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Effects of soy milk consumption on gut microbiota, inflammatory markers, and disease severity in patients with ulcerative colitis: a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.
Sadeghi, O, Milajerdi, A, Siadat, SD, Keshavarz, SA, Sima, AR, Vahedi, H, Adibi, P, Esmaillzadeh, A
Trials. 2020;(1):565
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several strategies are recommended to alleviate clinical symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC). Soy milk may affect UC through its anti-inflammatory properties. However, no study has examined the effects of soy milk consumption on gut microbiota and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with UC. The current study will be done to examine the effects of soy milk consumption on UC symptoms, inflammation, and gut microbiota in patients with UC. METHODS This study is a randomized clinical trial, in which thirty patients with mild to moderate severity of UC will be randomly allocated to receive either 250 mL/day soy milk plus routine treatments (n = 15) or only routine treatments (n = 15) for 4 weeks. Assessment of anthropometric measures and biochemical indicators including serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) will be done at the study baseline and end of trial. In addition, the quantity of butyrate-producing bacteria including Clostridium cluster IV, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Roseburia spp.; prebiotic bacteria including Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria spp.; and mucus-degrading bacteria including Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides fragilis, and Ruminococcus spp., as well as calprotectin and lactoferrin levels, will be explored in fecal samples. Also, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio which is of significant relevance in human gut microbiota composition will be assessed. DISCUSSION Altered gut microbiota has been reported as an important contributing factor to inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Soy milk contains several components such as phytoestrogens with potential anti-inflammatory properties. This product might affect gut microbiota through its protein and fiber content. Therefore, soy milk might beneficially affect systemic inflammation, gut microbiota, and then clinical symptoms in patients with UC. TRIAL REGISTRATION Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) IRCT20181205041859N1. Registered on 27 January 2019.
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The impact of xenoestrogens on effectiveness of treatment for hormone-dependent breast cancer - current state of knowledge and perspectives for research.
Boszkiewicz, K, Sawicka, E, Piwowar, A
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 2020;(4):526-534
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring in women and causing the highest number of deaths among them. The role of xenoestrogens has been the subject of many studies in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Less is known about the impact of xenoestrogens on the effectiveness of hormone therapy used to treat breast cancer, and thus possible drug-xenostrogen interactions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge and present perspectives for further research on the impact of xenoestrogens on the effectiveness of drugs used in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer. CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE Phytoestrogens, in particular flavonoid genistein, are the best studied group of xenoestrogens in terms of interaction with drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer, due to their frequent use, including their use in alleviating the adverse effects of hormone therapy. Analyzing the current state of knowledge, it seems that phytoestrogens intake should be avoided during conventional anti-cancer treatment. Of the other xenoestrogens, bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the best-tested compounds for interactions with drugs used to treat breast cancer. It has been shown that bisphenol A could reduced therapeutic effect of active tamoxifen metabolite and cytostatics used in breast cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS Confirmation in clinical trials of the results obtained in vitro and in vivo tests, would enable the creation of specific recommendations for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment, especially hormone therapy. An area requiring further research is the analysis of the effects of xenoestrogens other than phytoestrogens, e.g. metalloestrogens, on the effects of drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Gene X environment: the cellular environment governs the transcriptional response to environmental chemicals.
Burman, A, Garcia-Milian, R, Whirledge, S
Human genomics. 2020;(1):19
Abstract
BACKGROUND An individual's response to environmental exposures varies depending on their genotype, which has been termed the gene-environment interaction. The phenotype of cell exposed can also be a key determinant in the response to physiological cues, indicating that a cell-gene-environment interaction may exist. We investigated whether the cellular environment could alter the transcriptional response to environmental chemicals. Publicly available gene expression array data permitted a targeted comparison of the transcriptional response to a unique subclass of environmental chemicals that alter the activity of the estrogen receptor, xenoestrogens. RESULTS Thirty xenoestrogens were included in the analysis, for which 426 human gene expression studies were identified. Comparisons were made for studies that met the predefined criteria for exposure length, concentration, and experimental replicates. The cellular response to the phytoestrogen genistein resulted in remarkably unique transcriptional profiles in breast, liver, and uterine cell-types. Analysis of gene regulatory networks and molecular pathways revealed that the cellular context mediated the activation or repression of functions important to cellular organization and survival, including opposing effects by genistein in breast vs. liver and uterine cell-types. When controlling for cell-type, xenoestrogens regulate unique gene networks and biological functions, despite belonging to the same class of environmental chemicals. Interestingly, the genetic sex of the cell-type also strongly influenced the transcriptional response to xenoestrogens in the liver, with only 22% of the genes significantly regulated by genistein common between male and female cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that the transcriptional response to environmental chemicals depends on a variety of factors, including the cellular context, the genetic sex of a cell, and the individual chemical. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the impact of exposure across cell-types, as the effect is responsive to the cellular environment. These comparative genetic results support the concept of a cell-gene-environment interaction.
