phytoestrogens and Arteriosclerosis

Topics: Adrenal Medulla; Arteriosclerosis; Catecholamines; Glycine max; Humans; Hypertension; Phytoestrogens; Receptors, Estrogen; Stress, Psychological; Sympathetic Nervous System; Wine

Phytoestrogens are bioactive substances existing in natural plants. They have similar molecular structure to those of estrogens. In this article we introduced their classification and sources, and elucidated their effects on heart from aspects involving cardiac function and myocardial electrophysiology. By regulating serum lipid metabolism, arterial vessels, cytokine levels, and coagulation/fibrinolysis system, phytoestrogens possess the effects of anti-atherosclerosis and may be used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.

Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Isoflavones; Phytoestrogens; Phytotherapy

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in Western societies. Over the past decade, interest in a better understanding of gender differences in cardiovascular disease has heightened. Concomitantly, the use of hormone therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction in postmenopausal women has come into question in light of recent landmark clinical studies casting doubt on the benefits of this therapy. As a consequence, alternatives to conventional hormone replacement, including selective estrogen receptor modulators and phytoestrogens, have attracted considerable attention. The authors provide an up-to-date review of the clinical actions of selective estrogen receptor modulators on cardiovascular disease. The actions of tamoxifen, raloxifene, droloxifene, and soy phytoestrogens are discussed in the context of cardiovascular disease epidemiology, coronary events, clinical markers of cardiovascular risk, and vascular function. In addition, the authors' current understanding of the mechanism of action of these agents is discussed and recommendations for clinical practice are reviewed.

Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Disease; Female; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Isoflavones; Lipids; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Plants; Postmenopause; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

There is increasing evidence that dietary supplementation, such as L-arginine, anti-oxidant vitamins, soy phytoestrogens, flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids exert vascular protective benefits particularly in terms of restoring endothelial function in cardiovascular disease states. The endothelium has been a major focus over the past 20 years as being a primary site at which dysfunction occurs in association with, and contributing to, vascular pathologies. Such states include mild compromise of the cardiovascular system as observed in smokers, hypercholesterolemics and hypertensives, through to end-point heart failure. This review will focus on the experimental and clinical evidence examining the effect of nutriceuticals on vascular function, in particular endothelium-derived factors, and argues that there is a role for nutriceuticals in the clinical management of the cardiovascular compromised individual.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Arginine; Arteriosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dietary Supplements; Endothelium, Vascular; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Flavonoids; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Isoflavones; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Vitamins

This article is designed to help nursing professionals advise patients about the role of soy in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Soy protein lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in humans and inhibits atherosclerosis in animals. In cell culture studies and animal research, the soy isoflavone genistein offers protection from breast cancer and prostate cancer because it prevents cancer initiation, slows promotion, and impedes cancer progression. This article synthesizes the current research concerning soy phytoestrogens and the prevention and treatment of heart disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Nursing professionals may use this information when counseling patients.

Topics: Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Breast Neoplasms; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Glycine max; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Isoflavones; Male; Patient Education as Topic; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Soybean Proteins

Dietary soy protein has been shown to have several beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. The best-documented effect is on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, with reductions of approximately 10% in LDL cholesterol concentrations (somewhat greater for individuals with high pretreatment LDL cholesterol concentrations) and small increases in HDL cholesterol concentrations. Dietary soy protein improves flow-mediated arterial dilation of postmenopausal women but worsens that of men. Soy isoflavone extracts improve systemic arterial compliance, an indicator of atherosclerosis extent. Complete soy protein but not alcohol-washed soy protein reduces atherosclerosis of postmenopausal monkeys. No definite experimental evidence exists currently to establish that the cardiovascular benefits of soy protein are accounted for by its isoflavones.

Topics: Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, LDL; Dietary Proteins; Endothelium, Vascular; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Humans; Isoflavones; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Soybean Proteins; Vasodilation

To present the currently available evidence on the cardiovascular benefits and risks associated with phyto-oestrogens. DATA-SYNTHESIS: Medline search from 1966-1999 updated with cross-check of references of papers with keywords such as phyto-oestrogens, isoflavones, lignans, genistein, daidzein, enterolactone, enterodiol, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease risk factors.. Phyto-oestrogens are plant chemicals divided into three main classes: isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans that display oestrogen-like activity due to their ability to bind to the oestrogen receptor. They are found in grains, beans, green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grasses. Isoflavones are primarily found in soybeans and soy foods. For epidemiological studies of the relation between phyto-oestrogen intake and disease parameters, intake is estimated with several measures, such as biomarkers (concentrations in urine or blood) or dietary questionnaires, though the optimal method is not yet clear. Phyto-oestrogens are considered to act as selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERM), exerting both oestrogen agonist and antagonist action. Supplementation with isolated soy protein containing the isoflavones genistein and daidzein reduces serum total and LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in animals and in humans. Vascular reactivity might be improved by supplementation with isolated soy protein or isoflavones isolated from red clover. Studies on atherosclerosis in animals indicate a potential for risk reduction. Evidence in humans is still scanty. The little we know of the effects of regular dietary phyto-oestrogen intake comes from studies in which phyto-oestrogens were added to the usual diet. Most supplementation studies have been conducted with soy isoflavones, whereas the importance of lignans has not been determined, though they could be more important sources than isoflavones in Western populations. Research has been focused on risk factors. Studies of clinically manifest endpoints are urgently needed.

