Next Article in Journal
Comparison of a Full Food-Frequency Questionnaire with the Three-Day Unweighted Food Records in Young Polish Adult Women: Implications for Dietary Assessment
Previous Article in Journal
Obesity and Dyslipidemia in South Asians
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Nutrients
Volume 5
Issue 7
10.3390/nu5072734
nutrients-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Effects of Dietary Isoflavones from Puerariae Radix on Lipid and Bone Metabolism in Ovariectomized Rats

by
Dong Wook Lim
†,
Jae Goo Kim
† and
Yun Tai Kim
*
Functionality Evaluation Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam 463-746, Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Nutrients 2013, 5(7), 2734-2746; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5072734
Submission received: 3 June 2013 / Revised: 16 June 2013 / Accepted: 2 July 2013 / Published: 17 July 2013
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Puerariae radix, the dried root of Pueraria lobata Ohwi, is one of the earliest and most important edible crude herbs used for various medical purposes in oriental medicine. This study evaluated the metabolic effects of total isoflavones from P. lobata (PTIF) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The OVX rats were divided into four groups treated with distilled water, 17β-estradiol (E2 10 μg/kg, once daily, i.p.) and PTIF (30 and 100 mg/kg, once daily, p.o.) for eight weeks. The treatments with high-dose PTIF significantly decreased the bone mineral density (BMD) loss in the femur and inhibited the increase in body weight and lipoprotein levels compared to the OVX-control group without elevating the serum levels of the liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). Furthermore, PTIF exhibits a hepatoprotective effect in OVX-induced hepatic steatosis, indicated with reduced hepatic lipid contents. Taken together, our findings suggest that PTIF may be useful for controlling lipid and bone metabolism, at least in OVX rats. Further research is necessary to determine whether PTIF will have the same effects in humans.

1. Introduction

Menopause is often associated with serious public problems in middle-aged women; thus, appropriate care and management of health after menopause is important to maintaining a woman’s quality of life [1]. A reduction in estrogen levels is commonly believed to cause psychological and mood changes, as well as physiological changes that result in symptoms, such as osteoporosis, breast cancer, hot flashes, obesity, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease [2]. These menopausal symptoms can be at least comparatively reversed by the local or systemic administration of exogenous estrogens; thus, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used to ameliorate menopausal symptoms [3]. However, long-term HRT increases the risk of several serious diseases, such as breast and endometrial cancer, thromboembolic events and vaginal bleeding [4,5]. Therefore, alternative approaches, including dietary interventions, have been of interest in the control of menopausal symptoms.
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring hormone-like compounds found in plants and can be subdivided into coumestans, isoflavonoids and lignans. Coumestrol and the isoflavonoids genistein, daidzein, and their plant precursors, are mainly found in soybeans and clover [6]. Isoflavones, especially those derived from plants, have various biological activities and can improve the metabolic symptoms [7] and bone-protective effects [8] of menopause. Although some studies have suggested that isoflavones have potential health benefits in postmenopausal women [9], a number of studies have also reported the absence of beneficial effects of isoflavones intake on classic metabolic parameters [10], such as body weight and serum lipid profiles. A number of randomized trials have also failed to show a sustained enhancement of bone by isoflavones supplements [11,12,13]. Since we currently lack consistent evidence to support any beneficial effect of isoflavones intake on menopausal symptoms, their efficacy needs to be scientifically evaluated in in vivo experiments.
Puerariae radix, the dried root of Pueraria lobata Ohwi, is one of the earliest and most important edible crude herbs used for various medical purposes in oriental medicine. Puerariae radix has been reported to have antioxidant [14], hypoglycemic [15] and anti-thrombosis effects [16], as well as lowering plasma cholesterol [17]. The major active components of Puerariae radix are flavonoids, coumarins and isoflavones, such as daidzein, genistein and puerarin, and they are responsible for its diverse pharmacological activities [18].
In the present study, we examined the effects of the P. lobata total isoflavones (PTIF), which contain the unique isoflavone, puerarin, on menopausal symptoms. Puerarin has shown relatively strong estrogenic activities compared with other isoflavones; thus, we hypothesized that puerarin-containing isoflavones may have a significant protective effect against menopausal symptoms, which often include dyslipidemia and osteoporosis. We used ovariectomized (OVX) rat, which exhibit most of the characteristics of human menopausal symptoms [19], treated with PTIF during an eight-week experimental period and then assessed the metabolic parameters related to menopausal symptoms.