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Effect of whole soy and purified daidzein on androgenic hormones in chinese equol-producing post-menopausal women: a six-month randomised, double-blinded and Placebo-Controlled trial.
Liu, ZM, Li, G, Zhang, D, Ho, SC, Chen, YM, Ma, J, Huang, Q, Li, S, Ling, WH
International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 2020;(5):644-652
Abstract
A randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial was performed to examine the effects of whole soy and isoflavone daidzein on serum androgenic hormones in Chinese equol-producing post-menopausal women. A total of 270 eligible women aged 45-70 years were randomised to either one of the three iso-caloric supplements: 40 g soy flour (whole soy group), 40 g low-fat milk powder +63 mg daidzein (daidzein group) or 40 g low-fat milk powder (placebo group) daily for 6 months. Fasting venous samples were tested for serum androstenedione (AD), testosterone (T), prolactin, sex hormone binding globulin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated that serum T (p = .022) and AD (p = .05) levels modestly but significantly decreased after 6-month daidzein treatment in comparison with placebo, with a mean difference of -0.057 nmol/L (95%CI: -0.185 to 0.070, p = .018) and -0.118 ng/mL (95%CI: -0.240-0.004, p = .045), respectively. This 6-month trial suggested that purified daidzein may exhibit less androgenic effect.Trial registration: The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier of NCT01270737. (URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01270737.).
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Recent advances in the anti-aging effects of phytoestrogens on collagen, water content, and oxidative stress.
Liu, T, Li, N, Yan, YQ, Liu, Y, Xiong, K, Liu, Y, Xia, QM, Zhang, H, Liu, ZD
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2020;(3):435-447
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Abstract
Skin undergoes degenerative changes as it ages, which include the loss of elasticity, reductions in the epidermal thickness and collagen content, elastic fiber degeneration, and increased wrinkling and dryness. Skin aging can be significantly delayed by the administration of estrogen. Estrogen deficiency following menopause results in atrophic skin changes and the acceleration of skin aging. Estrogen administration has positive effects on human skin by delaying or preventing skin aging manifestations, but the use of estrogen replacement is a risk factor for breast and uterine cancer. Phytoestrogens are a large family of plant-derived molecules possessing various degrees of estrogen-like activity; they exhibit agonist or antagonist estrogenic properties depending on the tissue. These molecules could be ideal candidates to combat skin aging and other detrimental effects of hypoestrogenism. In this paper, we review the effects of phytoestrogens on human skin and the mechanisms by which phytoestrogens can alleviate the changes due to aging.
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Bacterial metabolism as responsible of beneficial effects of phytoestrogens on human health.
Peirotén, Á, Bravo, D, Landete, JM
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2020;(11):1922-1937
Abstract
Phytoestrogens (PE) are compounds found in plants such as soy (isoflavones), flax seeds and cereals (lignans) and pomegranates (ellagitannins). PE have shown estrogenic/antiestrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and apoptotic activities. The human studies are showing promising although inconsistent results about the beneficial effects of PE on ameliorating the menopausal symptoms or reducing the risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. The effects of PE on the organism are mediated by the intestinal microbiota, which transforms them into bioactive PE such as genistein, equol, enterolignans and certain urolithins. In this work, we review the most recent findings about the bacteria able to metabolize PE, together with the latest studies on the effects of PE on health. In addition, we describe the possible factors hindering the demonstration of the beneficial effect of PE on health, evincing the importance of measuring the actual circulating PE in order to encompass the variability of PE metabolism due to the intestinal microbiota. With this in mind, we also explore an approach to ensure the access to bioactive PE.
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The Effects and Action Mechanisms of Phytoestrogens on Vasomotor Symptoms During Menopausal Transition: Thermoregulatory Mechanism.
Hairi, HA, Shuid, AN, Ibrahim, N', Jamal, JA, Mohamed, N, Mohamed, IN
Current drug targets. 2019;(2):192-200
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytoestrogens have recently been claimed to positively influence menopausal discomforts, including hot flashes. However, little is known about the influence of phytoestrogens on core body temperature during oestrogen fluctuation at menopause. OBJECTIVE Previously published findings showed that phytoestrogens could relieve menopausal complaints, thus, the present review was aimed at assessing the effects of phytoestrogens on thermoregulatory mechanism during menopausal transition. RESULTS The molecular mechanisms underlying hot flashes are complex. Oestrogen fluctuations cause hypothalamic thermoregulatory centre dysfunction, which leads to hot flashes during menopause. The phytoestrogens of interest, in relation to human health, include isoflavones, lignans, coumestans, and stilbenes, which are widely distributed in nature. The phytoestrogens are capable of reducing hot flashes via their oestrogen-like hormone actions. The potential effects of phytoestrogens on hot flashes and their molecular mechanisms of action on thermoregulatory centre are discussed in this review. CONCLUSION The effects of phytoestrogens on these mechanisms may help explain their beneficial effects in alleviating hot flashes and other menopausal discomforts.
