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Published on: November 27, 2019
[Effects of soy isoflavone on low-grade inflammation in obese rats]
Hong-min Zhang1, Shi-wei Chen, Li-shi Zhang
1Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu.
Objective:
To explore the effects of soy isoflavone (SIF) on low-grade inflammation in obese rats induced by high-fat diet, and to elucidate mechanisms of SIF in improving insulin sensitivity.
Methods:
Obese rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: One model control group and 3 SIF groups that were given water solutions with SIF at 0 mg/(kg x d), 50 mg/(kg x d), 150 mg/(kg x d), and 450 mg/(kg x d), respectively. After one month, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, resistin, and adiponectin in serum were detected by enzymic method, radioimmunoassay, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.
Results:
In the 150 mg/(kg x d) group and 450 mg/(kg x d) group, fasting body-weights, viscera fatty deposition, and contents of insulin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in serum were significantly lower; serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher; and serum resistin levels were significantly lower in the 450 mg/(kg d) group than those of the model control group. There was no difference in serum C-reactive protein levels among the 3 SIF groups.
Conclusion:
Soy isoflavone may improve the insulin sensitivity by decreasing viscera fatty deposition and adjusting low-grade inflammatory molecules derived from white adipose tissues.
Insights
Soy isoflavone supplementation reduced inflammation and fat deposition in obese rats, improving insulin sensitivity. These findings highlight soy isoflavones as a potential therapeutic for metabolic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Metabolic Syndrome Research
- Inflammation Studies
Context:
- Obesity is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance.
- Dietary interventions are crucial for managing metabolic disorders.
- High-fat diets induce obesity and associated inflammatory markers in animal models.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of soy isoflavone (SIF) on low-grade inflammation in diet-induced obese rats.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which SIF improves insulin sensitivity.
- To evaluate dose-dependent effects of SIF on metabolic and inflammatory markers.
Summary:
- Obese rats treated with SIF (150 and 450 mg/kg/day) showed reduced body weight, visceral fat, and serum levels of insulin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
- Adiponectin levels increased, while resistin levels decreased in a dose-dependent manner with SIF treatment.
- SIF administration did not significantly alter serum C-reactive protein levels.
Impact:
- Soy isoflavones may ameliorate obesity-induced inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.
- SIF's mechanism involves reducing visceral fat accumulation and modulating inflammatory adipokines.
- This study provides evidence for the potential of soy-based compounds in metabolic health management.