2. Experimental Section

2.1. Preparation of P. lobata Total Isoflavones (PTIF)

P. lobata was purchased from Kapdang Co. (Seoul, Korea). The sample was identified by Dr. HeeSoon Shin, and a voucher specimen (#NP-1042) was deposited in the Functionality Evaluation Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam, Korea. P. lobata (300 g) was extracted with 70% ethanol (3000 mL) for 3 h at 80 °C in a reflux apparatus. The extracts were filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure, and samples were lyophilized to yield a dark yellow powder. The yield of P. lobata extracts was 22.8%. The compositional analysis of total isoflavones from P. lobata extracts was performed by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system equipped with a Waters 1525 pump, a 2707 auto sampler and a 2998 PDA detector. The chromatic separation was achieved at 30 °C on Waters Sunfire™ C18 (250 mm × 4 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size) column. The run time was set at 30 min, and the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The sample injection volume was 10 μL. The mobile phase was 0.1% (v/v) formic acid (A), 100% acetonitrile (B), filtered through a 0.45 μm filter and degassed prior to use. Separation was achieved with gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid as a solvent. The gradient was reduced by 90% from 0 to 10 min, 75% from 10 to 15 min and 50% from 15 to 20 min and was increased by 90% from 20 to 28 min to equilibrate the column. The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min, and samples were detected at 254 nm.

2.2. Animals and Treatments

Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, 8-weeks-old, were purchased from Samtako, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Animals were housed two rats per cage in an air-conditioned room at 23 ± 1 °C, 55%–60% relative humidity and a 12 h light/dark cycle (07:00 lights on, 19:00 lights off) and were given a laboratory regular rodent diet. After acclimatization for 1 week, 9-week-old female SD rats were anesthetized with 2% of isoflurane and the ovaries were removed bilaterally. A sham operation, during which the ovaries were just touched with forceps, was performed on the sham group. One week after surgery, rats were divided into the five following treatment groups: (1) sham + vehicle, (2) OVX + vehicle, (3) OVX + 17β-estradiol (E2, 10 μg/kg once daily, i.p.), (4) OVX + PTIF 30 mg/kg and (5) OVX + PTIF 100 mg/kg. PTIF was dissolved in distilled water for oral administration at the desired doses in a volume of 5 mL/kg once daily. E2 was dissolved in distilled water, with 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 0.1% Tween 20. All groups were treated for eight weeks. During the experimental period, body weight and femur bone mineral density (BMD) were determined weekly. At the end of the treatment period, the rats fasted for 12 h and blood was collected via the abdominal aorta. Uterus tissue and other organs were dissected, washed with saline solution and weighed for analysis. Uterus and organ indexes (mg/g) were calculated by dividing the uterus and organ weights by the body weight. Liver tissues were collected for the experiments described later in this section. All animal experiments were carried out according to the guidelines of the Korea Food Research Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

2.3. BMD Measurements

The BMD of femur was measured by a PIXImus (GE Lunar PIXImus, GE Healthcare, WI, USA), dual energy X-ray absorptiometer (DXA), equipped with appropriate software for bone density assessment in small laboratory animals. Calibration of the instrument was conducted as recommended by the manufacturer. Quality control with BMD (0.0553 g/cm2) and percentage fat composition (16.7%) of the phantom were also performed each time the instrument was switched on. The percent coefficient of variation (% CV) for rat BMD at the femur was 1.5%–2.0%. All rats were placed in the same direction.

2.4. Serum Lipid, Estradiol and Bone Marker Analysis

The serum samples were prepared by centrifugation of the collected blood samples (1013 g for 15 min at 4 °C), then stored at −80 °C for biochemical determinations. The serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined using an automatic analyzer (ADVIA 1650, Bayer, Tokyo, Japan). Serum LDL-c was estimated using Frieldwann’s equation. Serum hormone level was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The estradiol RIA was performed according to the instructions accompanying a Coat-a-Count kit (Diagnostic Products, Los Angeles, CA, USA). Serum concentrations of the bone formation marker, osteocalcin (OC) [20], were assayed using a rat ELISA kit (Metra OC, Quidel Corporation, San Diego, CA, USA). Serum levels of telopeptides of collagen type I (CTx), which correlate with bone resorption, with high levels indicating excessive osteoclastic activity [21], were analyzed using commercial ELISA kits (Serum CrossLaps, Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark; Metra Serum Pyd, Quidel Corporation, San Diego, CA, USA). The hepatic lipid was extracted using the procedure developed by Folch et al. [22], and TC and TG contents were determined using a commercial enzymatic kit (Asan Pharm. Co., Seoul, Korea). The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) were 8.35% and 9.45% for estradiol, 6.4% and 8.9% for CTx, 2.8% and 5.2% for OC, 4.5% and 4.8% for TG and 2% and 6% for TC, respectively.