Topics: Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Bone Density; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Humans; Isoflavones; MEDLINE; Models, Animal; Neoplasms; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Risk Factors; Soybean Proteins

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is one of the most challenging issues women and their physicians have to face. Clinical and epidemiological studies have provided conflicting data regarding the cardiovascular benefit versus risk in women using ERT. Although ERT may improve several risk factors of coronary heart disease such as favorable changes in lipid profile, an associated increased incidence of uterine and breast tumors has jeopardized the clinical use of ERT. We reported here that the phytoestrogen alpha-zearalanol is effective against atherosclerotic development without overt growth-promoting effects in the uterus compared to estrogen. These results suggest clinical potential of this phytoestrogen as a "safe estrogen" with less risk of tumorogenesis.

Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Female; Humans; Phytoestrogens; Zeranol

Although favorable effects of estrogen replacement therapy on atherosclerosis have been recognized, the benefit versus risk of estrogen replacement on overall cardio- vascular health remains controversial. The main adverse effect jeopardizing the clinical usage of estrogen is the increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer. Zearalenone (ZEN) is a universal endogenous hormone possessing estrogen-like effects and facilitating plant growth. alpha-Zearalanol (alpha-ZAL), a new phytoestrogen, is a reductive product of ZEN. Our preliminary evidence suggested that alpha-ZAL is anti-atherosclerotic. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of alpha-ZAL on atherosclerotic formation and serum lipid profile. Adult female nulliparous rabbits were ovariectomized or sham-operated and fed a high-cholesterol diet with different doses of alpha-ZAL or 17beta-estradiol for 12 wk. The aortic intimal atherosclerotic plaque was significantly larger in the cholesterol-fed group compared to control and sham groups. alpha-ZAL and 17beta-estradiol treatments significantly reduced plaque formation and improved serum profile of lipid (TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C) and lipoprotein (ApoAl and ApoB). Both alpha-ZAL and 17beta-estradiol reconciled ovariectomy-induced uterine atrophy, although alpha-ZAL was significantly less potent than 17beta-estradiol in stimulating uterine growth. Our findings indicate that the phytoestrogen alpha-ZAL has an important anti-atherogenic property, analogous to that of estrogen.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Apolipoprotein A-I; Apolipoproteins B; Arteriosclerosis; Cholesterol; Diet, Atherogenic; Estradiol; Estrogens; Female; Histocytochemistry; Lipids; Organ Size; Ovariectomy; Phytoestrogens; Rabbits; Triglycerides; Uterus; Zeranol

Phytoestrogens have been postulated to protect against cardiovascular diseases, but few studies have focused on the effect of Western dietary phytoestrogen intake.. Four hundred three women with natural menopause either between 1987 and 1989 or between 1969 and 1979 were selected from the baseline data of the PROSPECT study (n=17 395). Isoflavone and lignan intake was calculated from a food-frequency questionnaire. Aortic stiffness was noninvasively assessed by pulse-wave velocity measurement of the aorta. Linear regression analysis was used. After adjustment for age, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, mean arterial pressure, follow-up time, energy intake, dietary fiber intake, glucose, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, increasing dietary isoflavone intake was associated with decreased aortic stiffness: -0.51 m/s (95% CI -1.00 to -0.03, fourth versus first quartile, P for trend=0.07). Increasing dietary intake of lignans was also associated with decreased aortic pulse-wave velocity: -0.42 m/s (95% CI -0.93 to 0.11, fourth versus first quartile, P for trend=0.06). Results were most pronounced in older women: for isoflavones, -0.94 m/s (95% CI -1.65 to -0.22, P for trend=0.02), and for lignans, -0.80 m/s (95% CI -1.85 to -0.05), fourth versus first quartile.. The results of our study support the view that phytoestrogens have a protective effect on the risk of atherosclerosis and arterial degeneration through an effect on arterial walls, especially among older women.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aorta; Arteriosclerosis; Blood Flow Velocity; Compliance; Diet; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Humans; Isoflavones; Lignans; Middle Aged; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Plants; Postmenopause; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors

