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Soya protein attenuates abnormalities of the renin-angiotensin system in adipose tissue from obese rats

María E Frigolet1, Nimbe Torres, Armando R Tovar

  • 1Departamento de Fisiología de la Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Colonia Seccion XVI, Mexico DF 14000, Mexico.

The British Journal of Nutrition
|July 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Dietary soy protein intake improves adipocyte function in obese rats by modulating the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and angiogenesis-related genes, preventing negative metabolic changes.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic disturbances and adipose tissue function in obesity.
  • Role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in adipocyte signaling and angiogenesis.
  • Impact of dietary soy protein on metabolic health.

Background:

  • Obesity is linked to altered adipose tissue function and metabolic disturbances.
  • Adipocytes possess a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that influences angiogenesis via Akt signaling.
  • Dietary soy protein modifies gene expression in adipose tissue, potentially improving adipocyte function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if dietary soy protein regulates RAS and angiogenesis-related gene expression in obese rats.
  • To determine the association between soy consumption, gene expression, and Akt phosphorylation in adipose tissue.
  • To evaluate soy's effect on adipocyte function and prevent obesity-related abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • Obese rats were fed diets with soy protein or casein, at varying fat content (5% or 25%), for 160 days.
  • mRNA abundance of RAS and angiogenesis-related genes was analyzed in adipose tissue.
  • Akt phosphorylation and hormone release were measured in primary adipocyte cultures.

Main Results:

  • Soy consumption led to lower angiotensin release and enhanced insulin-stimulated Akt activation in adipocytes compared to casein.
  • Dietary soy modulated the expression of RAS and angiogenesis-related genes in high-fat diet-fed rats.
  • Soy intake prevented adipocyte hypertrophy and impaired angiogenesis, common in dysfunctional adipose tissue.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary soy protein preserves adipocyte functionality in obese rats.
  • Soy intake acts as a dietary strategy to prevent obesity-related metabolic abnormalities.
  • Modulation of RAS and angiogenesis pathways by soy contributes to improved adipose tissue health.

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