2.5. Liver Histological Analysis

The liver tissues were divided into the tissue freezing medium (TBS, Durham, NC, USA) and then deep-frozen in liquid nitrogen for their preservation. The liver tissues were cut into 5 μm-thick sections using a Cryostat instrument (CM 1850; Leica, Heidelberg, Germany). The tissue sections were fixed in 10% neutral phosphate-buffered formalin solution. The lipids and nuclei of the liver cells were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). A diagnosis of fatty liver was made based on the presence of macro- or micro-vesicular fat in >5% of the hepatocytes in a given slide.

2.6. Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 5.03 (GraghPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). The significance of differences among the groups for repeated measurements was analyzed using two-way ANOVA (repeated measurement and time course) followed by Bonferroni posttests or one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. All data were presented as the mean ± SEM. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

3. Results

3.1. Compositional Analysis of Total Isoflavones from P. lobata extracts

The HPLC chromatogram of total isoflavones is shown in Figure 1, and the puerarin, daidzin and genistin concentrations in the P. lobata extracts are listed in Table 1. After purification, puerarin (7.2%) was the major compound in the extract, which also contained daidzin (3.8%) and genistin (1.5%). The PTIF for oral administration was calculated based on its isoflavone contents.
Nutrients 05 02734 g001 1024
Figure 1. Preparative HPLC chromatography of PTIF. P: puerarin; D: daidzin; G: genistin; PTIF: P. lobata total isoflavones.
Figure 1. Preparative HPLC chromatography of PTIF. P: puerarin; D: daidzin; G: genistin; PTIF: P. lobata total isoflavones.
Nutrients 05 02734 g001
Table
Table 1. Composition of puerarin and other isoflavones from P. lobata extracts.
Table 1. Composition of puerarin and other isoflavones from P. lobata extracts.
IsoflavonesConcentration (%, w/w)
Puerarin7.2
Daidzin3.8
Genistin1.5
Total isoflavones12.5

3.2. Effects of PTIF on Body Weight and Serum Lipid Concentrations in OVX Rats

The body weights increased over time in all groups, but body weights increased significantly more in the OVX-control group alone compared to the sham group. A significant difference in body weight was observed between the E2 10 μg/kg treated group and the OVX-control group by two weeks after initiating administration (Figure 2B). As expected, the body weight of the E2 10 μg/kg treated group was significantly less than that of the OVX-control group. Furthermore, the body weight gain of the PTIF 100 mg/kg treated group was significantly less than that of the OVX-control group. The PTIF 100 mg/kg treated group showed similar results with the E2 treated group (Figure 2A). Serum TG, TC and LDL-c levels were significantly higher in the OVX-control group compared with the Sham group. After eight weeks of treatments, the PTIF 30 and 100 mg/kg treated groups showed significantly lower serum TG, TC and LDL-c levels in a dose-related manner, while causing the reverse on serum HDL-c (Figure 2C).
Nutrients 05 02734 g002 1024
Figure 2. Effects of PTIF on body weight gain (A), weekly body weight (B) and serum lipid concentrations (C) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The body weight gain was calculated by the equation: final body weight − initial body weight. All data are the mean ± SEM values (n = 12 per group). Body weight was statically significant vs. control by repeated-measure ANOVA. Body weight gain and serum concentration were compared with control (one-way ANOVA). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001, significantly different from the OVX-control group.
Figure 2. Effects of PTIF on body weight gain (A), weekly body weight (B) and serum lipid concentrations (C) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The body weight gain was calculated by the equation: final body weight − initial body weight. All data are the mean ± SEM values (n = 12 per group). Body weight was statically significant vs. control by repeated-measure ANOVA. Body weight gain and serum concentration were compared with control (one-way ANOVA). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001, significantly different from the OVX-control group.
Nutrients 05 02734 g002

