Unveiling the neuroprotective properties of isoflavones: current evidence, molecular mechanisms and future perspectives.

Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a wide range of debilitating and incurable brain disorders characterized by the progressive deterioration of the nervous system's structure and function. Isoflavones, which are naturally occurring polyphenolic phytochemicals, have been found to regulate various cellular signaling pathways associated with the nervous system. The main objective of this comprehensive review is to explore the neuroprotective effects of isoflavones, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and assess their potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Relevant data regarding isoflavones and their impact on neurodegenerative diseases were gathered from multiple library databases and electronic sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Numerous isoflavones, including genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin, have exhibited potent neuroprotective properties against various neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds have been found to modulate neurotransmitters, which in turn contributes to their ability to protect against neurodegeneration. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies have provided evidence of their neuroprotection mechanisms, which involve interactions with estrogenic receptors, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-apoptotic activity, and modulation of neural plasticity. This review aims to provide current insights into the neuroprotective characteristics of isoflavones and shed light on their potential therapeutic applications in future clinical scenarios.

A chitosan film containing quercetin-loaded transfersomes for treatment of secondary osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis, due to its prevalence worldwide, is a serious health problem. Topical administration of quercetin, a phytoestrogen, in the form of deformable transfersomes, could be used to treat osteoporosis to overcome its low oral solubility and bioavailability. Formulation process of transfersomes was screened by fractional factorial design and further optimized using full factorial design. Transfersomes showed good characteristics such as entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (83.0 ± 2.2%, 75.95 ± 2 nm, - 13.6 ± 6 mv and 0.333, respectively). Transfersomes were further loaded into chitosan film and showed good permeation through rat skin. Further, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis rat model showed induction of osteoporosis after day 30. On day 45, treatment with chitosan film containing quercetin-loaded transfersomes showed remarkable rise in femur thickness, length, density as well as in serum biochemical parameters such as calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, and tartrate-resistant alkaline phosphatase compared to positive control group. Tensile strength of osteoporotic femur bone was also found to be increased and was comparable with normal group. Histomicrographic analysis of femur bone exhibited less disruptive and lytic changes. Thus, all the above findings indicated the beneficial effects of quercetin-loaded transfersome chitosan film, due to decline in osteoclastogenesis and osteoblast apoptosis, which further favored increase in osteoblast numbers and mineralization of bones. Thus, chitosan film containing quercetin-loaded transfersomes was found to be good alternative to oral administration of quercetin to treat osteoporosis, while easy applicability of film in the form of wrist band anytime, anywhere, and even at work achieve patient compliance. Graphical abstract.

Genistein increases progesterone secretion by elevating related enzymes in chicken granulosa cells.

Genistein, a biologically active isoflavone, exists in many soy products. It is well known that genistein binds to both oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and oestrogen receptor beta (ERß), but it has a higher affinity to ERß. Genistein can also bind to the G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30, also known as G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 or GPER). Furthermore, weak oestrogenic activity has been found in genistein, but the mechanism of action remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of genistein on the secretion of progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) in chicken granulosa cells harvested from follicles, as well as the mRNA expression of ERs in these cells. In addition, we examined the expression of key enzymes including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) in the process of P4 synthesis. The results showed that genistein did not affect the viability of granulosa cells, nor was the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein changed. Among the 1-, 10-, 100-, and 1,000-nM concentrations tested, treatment with 1 nM genistein for 48 h significantly increased P4 but did not affect E2 secretion. Real-time PCR results showed that the ERß gene expression in granulosa cells was markedly upregulated by 1 nM genistein treatment for 48 h, but there was no significant difference in ERα and GPR30 expression. Genistein also increased the gene expression of StAR, P450scc and 3ß-HSD in the cultured granulosa cells. These results indicate that genistein acts directly on chicken granulosa cells to increase P4 production by upregulating the gene expression of key enzymes through binding in ERß. It may exert positive effects on the reproduction of late-laying hens and act as an effective and safe feed additive for animals.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress by 17 ß-Estradiol and Genistein in Human Hepatic Cell Lines In Vitro.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: estrogens and phytoestrogens exert hepatoprotection through mechanisms not clearly examined yet. Here, we investigated the protective effects exerted by 17ß-estradiol and genistein against oxidative stress in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the involvement of specific receptors and the intracellular signalling. METHODS: Huh7.5 and LX-2, alone or in co-culture with Huh7.5, were treated with 17ß-estradiol and genistein alone or in the presence of menadione and of estrogen receptors (ERs) and G protein-coupled-estrogenic-receptors (GPER) blockers. Cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidant/antioxidant system were measured by specific kits. Western Blot was used for the analysis of Akt and p38-mitogen-activated-protein kinases (MAPK) activation and α-smooth-muscle actin expression. RESULTS: In Huh7.5, 17ß-estradiol and genistein prevented the effects of peroxidation by modulating Akt and p38MAPK activation. Similar antioxidant and protective findings were obtained in LX-2 of co-culture experiments, only. ERs and GPER blockers were able to prevent the effects of 17ß-estradiol and genistein. CONCLUSION: In Huh7.5 and LX-2, 17ß-estradiol and genistein counteract the effects of peroxidation through the involvement of ERs and GPER and by an intracellular signalling related to Akt and p38MAPK. As concerning LX-2, paracrine factors released by Huh7.5 play a key role in protection against oxidative stress.

