Consumption of soymilk lowers atherogenic lipid fraction in healthy individuals

The effect of soy-based products on lipid profile has not been well established. Whereas some investigators have reported that soy is hypocholesterolemic, others could only demonstrate this in hypercholesterolemic subjects, while a few have not found any marked association between soy and cholesterol levels. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effect of soymilk on lipid and lipoprotein profile of normocholesterolemic, apparently healthy Nigerian Africans. Five hundred milliliters of soymilk preparation was consumed daily by 42 apparently healthy young to middle-aged subjects for a period of 21 days. Forty-two other volunteers with similar characteristics, who did not drink the soymilk over this time frame, were randomly selected as controls. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations were determined twice by standard spectrophotometric methods (at the initial visit and after 3 weeks). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated from the TC, TG, and HDL-C concentrations. After 21 days, regulated soymilk consumption significantly reduced mean plasma TC by 11% and LDL-C by 25% (P?相似文献   

Plasma phytoestrogens are not altered by probiotic consumption in postmenopausal women with and without a history of breast cancer

Soy phytoestrogens were suggested to reduce the risk of a number of diseases including breast cancer. Given that these compounds are metabolized by bacteria, alteration of intestinal bacteria and enzymes may affect phytoestrogen metabolism. We hypothesized that probiotics, when consumed with soy protein, would increase plasma isoflavones, as well as equol producer frequency, in postmenopausal women. We further hypothesized that these effects would differ between women who have had breast cancer and women who have not. To test these hypotheses, 20 breast cancer survivors and 20 controls completed four 6-wk treatments in a randomized, crossover design: supplementation with soy protein (S) (26.6 +/- 4.5 g protein, 44.4 +/- 7.5 mg isoflavones/d); soy + probiotics (S+P) (10(9) colony-forming units Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS+1 and Bifidobacterium longum, 15-30 mg fructooligosaccharide/d); milk protein (M) (26.6 +/- 4.5 g protein/d); and milk + probiotics (M+P). Plasma phytoestrogen concentrations did not differ between controls and survivors, although genistein tended to be lower in survivors at baseline (P = 0.15), and during soy (P = 0.16) and milk protein (P = 0.16) consumption. As expected, soy consumption increased plasma phytoestrogen concentrations (P < 0.0001). Plasma phytoestrogen concentrations and the number of equol producers did not differ between the S and S+P diets. At the same time, plasma equol concentrations as well as urinary equol excretion in 2 subjects were more than 7-fold different between the 2 diets. These results indicate that this particular probiotic supplement does not generally affect plasma isoflavones, although the large differences between plasma and urinary equol in some subjects suggest that equol producer status may be modifiable in some individuals.     

The effect of soy consumption on the urinary 2:16-hydroxyestrone ratio in postmenopausal women depends on equol production status but is not influenced by probiotic consumption

Some epidemiologic studies reported an association between a low ratio of urinary 2-hydroxyestrogens (2-hydroxyestradiol + 2-hydroxyestrone) to 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (2:16OHE(1)) and increased breast cancer risk. Some studies show that soy consumption increases this ratio, and it is suggested that this effect may reduce breast cancer risk. We hypothesized that consumption of probiotic bacteria would alter fecal bacteria and enzymes involved in soy isoflavone metabolism, thereby increasing isoflavone bioavailability and enhancing the beneficial effects of soy on estrogen metabolism. Breast cancer survivors (n = 20) and controls (n = 20) were given 4 treatments for 6 wk each, separated by 2-wk washout periods, in a randomized, crossover design: soy protein (26.6 +/- 4.5 g protein/d containing 44.4 +/- 7.5 mg isoflavones/d); soy protein + probiotics (10(9) colony-forming units Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS(R)+1 & Bifidobacterium longum, 15-30 mg fructooligosaccharide/d); milk protein (26.6 +/- 4.5 g protein/d); and milk protein + probiotics. Survivors tended to have a lower baseline urine 2:16OHE(1) ratio than controls (P = 0.10). In the group as a whole, soy consumption tended to increase urinary 2-hydroxyestrogens (P = 0.07) and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (P = 0.11) but had no effect on the urinary 2:16OHE(1) ratio. When subjects were divided into groups by plasma concentrations and urinary levels of the daidzein metabolite equol, soy increased urinary 2-hydroxyestrogens (P = 0.01) and the 2:16OHE(1) ratio (P = 0.04) only in subjects with high plasma equol concentrations. None of these results were influenced by probiotic consumption. These results are consistent with studies that found lower urine 2:16OHE(1) ratios in women with breast cancer and suggest that soy consumption increases this ratio only in women who are equol producers.     