3.3. Effects of PTIF on OVX-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Rats

As shown in Table 2, PTIF exhibits a hepatoprotective effect in OVX-induced hepatic steatosis, indicated by reduced hepatic lipid contents and serum ALT and AST levels. It was found that OVX-control rats alone developed a high degree of steatosis, with severe cytoplasmic vacuoles and hepatocyte swellings (Figure 3B), whereas no histological abnormalities were observed in sham rats (Figure 3A). The treatments of PTIF resulted in the prevention of hepatic fatty deposition in hepatocytes (Figure 3D,E).
Table
Table 2. Effects of PTIF on OVX-induced hepatic steatosis. Data are the mean ± SEM values (n = 12 per group). a A significant decrease at p < 0.05, when compared with the control group; b A significant decrease at p < 0.01, when compared with the control group; ALT, alanine transaminase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglyceride.
Table 2. Effects of PTIF on OVX-induced hepatic steatosis. Data are the mean ± SEM values (n = 12 per group). a A significant decrease at p < 0.05, when compared with the control group; b A significant decrease at p < 0.01, when compared with the control group; ALT, alanine transaminase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglyceride.
GroupsSerum (mg/dL)Liver lipid (mg/g wet wt)
ALTASTTCTG
Sham109.1 ± 12.572.1 ± 6.97.1 ± 0.735.2 ± 4.9
Control135.5 ± 15.794.5 ± 6.611.1 ± 0.868.8 ± 7.4
E2 10 μg/kg121.1 ± 17.4 a80.3 ± 4.9 a8.2 ± 0.6 a51.8 ± 6.8 a
PTIF 30 mg/kg120.6 ± 19.5 a77.5 ± 6.8 a7.5 ± 0.5 a48.1 ± 5.8 a
PTIF 100 mg/kg118.4 ± 13.5 b76.5 ± 6.8 b6.5 ± 0.5 b43.1 ± 5.8 b
Nutrients 05 02734 g003 1024
Figure 3. Histological images of liver tissues from OVX-induced hepatic steatosis displaying the hepatoprotective effects of PTIF. There were no histological abnormalities observed in sham rats (A). OVX-induced hepatic steatosis showing hepatocytes with severe cytoplasmic vacuoles and swelling (B). E2 10 μg/kg resulted in the prevention of hepatic fatty deposition in hepatocytes (C). The treatments with PTIF 30 and 100 mg/kg resulted in the prevention of hepatic fatty deposition in hepatocytes (D,E). The tissues were surgically excised and subjected to histological study by staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). All magnifications: 200×. The arrows indicate fatty hepatocytes.
Figure 3. Histological images of liver tissues from OVX-induced hepatic steatosis displaying the hepatoprotective effects of PTIF. There were no histological abnormalities observed in sham rats (A). OVX-induced hepatic steatosis showing hepatocytes with severe cytoplasmic vacuoles and swelling (B). E2 10 μg/kg resulted in the prevention of hepatic fatty deposition in hepatocytes (C). The treatments with PTIF 30 and 100 mg/kg resulted in the prevention of hepatic fatty deposition in hepatocytes (D,E). The tissues were surgically excised and subjected to histological study by staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). All magnifications: 200×. The arrows indicate fatty hepatocytes.
Nutrients 05 02734 g003

3.4. Effects of PTIF on BMD and Organ Weights in OVX Rats

Three weeks after the OVX operation, OVX groups showed a significant decrease in the femur BMD compared to the sham group (Figure 4B). After eight weeks of treatments, the final femur BMD of the PTIF 100 mg/kg treated group was significantly higher than that of the OVX-control group (Figure 4A). OVX caused atrophy of uterine tissue, indicating the success of the surgical procedure and in the E2 10 μg/kg treated group, the uterus index (mg/g) increased significantly compared to the OVX-control group. However, the PTIF 30 and 100 mg/kg treated groups did not show an effect on the uterus index following OVX operation (Figure 4C). Also, the index of heart, liver, spleen and kidney was not significantly different in each group, either (Figure 4D).