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Effectiveness of Genistein Supplementation on Metabolic Factors and Antioxidant Status in Postmenopausal Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Braxas, H, Rafraf, M, Karimi Hasanabad, S, Asghari Jafarabadi, M
Canadian journal of diabetes. 2019;(7):490-497
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases in women after menopause. Genistein is known to modulate metabolic pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genistein supplementation on metabolic parameters, oxidative stress and obesity values in postmenopausal women with T2DM. METHODS This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 54 postmenopausal women 47 to 69 years of age with T2DM. The genistein group (n=28) was given 2 genistein capsules daily for 12 weeks. Each capsule contained 54 mg genistein. The placebo group (n=26) received 2 placebo capsules daily for the same period. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes and physical activity levels of subjects were collected at baseline and at the end of the trial. Data were analyzed by independent t test, paired t test and analysis of covariance. RESULTS Genistein supplementation significantly reduced serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (A1C), serum triglyceride (TG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared with the placebo group at the end of the study (p<0.05 for all). Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index significantly increased within the genistein group. Changes in anthropometric indexes and other variables were not significant in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS Genistein administration improved FBS, A1C, serum TG, TAC and MDA in postmenopausal women with T2DM and may be useful in the control of metabolic status and oxidative stress in these subjects.
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Dietary Phytoestrogen Intake is Inversely Associated with Hypertension in a Cohort of Adults Living in the Mediterranean Area.
Godos, J, Bergante, S, Satriano, A, Pluchinotta, FR, Marranzano, M
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2018;(2)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary polyphenols, including phytoestrogens are abundantly present in a balanced diet. Evidence for their role in preventing non-communicable diseases is emerging. METHODS We examined the association between estimated habitual intakes of dietary phytoestrogens and hypertension in a cohort study. The baseline data included 1936 men and women aged 18 years and older. Intakes of total phytoestrogens, isoflavones, and lignans were calculated from validated food frequency questionnaire. Data on the polyphenols content in foods were retrieved from the Phenol-Explorer database. RESULTS Individuals in the highest quartile of dietary phytoestrogens intake were less likely to be hypertensive (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44-0.98); moreover, the association showed a significant decreasing trend. Isoflavones and lignans were not associated with lower odds of hypertension; however, some individual compounds, such as biochanin A and pinoresinol showed an independent inverse association with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Dietary phytoestrogens are associated with lower likelihood of hypertension in adults living in the Mediterranean area. Future studies are needed to confirm the present findings (i.e., prospective cohort studies) and to better understand the mechanisms underlying such associations.
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Vaginal health of postmenopausal women on nutraceutical containing equol.
Caruso, S, Cianci, S, Fava, V, Rapisarda, AMC, Cutello, S, Cianci, A
Menopause (New York, N.Y.). 2018;(4):430-435
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of nutraceuticals containing equol on vaginal health of postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal symptoms and dyspareunia. METHODS One hundred twenty-six natural postmenopausal women on +1b +1c (2 and 3-6 y after the final menstrual period, respectively) of the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop were enrolled in a nonrandomized trial. Of these, 72 women accepted to use nutraceutical (group A). The remaining 54 women refused the treatment and participated as the control group (group B). Group A was prescribed one tablet daily to take orally, for 8 months. All assessments were made at baseline and at 4 and 8 months. Determination of vaginal maturation index (VMI), evaluation of vaginal pH, and assessment of vaginal atrophy symptoms by the vaginal health index (VHI) were carried out. Dyspareunia score was also measured. RESULTS Group A had a significant increase in VMI (68 ± 5 vs 58 ± 8) and improvement of vaginal pH (4.1 ± 1.3 vs 5.1 ± 1.7) compared with baseline, mainly after 8 months of treatment (P < 0.001). Group A had an improvement of VHI after 4 (13 ± 3, P < 0.01) and 8 (16 ± 2, P < 0.001) months of nutraceutical intake. Dyspareunia reduced after 8 months (5.1 ± 1.3 vs 3.8 ± 1.2, P < 0.001) but not after 4 months (4.7 ± 1.1, P = 0.06) of treatment. Group B showed no changes from baseline evaluation (P = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS Nutraceuticals containing equol could be effective in modulating postmenopausal symptoms, particularly vaginal symptoms, and could be well accepted by the women who usually do not wish to use hormone therapy or cannot use it for medical reasons.