Keywords
isoflavones, soy, phytoestrogens, 17beta-estradiol
Abstract
Isoflavones, the most abundant phytoestrogens in soy foods, are structurally similar to 17beta-estradiol. Few studies have examined the nociception and stress hormone responses after consumption of soy isoflavones. Methods: In this study, ovariectomized (OVX) female Long-Evans rats were fed either an isoflavone-rich diet (Phyto-600) or an isoflavone-free diet (Phyto-free). We examined the effects of soy isoflavones on metabolism by measuring body weights, food/water intake, adipose tissue weights as well as serum leptin levels. Also, circulating isoflavone levels were quantified. During chemically induced estrous, nociceptive thresholds were recorded. Then, the animals were subjected to a stressor and stress hormone levels were quantified. Results Body weights were significantly lower in Phyto-600 fed rats compared to Phyto-free values within one week and during long-term consumption of soy isoflavones. Correspondingly, Phyto-600 fed animals displayed significantly less adipose deposition and lower serum leptin levels than Phyto-free values. However, rats on the Phyto-600 diet displayed greater food/water intake compared to Phyto-free levels. No changes in thermal pain threshold or stress hormone levels (ACTH and corticosterone) were observed after activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis. Conclusion: In summary, these data show that consumption of soy isoflavones 1) increases metabolism, demonstrated by significantly decreased body weights, adipose tissue deposition and leptin levels, but 2) does not alter nociception or stress hormone responses, as indexed by thermal pain threshold, serum corticosterone and ACTH levels in chemically-induced estrous OVX rats.
Original Publication Citation
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, Vol. 3, No. 1. (25)
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Lephart, Edwin D.; Bu, Lihong H.; and Setchell, Kenneth, "Influences of dietary soy isoflavones on metabolism but not nociception and stress hormone responses in ovariectomized female rats" (2005). Faculty Publications. 345.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/345
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2005-10-26
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/2034
Publisher
BioMed Central
Language
English
College
Life Sciences
Department
Physiology and Developmental Biology
Copyright Status
© 2005 Bu et al licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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