3.5. Effects of PTIF on Bone Marker in OVX Rats

ALP, CTx and OC levels in the OVX-control group were significantly higher compared to the sham group. After eight weeks of treatments, the PTIF 100 mg/kg treated group displayed significantly lower ALP, CTx and OC levels compared to the OVX-control group (Figure 5). In addition, the PTIF 100 mg/kg treated group showed significantly higher serum estradiol level compared to the OVX-control group (Figure 5D).
Nutrients 05 02734 g004 1024
Figure 4. Effects of PTIF on final femur one mineral density (BMD) (A), femur BMD changes (B), uterus index (C) and organ index (D). Data are the mean ± SEM values (n = 12 per group). Femur BMD changes were statically significant vs. control by repeated-measure ANOVA. Final femur BMD and organs weights were compared with control (one-way ANOVA). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001, significantly different from the OVX-control group.
Figure 4. Effects of PTIF on final femur one mineral density (BMD) (A), femur BMD changes (B), uterus index (C) and organ index (D). Data are the mean ± SEM values (n = 12 per group). Femur BMD changes were statically significant vs. control by repeated-measure ANOVA. Final femur BMD and organs weights were compared with control (one-way ANOVA). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001, significantly different from the OVX-control group.
Nutrients 05 02734 g004
Nutrients 05 02734 g005 1024
Figure 5. Effects of PTIF on serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (A), collagen type I (CTx) (B), osteocalcin (OC) (C) and estradiol (D) levels. Data are the mean ± SEM values (n = 12 per group). * p < 0.05 and *** p < 0.001, significantly difference from the OVX-control group.
Figure 5. Effects of PTIF on serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (A), collagen type I (CTx) (B), osteocalcin (OC) (C) and estradiol (D) levels. Data are the mean ± SEM values (n = 12 per group). * p < 0.05 and *** p < 0.001, significantly difference from the OVX-control group.
Nutrients 05 02734 g005

4. Discussion

Our results demonstrate that eight weeks of treatment with high-dose P. lobata total isoflavones (PTIF, 12.5%, w/w) significantly decreased the BMD loss in the femur and inhibited the increase in body weight and lipoprotein levels compared to the OVX-control group. These findings indicate that PTIF induced multiple metabolic changes in a rat model of postmenopausal symptoms.
Bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency in both humans and experimental animals is primarily due to an increase in osteoclastic bone resorption [23]. OVX rats, which exhibit most of the characteristics of human postmenopausal osteoporosis [19] have been widely used as a model for the evaluation of potential osteoporosis treatments [24].
Like previous reports, our OVX resulted in a significant decrease in the femur BMD after eight weeks. This BMD loss was accompanied by a significant increase in bone remodeling, as was evidenced by the enhanced bone turnover makers. An increase in ALP serum levels, the most widely used biochemical bone turnover marker [25], was observed in OVX rats [26,27]. Furthermore, an increase in serum levels of telopeptides of collagen type I (CTx), which correlate with bone-resorption, with high levels indicating excessive osteoclastic activity and bone formation marker osteocalcin (OC) were observed in OVX rats, and these results were supported by Hertrampf et al. [28]. Although we did not determine the 3D architecture of trabecular bone within the distal metaphyseal femur region, eight weeks of treatment with high-dose PTIF significantly decreased the BMD loss in the femur, which was reflected by the decrease in ALP, CTx and OC serum levels compared to the OVX-control group; this effect may have been due to decreased bone resorption.
OVX dramatically increases body weights, while E2 treatment maintains normal levels completely [29]. Although the mechanisms by which OVX induces increases in body weight are not clear, estrogen deficiency induced body fat accumulation and, subsequently, caused an increase in body weight [30]. Heine et al. [31] demonstrated that estrogen receptor (ER) knockout mice have higher fat mass and lower energy expenditure than wild-type mice. Estrogen may be involved directly in energy metabolism of rats by binding to ER within the abdominal and subcutaneous fat tissues [32]. In our results, eight weeks of treatment with high-dose PTIF inhibited the increase in body weight and serum lipid concentration. These results suggest that high-dose PTIF acts as a source of proestrogenic compounds based on their effects on lipid metabolism in OVX rats.
Estrogen is mainly metabolized into sulfate conjugate, which is catalyzed by sulfotransferase (SULT) [33]. The SULT1E1 enzyme of the estrogen-preferring SULT family 1E is a key plasma estrogen SULT that determines the activity of estrogen [34]. Lee et al. [35] reported that SULT1E1 might be related to the induced ability of estrogen activation, potentially affecting bone mineral turnover and increasing the concentration of BMD in postmenopausal women. From the above reports, it is hypothesized that high-dose phytoestrogen supplements could increase active estradiol levels, at least in part, through the SULT1E1 gene expression in OVX rats. Our serum estradiol level results were supported by the previous reporting that administration of herbal extracts, including isoflavones, showed slightly or significantly higher estradiol levels in OVX rats [36,37,38,39].
We found in the study that there was an obvious lipid metabolic disturbance in OVX rats. Eight weeks after the operation, the TC and TG concentration in liver in OVX control group was found obviously higher than those in other groups. Although the mechanisms by which OVX induces TC and TG concentration in liver, the increased insulin concentration in OVX rats may accelerate the dephosphorylation effect of the HMG-CoA reductase, which is a rate-limiting enzyme of the composition of cholesterol in liver [40]. Serum AST and ALT levels are clinically and toxicologically important indicators [41] and increase as a result of tissue damage caused by toxicants or disease conditions. In our results, PTIF caused no apparent liver toxicity, based on lower plasma AST and ALT. Moreover, high-dose PTIF exhibits a hepatoprotective effect, indicated with improved hepatic lipid contents in OVX rats. These results suggest that high-dose PTIF could regulate the lipid metabolic disturbance in liver in OVX rats.