Topics: Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Isoflavones; Lipids; Ovariectomy; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Primates; Soybean Proteins

Experimental evidence was sought concerning whether soy phytoestrogens (SPEs) inhibit postmenopausal atherosclerosis progression/extent and, if so, their effectiveness relative to traditional estrogen replacement therapy. Premenopausal cynomolgus monkeys were fed a moderately atherogenic diet (26 months) to induce atherosclerosis. After ovariectomy, the moderately atherogenic diet was continued, and they were treated (36 months) with a control diet (soy protein depleted of SPEs), a diet containing SPEs in soy protein isolate, or a diet containing SPE-depleted soy protein with conjugated equine estrogens (CEE; Premarin) added. SPE effects on plasma lipids were better than those of CEE (higher high density lipoprotein cholesterol and no increase in triglyceride). Relative to the control group, CEE treatment inhibited (P = 0.0001), and SPE treatment partially inhibited (P = 0.10) the progression of atherosclerosis (common iliac artery atherosclerosis before and after treatment). CEE-treated monkeys had much less coronary artery atherosclerosis than the controls (P = 0.0002), whereas SPE-treated monkeys were intermediate in lesion extent between the controls and the CEE-treated animals (P = 0.02). Both CEE and SPE significantly reduced the extent of common carotid and internal carotid artery atherosclerosis, and the two treatment groups were not significantly different.

Topics: Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Carotid Artery Diseases; Coronary Artery Disease; Disease Progression; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP); Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Hormones; Horses; Isoflavones; Lipids; Lipoproteins; Macaca fascicularis; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Postmenopause; Soybean Proteins

The effects of 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E(2)) or the phytoestrogen naringenin on spontaneous atherosclerosis were studied in 36 ovariectomized homozygous Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits receiving a semisynthetic control diet; this diet added 0.0040% 17beta-E(2;) or 0.20% naringenin, for 16 weeks. The uterine weight was increased (P < 0.001) and the concentration of estrogen receptor alpha was decreased (P < 0.001) in the 17beta-E(2) group compared with the controls. Total plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were not different from those in the controls. In lipoproteins, HDL cholesterol was increased (P < 0.01), and LDL triglyceride and IDL triglyceride were lowered (P < 0.05). The oxidation (as concentration of malondialdehyde) was increased in LDL (P < 0.05) but not in plasma. The cholesterol accumulation was decreased (P < 0.05) in the ascending aorta and in the total aorta but the ratio of intima to media and area of intima in ascending, thoracic, and abdominal aorta were not significantly different. In the naringenin group the only differences, compared with the control group, were increased HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001) and decreased activity of glutathione reductase (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 17beta-E(2), but not naringenin, attenuated aortic cholesterol accumulation independently of plasma and LDL cholesterol. Further, these results support previously suggested pro-oxidant ability of 17beta-E(2) toward LDL and a possible connection between the pro-oxidant nature of 17beta-E(2) and its antiatherogenic effect.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Arteriosclerosis; Cholesterol; Disease Models, Animal; Erythrocytes; Estradiol; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Flavanones; Flavonoids; Food, Formulated; Humans; Isoflavones; Lipoproteins; Molecular Structure; Ovariectomy; Oxidation-Reduction; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Rabbits

The oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) is thought to take place in the arterial intima when the particles have become isolated from circulating water-soluble antioxidants. We hypothesized that isoflavonoid antioxidants derived from soy could be incorporated into lipoproteins and possibly could protect them against oxidation, which is regarded as atherogenic. Six healthy volunteers received 3 soy bars [containing the isoflavonoid antioxidants genistein (12 mg) and daidzein (7 mg)] daily for 2 weeks. LDLs were isolated from blood drawn at the the end of a 2-week dietary baseline period, after 2 weeks on soy, and after discontinuation of soy. Large increases in plasma isoflavonoid levels occurred during soy feeding, but only minute amounts were stably associated with lipoproteins (less than 1% of plasma isoflavonoids in the LDL fraction). The LDLs were subjected to copper-mediated oxidation in vitro. Compared with off soy values, lag phases of LDL oxidation curves were prolonged by a mean of 20 min (P < 0.02) during soy intake, indicating a reduced susceptibility to oxidation. The results suggest that intake of soy-derived antioxidants, such as genistein and daidzein, may provide protection against oxidative modification of LDL. As only very small amounts of these substances were detected in purified LDL, modified LDL particles may have been produced in vivo by circulating isoflavonoids promoting resistance to oxidation ex vivo.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Arteriosclerosis; Dietary Supplements; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Genistein; Glycine max; Humans; Isoflavones; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations

Topics: Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Dietary Proteins; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Isoflavones; Lipids; Macaca fascicularis; Male; Ovariectomy; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Soybean Proteins