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Differential effects of isoflavones on bone formation in growing male and female mice
Maiko Fujioka1, Yumi Sudo, Mai Okumura
1Division of Applied Food Research, National Institute of Health and Nutrition, Tokyo 162-8636, Japan.
Abstract:
Few studies have examined the effects of isoflavones on bone formation during growth period in male and female animals. In this study, the effects of daidzein or genistein on bone formation were assessed in immature male and female mice. Five-week-old male and female mice were divided respectively into 3 groups (n=8 per group) as follows: control group (C) fed a control diet (AIN-93G), daidzein group (D) fed a control diet containing 0.08% pure daidzein, and genistein group (G) fed a control diet containing 0.08% pure genistein. After 4 weeks, the male D group had a significantly higher bone mineral density (BMD) in whole body, lumbar spine, and femur than did the C group. On the contrary, BMD of the whole body and femur in the female D group was significantly lower than that in the C group. The BMD of the whole femur in the male G group also was significantly higher than for the C group. Histologic analysis revealed that the bone formation rate was significantly higher in the male D and G groups, and lower in the female D group compared with the C group. These results suggest that daidzein has a specific, sexually dimorphic effect on bone formation and BMD during growth period in mice.
Insights
Daidzein and genistein impact bone formation differently in male and female mice. Daidzein increased bone mineral density in males but decreased it in females, suggesting a sexually dimorphic effect.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Limited research exists on isoflavone effects on bone formation during animal growth.
- Isoflavones, like daidzein and genistein, are plant compounds with potential hormonal activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of daidzein and genistein on bone formation and bone mineral density (BMD) in immature male and female mice.
- To determine if these effects are sexually dimorphic.
Main Methods:
- Five-week-old male and female mice were divided into control, daidzein (0.08%), and genistein (0.08%) diet groups.
- Bone mineral density was measured, and histologic analysis was performed after 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- Male mice fed daidzein showed significantly higher BMD in the whole body, lumbar spine, and femur compared to controls.
- Female mice fed daidzein exhibited significantly lower BMD in the whole body and femur.
- Male mice fed genistein also showed significantly higher BMD in the whole femur.
- Histology confirmed higher bone formation rates in male daidzein and genistein groups, and a lower rate in the female daidzein group.
Conclusions:
- Daidzein exerts a sexually dimorphic effect on bone formation and BMD during the growth period in mice.
- Genistein also positively influenced bone formation in males.
- These findings highlight the complex role of dietary isoflavones in skeletal development.
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