Influência da terapêutica hormonal estrogênica e do treinamento de força sobre o tecido muscular esquelético de ratas senis / Influence of hormonal estrogenic therapy and strength training on skeletal muscle of senile rats

A diminuição das concentrações plasmáticas de estrógeno está intimamente relacionada com o aumento do estresse oxidativo e a diminuição da massa muscular em idosos. A terapêutica hormonal estrogênica (THE) e o treinamento de força (TF) apresentam resultados efetivos sobre a manutenção do tecido muscular em idosos. No entanto, os mecanismos responsáveis pelas melhorias induzias por ambas as intervenções são pouco elucidados. Nesse sentido, avaliamos os efeitos da THE, do TF e a associação sobre a manutenção do tecido muscular esquelético de ratas periestropausadas. Ratas Wistar (18 meses) foram distribuídas em: Grupo não treinado (NT-Veh), Grupo NT tratado com a THE (NT-E2), Grupo TF (TF-Veh) e Grupo TF-E2. Os animais receberam a THE (17ß estradiol; 2 x semana; 25 µg/kg/administração) e/ou praticaram TF (3 x semana; 80% sobrecarga) durante 16 semanas. A THE e o TF induzem benefícios ao tecido muscular esquelético de ratas periestropausadas, no entanto, por diferentes maneiras. Enquanto a THE induziu diminuição do estresse oxidativo muscular (Dihidroetidina), o TF resultou em melhoras significativas na função muscular, no sistema antioxidante muscular (Catalase) e na expressão de miRNAs (206, 146b e 133a). Já a interação das intervenções resultou em melhora no estado redox (Sirt1, Sirt3, PGC-1α, COXIV), na responsividade dos receptores estrogênicos (ERα, ERß e GPR30), e atividade de vias de sinalização do tecido muscular (IGF-1/Akt-1/mTOR). Além disso, as intervenções de maneira isolada ou em associação, levaram ao aumento no percentual de fibras glicolíticas e redução das oxidativas. Sugerimos que a aderências das intervenções (associadas ou não) possam minimizar/atenuar a perda da massa muscular observada em fases tardias durante o processo de envelhecimento(AU)

The decrease of estrogen (E2) circulating levels is strongly related to increased oxidative stress and the loss of muscle mass in elderly. The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and strength training (ST) are the main effective interventions to prevent the loss of muscle mass, however, the mechanisms involved in interventions-induced benefits are not well elucidated. In this sense we evaluate the effect of HRT, ST and association on skeletal muscle maintenance of periestropaused rats. Female Wistar rats (18 months old) were randomly assigned into: non-exercised and non-treated group (NE-Veh), NE treated group (NE-E2), exercised and non-treated group (ST-Veh) and ST-E2 group. The animals received the HRT (17ß estradiol; 2 x week; 50 µg/kg/week) and/or performed ST (3 x week, 80% overload) for 16 weeks. The HRT and ST promoted beneficial effects on skeletal muscle of periestropaused rats, however, by different manners. While HRT treatment leaves the reduction of oxidative stress (Dihidroetidine), the ST resulted in significate improvement on skeletal muscle function, in skeletal muscle antioxidant system (Catalase) and in miRNAs expression (2016, 146b and 133a). Already, the association of interventions resulted in improvement of redox state (Sirt1, Sirt3, PGC-1α, COXIV), in estrogen receptor responsiveness (ERα, ERß and GPR30) and the activity of skeletal muscle signaling pathways (IGF-1/Akt-1/mTOR). In addition, the interventions, isolated or combinated, leaves an increase of the percentage of glycolytic fibers and reduced percentage of oxidative fibers. We suggest that the adherence to interventions (combinated or not) could minimize/attenuate the loss of skeletal muscle mass observed in later phases of aging process(AU)