parallel sequencing, mass spectrometry, and estrogen receptor activation assays, provides insight into the relationship between microbially mediated phytoestrogen metabolism and fertility that is novel for any vertebrate species. With this information, we plan to direct future work aimed at developing strategies to improve captive reproduction in the hope of alleviating their threat of extinction.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Zoo; Cluster Analysis; DNA, Ribosomal; Feces; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Infertility; Mass Spectrometry; Perissodactyla; Phylogeny; Phytoestrogens; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 30967461
DOI: 10.1128/mBio.00311-19 -
Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive... 2018Urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence are pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) disproportionately experienced by postmenopausal women. Limited... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence are pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) disproportionately experienced by postmenopausal women. Limited data exist suggesting that phytoestrogens may have an impact on the pathophysiology and symptom of PFDs.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The aim of the study was to review the current literature addressing the role of phytoestrogens on PFDs, including the pathophysiology, symptom, treatment, and possible prevention.
FINDINGS
Qualifying literature spans from 2003 to 2017 and included 14 studies ranging from in vitro, animal, and observational studies to randomized clinical trials.
SUMMARY
Although the literature is limited, most studies on phytoestrogens and PFDs support associations with pathophysiologic mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, but not fecal incontinence. Less is known regarding the prevention of PFDs with phytoestrogen intake over time. Overall, the potential influence of phytoestrogens on PFDs is not well understood, and more research is needed.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Phytoestrogens
PubMed: 29432329
DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000559