Soy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Soy, including details on soy milk, soy protein, soya bean, benefits, dangers.

Soy protein influences the development of the metabolic syndrome in male obese ZDFxSHHF rats.

Davis J, Iqbal MJ, Steinle J, Oitker J, Higginbotham DA, Peterson RG, Banz WJ

Department of Animal Science, Food & Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-4317, USA.

Previous investigations have demonstrated a marked effect of soy protein on the metabolic syndrome (MS). The purpose of this preliminary study was to identify the effects of soy-based diets on male obese ZDFxSHHF (fa/ fa-cp/?) rats. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four diets: control, casein (C); low-isoflavone (LIS) soy protein; high-isoflavone (HIS) soy protein; or casein + rosiglitazone (CR). Physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters were determined at sacrifice. Body weight (p < 0.01) and food intake (p < 0.05) were lower in LIS-fed rodents. Rosiglitazone-treated animals had higher body weight and adiposity (p < 0.05). LIS and CR groups exhibited better glycemic control (p < 0.05), but with a limited effect in rosiglitazone-treated animals. HIS fed rats had higher glucose and triacylglyceride levels (p < 0.01), and lower plasma insulin (p < 0.01). Renal function parameters with the exception of an increase in systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) were all suppressed in the LIS group (p < 0.01). The CR group had twofold PPARalpha and PPARgamma mRNA abundance (p < 0.01). LIS-fed animals also exhibited greater abundance of PPARgamma mRNA (p < 0.001), and nearly threefold FAS and CPT-1 mRNA levels (p < 0.05). HIS-fed rats also had higher abundance of CPT-1 mRNA, as well as a lower abundance of ACC mRNA (p < 0.05). Soy-based diets, influenced by isoflavone content and distinct from rosiglitazone, improved several metabolic parameters in obese ZDFxSHHF rats.

Published 22 June 2005 in Horm Metab Res, 37(5): 316-25.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Soy Research Today. All Rights Reserved.