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, our results demonstrated that PTIF has multiple metabolic benefits in OVX rats. The treatment of PTIF led to increased serum estrogen levels, decreased serum lipoprotein levels and significantly improved femur BMD, without elevating the serum levels of the liver enzymes, AST and ALT. Taken together, our findings suggest that PTIF may be useful for controlling lipid and bone metabolism, at least in OVX rats. Further research is necessary to determine whether PTIF will have the same effects in humans.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant from the Korea Food Research Institute.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Pinkerton, J.V.; Guico-Pabia, C.J.; Taylor, H.S. Menstrual cycle-related exacerbation of disease. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2010, 202, 221–231. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Greendale, G.A.; Sowers, M. The menopause transition. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. N. Am. 1997, 26, 261–277. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  3. Nelson, H.D.; Humphrey, L.L.; Nygren, P.; Teutsch, S.M.; Allan, J.D. Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy: Scientific review. JAMA 2002, 288, 872–881. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Pradhan, A.D.; Manson, J.E.; Rossouw, J.E.; Siscovick, D.S.; Mouton, C.P.; Rifai, N.; Wallace, R.B.; Jackson, R.D.; Pettinger, M.B.; Ridker, P.M. Inflammatory biomarkers, hormone replacement therapy, and incident coronary heart disease: Prospective analysis from the Women’s Health Initiative observational study. JAMA 2002, 288, 980–987. [Google Scholar]
  5. Martin, L.J.; Minkin, S.; Boyd, N.F. Hormone therapy, mammographic density, and breast cancer risk. Maturitas 2009, 64, 20–26. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Hedelin, M.; Klint, A.; Chang, E.T.; Bellocco, R.; Johansson, J.E.; Andersson, S.O.; Heinonen, S.M.; Adlercreutz, H.; Adami, H.O.; Gronberg, H.; et al. Dietary phytoestrogen, serum enterolactone and risk of prostate cancer: The cancer prostate Sweden study (Sweden). Cancer Causes Control 2006, 17, 169–180. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Taku, K.; Umegaki, K.; Sato, Y.; Taki, Y.; Endoh, K.; Watanabe, S. Soy isoflavones lower serum total and LDL cholesterol in humans: A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2007, 85, 1148–1156. [Google Scholar]
  8. Ma, D.F.; Qin, L.Q.; Wang, P.Y.; Katoh, R. Soy isoflavone intake increases bone mineral density in the spine of menopausal women: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin. Nutr. 2008, 27, 57–64. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Shedd-Wise, K.M.; Alekel, D.L.; Hofmann, H.; Hanson, K.B.; Schiferl, D.J.; Hanson, L.N.; van Loan, M.D. The soy isoflavones for reducing bone loss study: 3-Yr effects on pQCT bone mineral density and strength measures in postmenopausal women. J. Clin. Densitom. 2011, 14, 47–57. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Bahr, J.M.; Nakai, M.; Rivera, A.; Walsh, J.; Evans, G.L.; Lotinun, S.; Turner, R.T.; Black, M.; Jeffery, E.H. Dietary soy protein and isoflavones: Minimal beneficial effects on bone and no effect on the reproductive tract of sexually mature ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Menopause 2005, 12, 165–173. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Alekel, D.L.; van Loan, M.D.; Koehler, K.J.; Hanson, L.N.; Stewart, J.W.; Hanson, K.B.; Kurzer, M.S.; Peterson, C.T. The soy isoflavones for reducing bone loss (SIRBL) study: A 3-y randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2010, 91, 218–230. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Levis, S.; Strickman-Stein, N.; Ganjei-Azar, P.; Xu, P.; Doerge, D.R.; Krischer, J. Soy isoflavones in the prevention of menopausal bone loss and menopausal symptoms: A randomized, double-blind trial. Arch. Inter. Med. 2011, 171, 1363–1369. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Chilibeck, P.D.; Vatanparast, H.; Pierson, R.; Case, A.; Olatunbosun, O.; Whiting, S.J.; Beck, T.J.; Pahwa, P.; Biem, H.J. Effect of exercise training combined with isoflavone supplementation on bone and lipids in postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial. J. Bone Miner. Res. 2013, 28, 780–793. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  14. Guerra, M.C.; Speroni, E.; Broccoli, M.; Cangini, M.; Pasini, P.; Minghett, A.; Crespi-Perellino, N.; Mirasoli, M.; Cantelli-Forti, G.; Paolini, M. Comparison between chinese medical herb Pueraria lobata crude extract and its main isoflavone puerarin antioxidant properties and effects on rat liver CYP-catalysed drug metabolism. Life Sci. 2000, 67, 2997–3006. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Chung, M.J.; Sung, N.J.; Park, C.S.; Kweon, D.K.; Mantovani, A.; Moon, T.W.; Lee, S.J.; Park, K.H. Antioxidative and hypocholesterolemic activities of water-soluble puerarin glycosides in HepG2 cells and in C57 BL/6J mice. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2008, 578, 159–170. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Yu, Z.; Zhang, G.; Zhao, H. Effects of Puerariae isoflavone on blood viscosity, thrombosis and platelet function. (in Chinese). Zhong Yao Cai 1997, 20, 468–469. [Google Scholar]
  17. Yan, L.P.; Chan, S.W.; Chan, A.S.; Chen, S.L.; Ma, X.J.; Xu, H.X. Puerarin decreases serum total cholesterol and enhances thoracic aorta endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Life Sci. 2006, 79, 324–330. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Wong, K.H.; Li, G.Q.; Li, K.M.; Razmovski-Naumovski, V.; Chan, K. Kudzu root: Traditional uses and potential medicinal benefits in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2011, 134, 584–607. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Jee, W.S.; Yao, W. Overview: Animal models of osteopenia and osteoporosis. J. Musculoskelet. Neuronal Interact. 2001, 1, 193–207. [Google Scholar]
  20. Thiede, M.A.; Smock, S.L.; Petersen, D.N.; Grasser, W.A.; Thompson, D.D.; Nishimoto, S.K. Presence of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding osteocalcin, a marker of bone turnover, in bone marrow megakaryocytes and peripheral blood platelets. Endocrinology 1994, 135, 929–937. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Coleman, R.E. The clinical use of bone resorption markers in patients with malignant bone disease. Cancer 2002, 94, 2521–2533. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Folch, J.; Lees, M.; Sloane Stanley, G.H. A simple method for the isolation and purification of total lipides from animal tissues. J. Biol. Chem. 1957, 226, 497–509. [Google Scholar]
  23. Hoegh-Andersen, P.; Tanko, L.B.; Andersen, T.L.; Lundberg, C.V.; Mo, J.A.; Heegaard, A.M.; Delaisse, J.M.; Christgau, S. Ovariectomized rats as a model of postmenopausal osteoarthritis: Validation and application. Arthrit. Res. Ther. 2004, 6, R169–R180. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  24. Lelovas, P.P.; Xanthos, T.T.; Thoma, S.E.; Lyritis, G.P.; Dontas, I.A. The laboratory rat as an animal model for osteoporosis research. Comp. Med. 2008, 58, 424–430. [Google Scholar]
  25. Nishizawa, Y.; Nakamura, T.; Ohta, H.; Kushida, K.; Gorai, I.; Shiraki, M.; Fukunaga, M.; Hosoi, T.; Miki, T.; Chaki, O.; et al. Guidelines for the use of biochemical markers of bone turnover in osteoporosis (2004). J. Bone Miner. Metab. 2005, 23, 97–104. [Google Scholar]
  26. Yogesh, H.S.; Chandrashekhar, V.M.; Katti, H.R.; Ganapaty, S.; Raghavendra, H.L.; Gowda, G.K.; Goplakhrishna, B. Anti-osteoporotic activity of aqueous-methanol extract of Berberis aristata in ovariectomized rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2011, 134, 334–338. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Lim, D.W.; Kim, Y.T. Dried root of Rehmannia glutinosa prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Molecules 2013, 18, 5804–5813. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Hertrampf, T.; Schleipen, B.; Offermanns, C.; Velders, M.; Laudenbach, U.; Diel, P. Comparison of the bone protective effects of an isoflavone-rich diet with dietary and subcutaneous administrations of genistein in ovariectomized rats. Toxicol. Lett. 2009, 184, 198–203. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Devareddy, L.; Khalil, D.A.; Smith, B.J.; Lucas, E.A.; Soung, D.Y.; Marlow, D.D.; Arjmandi, B.H. Soy moderately improves microstructural properties without affecting bone mass in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis. Bone 2006, 38, 686–693. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Dang, Z.C.; van Bezooijen, R.L.; Karperien, M.; Papapoulos, S.E.; Lowik, C.W.G.M. Exposure of KS483 cells to estrogen enhances osteogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis. J. Bone Miner. Res. 2002, 17, 394–405. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Heine, P.A.; Taylor, J.A.; Iwamoto, G.A.; Lubahn, D.B.; Cooke, P.S. Increased adipose tissue in male and female estrogen receptor-alpha knockout mice. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2000, 97, 12729–12734. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Joyner, J.M.; Hutley, L.J.; Cameron, D.P. Estrogen receptors in human preadipocytes. Endocrine 2001, 15, 225–230. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. Nagata, K.; Yamazoe, Y. Pharmacogenetics of sulfotransferase. Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 2000, 40, 159–176. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Pasqualini, J.R. Estrogen sulfotransferases in breast and endometrial cancers. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 2009, 1155, 88–98. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Lee, S.A.; Choi, J.Y.; Shin, C.S.; Hong, Y.C.; Chung, H.; Kang, D. SULT1E1 genetic polymorphisms modified the association between phytoestrogen consumption and bone mineral density in healthy Korean women. Calcif. Tissue Int. 2006, 79, 152–159. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Arjmandi, B.H.; Getlinger, M.J.; Goyal, N.V.; Alekel, L.; Hasler, C.M.; Juma, S.; Drum, M.L.; Hollis, B.W.; Kukreja, S.C. Role of soy protein with normal or reduced isoflavone content in reversing bone loss induced by ovarian hormone deficiency in rats. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1998, 68, 1358S–1363S. [Google Scholar]
  37. Lee, Y.H.; Hyun, S.H.; Choung, S.Y. Effect of herbal extract mixture on menopausal urinary incontinence in ovariectomized rats. Biofactors 2006, 26, 171–178. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Hassan, H.A.; El Wakf, A.M.; El Gharib, N.E. Role of phytoestrogenic oils in alleviating osteoporosis associated with ovariectomy in rats. Cytotechnology 2012. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Li, B.; Yu, S. Genistein prevents bone resorption diseases by inhibiting bone resorption and stimulating bone formation. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2003, 26, 780–786. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Wang, J.F.; Guo, Y.X.; Niu, J.Z.; Liu, J.; Wang, L.Q.; Li, P.H. Effects of Radix Puerariae flavones on liver lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats. World J. Gastroenterol. 2004, 10, 1967–1970. [Google Scholar]
  41. Radi, Z.A.; Koza-Taylor, P.H.; Bell, R.R.; Obert, L.A.; Runnels, H.A.; Beebe, J.S.; Lawton, M.P.; Sadis, S. Increased serum enzyme levels associated with kupffer cell reduction with no signs of hepatic or skeletal muscle injury. Am. J. Pathol. 2011, 179, 240–247. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Lim, D.W.; Kim, J.G.; Kim, Y.T. Effects of Dietary Isoflavones from Puerariae Radix on Lipid and Bone Metabolism in Ovariectomized Rats. Nutrients 2013, 5, 2734-2746. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5072734

AMA Style

Lim DW, Kim JG, Kim YT. Effects of Dietary Isoflavones from Puerariae Radix on Lipid and Bone Metabolism in Ovariectomized Rats. Nutrients. 2013; 5(7):2734-2746. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5072734

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lim, Dong Wook, Jae Goo Kim, and Yun Tai Kim. 2013. "Effects of Dietary Isoflavones from Puerariae Radix on Lipid and Bone Metabolism in Ovariectomized Rats" Nutrients 5, no. 7: 2734-2746. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5072734

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop