Combination of Genistin and Fructooligosaccharides Prevents Bone Loss in Ovarian Hormone Deficiency

Abstract

We have reported that soy isoflavones are capable of preventing loss of bone mineral density (BMD) in rats due to ovariectomy. The intestinal microflora is important in rendering soy isoflavones bioavailability by facilitating their conversion to equol. Hence, substances that can modulate the intestinal microflora could affect the bioavailability of isoflavones. The purpose of this study was to examine whether combination of genistin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic, can enhance the effects of soy isoflavones on bone in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Forty-eight 90-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham; one group) or Ovx (three groups) and were placed on dietary treatment for 50 days. The Sham and one Ovx group received a control diet, and the remaining Ovx groups received genistin-rich isoflavones diet (Ovx+G) or genistin-rich isoflavones and FOS diet (Ovx+G+FOS). After 50 days, blood and bone specimens were collected for analysis. The genistin-rich isoflavones diet was able to significantly increase the whole-body, right femur, and fourth lumbar BMD by 1.6%, 1.48%, and 1.3%, respectively in comparison with the Ovx control. The combination of genistin-rich isoflavones diet and 5% FOS further increased whole-body, right femur, and fourth lumbar BMD more compared to the genistin-rich isoflavones diet. Our findings suggest that although a genistin-rich isoflavones diet can increase the BMD in rats with Ovx-induced bone loss, combination of genistin-rich isoflavones and FOS had greater effect in preventing bone loss in this rat model.

Preventive effects of phytoestrogens against postmenopausal osteoporosis as compared to the available therapeutic choices: An overview

“…[69] Hooshmand et al . [70] reported genistin-rich isoflavones to prevent loss of BMD in the rat model of ovaridectomy. Isoflavone-containing soy intake was found to physiologic fluctuations in bone turnover, thereby preventing osteoporosis, in addition to protection against breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases.…”

Evidence for the Effectiveness of Soy in Aging and Improving Quality of Life

“…Another study by our lab [108] found that soy protein with or without isoflavones did not preserve BMD in a male rat model of osteoporosis, but did positively affect the biomechanical properties of bone including yield and ultimate force which are measures of elasticity and plasticity in bone. Multiple other studies have concluded that any bone sparing effects of soy consumption are likely due to soy isoflavone content, which increases bone formation and improves the architectural properties of bone [109][110][111][112].…”

Bone turnover and oxidative stress markers in estrogendeficient rats treated with <i>Marantodes pumilum</i> leaves and roots: A comparative study

“…Phytoestrogens, a diverse group of plant-derived phenolic compounds with estrogenic biological properties, are widely self-prescribed as safe dietary supplement to postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the management of menopause and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Isoflavones of soy, genistein, has been shown to conserve bone and prevent loss of BMD in ovariectomized rat model [15]. Like estrogens, phytoestrogens are known to act as female sex hormone by displacing oestradiol binding to antibodies raised against oestradiol.…”