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Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effects and possible impact on women's reproductive health. This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered to PRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines. The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effect against such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported without any maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations. Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soy may promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiota appears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products. Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results and conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as soy isoflavones may be an alternative in the protection and modulation against metal-induced genotoxicity with carcinogenic potential associated with oxidative stress. Objective: to evaluate the antigenotoxic effects of soy isoflavone genistein in mice exposed to carcinogenic compounds of hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]). Material and method: twenty-five male Hsd:ICR mice were divided into five groups treated as follows: a) vehicle 1 (sterile distilled water, intraperitoneally); b) vehicle 2 (corn oil for fat-soluble compounds, orally); c) 15 mg/kg of genistein, orally; d) 20 mg/kg of CrO3, intraperitoneally; and e) 15 mg/kg of genistein four hours before the application of 20 mg/kg of CrO3. Evaluations of micronuclei (MN), apoptosis, ratio of polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocytes (EPC/ENC) and cell viability in peripheral blood obtained at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours were performed. Results: the treatment with genistein reduced MN when administered prior to treatment with CrO3, the effect being greater at 48 hours (reduction of 84 %). Cell viability was reduced with genistein and CrO3 treatments alone, the effect being greater in the latter. Conclusions: genistein effectively blocked the genotoxic action of CrO3. The fact that MN and apoptosis were reduced in the group treated with genistein and CrO3 suggests that genistein could have inhibited the oxidative damage of Cr(VI) since, as there were no cells with damage, the apoptotic pathways were not activated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoestrogens are a family of plant-derived components that present a steroid structure and can act in the estrogen receptor. They contain both estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties, depending on the tissue in which they act. The potential mechanisms by which phytoestrogens can affect cell activities have been divided into genomic and non-genomic effects. The former act through estrogen receptors, and the latter are mediated by cellular proteins. The active mechanism of soy isoflavones in bone may be beneficial, as they act by stimulating the activity of the osteoblasts. On the other hand, through the RANK-L/OPG system they bring about a decrease in osteoclast survival and activity. This article reviews in vitro studies, in animals and humans, that involve isoflavones and bone health to ascertain how these substances affect those postmenopausal women who use them in treatment or prevention of the climacteric syndrome. In general, the global assessment of human studies shows variability in the design, in the variety of isoflavone sources, in the time of the analysis and in the dose. In addition, the variability in the bioavailability and metabolism of isoflavones between the subjects must be considered. All this makes it difficult to obtain consistent conclusions. To sum up, some positive results justify the need for further research. From a clinical point of view, isoflavones are used in women with climacteric symptoms who cannot or do not wish to undergo hormone therapy. They would not be indicated for treating osteoporosis, but those women who use them at the right doses and time can expect a benefit in maintaining bone mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soya isoflavones represent a group of non-nutritive, bioactive compounds, of non-steroidal phenolic nature that are present in soy bean and derived foods. They share with other compounds the capacity of binding to estrogenic receptors from different cells and tissues so that they may act as phytoestrogens. The current interest in these compounds comes from the knowledge that in Asian populations with high levels of their consumption the prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular disease is lower, as compared to the Western countries populations. This cardiovascular benefit would be the result not only of the modulation of plasma lipids, which is a widely studied mechanism. This paper reviews the published evidence about the beneficial effects of soya isoflavones and the different mechanisms of action that would benefit cardiovascular health and that surpass the mechanisms traditionally approached such as the modulation of plasma lipids, and that implicate the regulation of cellular and enzymatic functions in situations such as inflammation, thrombosis, and atherosclerotic progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The intake of soy isoflavones among women with breast cancer has become a public health concern, because these compounds have weak estrogenic effects. There is little clinical evidence about their safety for patients with breast cancer who are receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. Methods: For patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer between August 2002 and July 2003 and who were receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy, we examined associations between dietary intake of soy isoflavones and recurrence of breast cancer and death. We measured dietary intake of soy isoflavones at baseline using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by means of multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. We further stratified the analyses by hormonal receptor status and endocrine therapy. Results: The median follow-up period for the 524 patients in this study was 5.1 years. Among premenopausal patients, the overall death rate (30.6%) was not related to intake of soy isoflavones (HR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.78-1.71 for the highest quartile [> 42.3 mg/day] v. the lowest quartile [< 15.2 mg/day], p for trend = 0.87). Relative to postmenopausal patients in the lowest quartile of soy isoflavone intake, the risk of recurrence for postmenopausal patients in the highest quartile was significantly lower (HR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.85, p for trend = 0.02). Inverse associations were observed in patients with estrogen and progesterone receptor positive disease and those receiving anastrozole therapy. Interpretation: High dietary intake of soy isoflavones was associated with lower risk of recurrence among postmenopausal patients with breast cancer positive for estrogen and progesterone receptor and those who were receiving anastrozole as endocrine therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds that are part of many foods of plant origin and could therefore modulate aspects related hormones, such as type of antioxidant reactions, learning about intakes of these compounds in different populations clarify important aspects on their responses on the human body. Objective: To evaluate the exposure of phytoestrogens through diet, in a sample of women of all ages belonging to the university community (teachers, students and administrative), residents in the province of Granada, Spain. Material and method: 52 adult females, aged between 20 and 63 years completed a questionnaire individually Frequency of Food Consumption (FFQ) composed of a total of 144 foods. It weighted the total daily consumption of phytoestrogens standardizing these values referring to the daidzein as substance pattern (mg/day). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), with a level of significance of p < 0.05. Results: The results show that the total intake of phytoestrogens was (0.89 mg/day), and most of phytoestrogens was consumed in the form of lignanos. The total consumption of isoflavones, was 0.12 mg/day, of lignanos was 1.32 mg/day intake coumestrol was not significative. A linear regression analysis determined the equation to calculate intake phytoestrogens took into account 9 food groups (R: 0.918; p < 0.001). Discussion: Average intake of phytoestrogens in Spain, is comparable to intakes reported by similar studies in Germany, England and the United States (< 1 mg/ day). Conclusions: There were no significant differences in the intake of phytoestrogens, when comparing results by age, educational level, marital status or physical activity. The intake of phytoestrogens (mg/day) can be estimated from the intake (g/day) from 9 food groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soy protein has been used in several Latin-American countries including Mexico in various food programs with the purpose to improve the nutritional status of the population due to the high nutritional value and its relatively low cost that was maintained for some time. In the present work, the use and research on soy in Mexico since 1970 is described. In addition, this review shows the effects of the different components of soy, in particular its protein and the isoflavones on health, the mechanism of action of soy protein to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, and insulin secretion, as well as its glycemic response, and finally, the recommendations of soy protein consumption to obtain a health benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds having similar effects to estrogens. Several phytostrogen groups have been identified being the most characteristics the isoflavones like genistein, coumestans like coumestrol, and lignans represented by the enterolactone. Depending on the doses, they can act as agonists or antagonists of steroidal hormones. This apparently bimodal function is due to their capacity to interact with the alpha form of the estrogen receptor (ERα) in several organs of the female reproductive tract and to the beta form ERβ present in prostate, testis, ovaries, limph nodes and brain regions. It has been observed that an increase in genistein or coumestrol induces an increase in haemorrhagic follicles, miscarriages, LH-FSH surge suppression and even estrogenic syndrome, whereas in males, induces alterations in testis development and a decrease in sperm count. In this review, a panoramic view of the actual research of phytostrogen impact on the reproductive function and perspectives mainly for domestic animals is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Diaeta is the property of Asociacion Argentina de Dietistas & Nutricionistas Dietistas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)