Effects of Genistein on Common Kidney Diseases

Abstract

Genistein is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen (soy or soybean products) that is classified as an isoflavone, and its structure is similar to that of endogenous estrogens; therefore, genistein can exert an estrogen-like effect via estrogen receptors. Additionally, genistein is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which enables it to block abnormal cell growth and proliferation signals through the inhibition of tyrosine kinase. Genistein is also an angiogenesis inhibitor and an antioxidant. Genistein has effects on kidney cells, some of the kidney’s physiological functions, and a variety of kidney diseases. First, genistein exerts a protective effect on normal cells by reducing the inflammatory response, inhibiting apoptosis, inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibiting remodeling, etc., but after cell injury, the protective effect of genistein decreases or even has the opposite effect. Second, genistein can regulate renin intake to maintain blood pressure balance, regulate calcium uptake to regulate Ca2+ and Pi balances, and reduce vasodilation to promote diuresis. Third, genistein has beneficial effects on a variety of kidney diseases (including acute kidney disease, kidney cancer, and different chronic kidney diseases), such as reducing symptoms, delaying disease progression, and improving prognosis. Therefore, this paper reviews animal and human studies on the protective effects of genistein on the kidney in vivo and in vitro to provide a reference for clinical research in the future.

Genistein Co-Amorphous Systems with Amino Acids: An Investigation into Enhanced Solubility and Biological Activity

“…However, there is growing evidence of GEN’s potential benefits in other diseases and disorders. Studies have shown its neuroprotective [ 9 ] and nephroprotective [ 10 ] effect. It may have a positive impact on some parameters associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease [ 11 ] and modulate genes involved in the inflammatory process, thus being potentially beneficial in the control of psoriasis [ 12 ].…”

Potential Roles of Anti-Inflammatory Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds Targeting Inflammation in Microvascular Complications of Diabetes

“…NF-κB is a pleiotropic mediator of numerous proinflammatory cytokines that are activated via many stimuli including diabetic stress [ 193 ]. Collectively, these findings suggest that genistein suppresses the activation of NF-κB in various cell types under stress conditions, which is further indicating that the capacity of genistein to decrease the albumin-induced TNF-α release might be owing to the activation of NF-κB [ 160 , 194 , 195 ].…”

Bioactive molecules from soybeans (Glycine max) with anti-type 2 diabetes activity: a systematic review

“…Specifically, it has been shown that genistein can inhibit the stimulation of the glutamine fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) promoter. GFAT is a key enzyme in the HBP that catalyzes the conversion of fructose-6phosphate to glucosamine-6-phosphate [7]. Soy compounds may have anti-glycation properties, reducing the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) associated with complications of diabetes.…”

“…Soy compounds may have anti-glycation properties, reducing the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) associated with complications of diabetes. Genistein can inhibit AGE-RAGE (receptor advanced glycation end products) binding, potentially reducing the downstream effects of RAGE activation [7]. Soy bioactives may influence the insulin signaling pathway in several ways.…”