Hypolipidemic Effects and Safety of Lactobacillus Reuteri 263 in a Hamster Model of Hyperlipidemia

We aimed to verify the beneficial effects of probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri 263 (Lr263) on hypolipidemic action in hamsters with hyperlipidemia induced by a 0.2% cholesterol and 10% lard diet (i.e., high-cholesterol diet (HCD)). Male Golden Syrian hamsters were randomly divided into two groups: normal (n = 8), standard diet (control), and experimental (n = 32), a HCD. After a two-week induction followed by a six-week supplementation with Lr263, the 32 hyperlipidemic hamsters were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) to receive vehicle or Lr263 by oral gavage at 2.1, 4.2, or 10.5 × 10⁹ cells/kg/day for 6 weeks, designated the HCD, 1X, 2X and 5X groups, respectively. The efficacy and safety of Lr263 supplementation were evaluated by lipid profiles of serum, liver and feces and by clinical biochemistry and histopathology. HCD significantly increased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, hepatic and fetal TC and TG levels, and degree of fatty liver as compared with controls. Lr263 supplementation dose dependently increased serum HDL-C level and decreased serum TC, TG, LDL-C levels, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, hepatic TC and TG levels, and fecal TG level. In addition, Lr263 supplementation had few subchronic toxic effects. Lr263 could be a potential agent with a hypolipidemic pharmacological effect.     

Soy food consumption does not lower LDL cholesterol in either equol or nonequol producers

BACKGROUND: Health claims link soy protein (SP) consumption, through plasma cholesterol reduction, to a decreased risk of heart disease. Soy isoflavones (ISOs), particularly in individuals who produce equol, might also contribute to lipid lowering and thus reduce SP requirements. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the contributions of SP, ISOs, and equol to the hypocholesterolemic effects of soy foods. DESIGN: Nonsoy consumers (33 men, 58 women) with a plasma total cholesterol (TChol) concentration >5.5 mmol/L participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover intervention trial. The subjects consumed 3 diets for 6 wk each in random order, which consisted of foods providing a daily dose of 1) 24 g SP and 70-80 mg ISOs (diet S); 2) 12 g SP, 12 g dairy protein (DP), and 70-80 mg ISOs (diet SD); and 3) 24 g DP without ISOs (diet D). Fasting plasma TChol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (TGs) were measured after each diet. RESULTS: TChol was 3% lower with the S diet (-0.17 +/- 0.06 mmol/L; P < 0.05) than with the D diet, and TGs were 4% lower with both the S (-0.14 +/- 0.05 mmol/L; P < 0.05) and SD (-0.12 +/- 0.05 mmol/L; P < 0.05) diets. There were no significant effects on LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or the TChol:HDL cholesterol ratio. On the basis of urinary ISOs, 30 subjects were equol producers. Lipids were not affected significantly by equol production. CONCLUSIONS: Regular consumption of foods providing 24 g SP/d from ISOs had no significant effect on plasma LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects, regardless of equol-producing status.     

广州市40~65岁中老年人膳食大豆异黄酮摄入与血脂关系的横断面研究

目的 研究广州市中老年人大豆异黄酮摄入与血脂的关系.方法 用食物频数问卷分析395名40～65岁广州市居民每日大豆异黄酮及其他食物和营养素的摄入量,抽取空腹静脉血测定血脂.结果 134名男性和261名女性的大豆异黄酮摄入分别为11.95(0～61.96)mg/d和14.90(0～82.52)mg/d.按照大豆异黄酮摄入量将研究对象等分为低、中、高三组,在校正了总能量摄入和脂肪供能比后,三组间TC、LDL-C差异有统计学意义(P值分别为0.002、0.008),并存在剂量效应关系(趋势分析P值分别为<0.001、0.012);高摄入组与低摄入组相比,TC、LDL-C分别下降7.06%、10.13%.在进一步校正年龄、BMI和腰臀比后,上述结果无明显改变.结论 膳食大豆异黄酮摄入与血浆TC、LDL-C负相关.     

Effects of weight reduction on blood lipids and lipoproteins: a meta-analysis.

Studies designed to examine effects of weight reduction by dieting on total cholesterol (TC), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) have reported inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to quantify effects of weight loss by dieting on lipids and lipoproteins through the review method of meta-analysis. Results from the 70 studies analyzed indicated that weight reduction was associated with significant decreases (P less than or equal to 0.001) and correlations (P less than or equal to 0.05) for TC (r = 0.32), LDL-C (r = 0.29), VLDL-C (r = 0.38), and TG (r = 0.32). For every kilogram decrease in body weight, a 0.009-mmol/L increase (P less than or equal to 0.01) in HDL-C occurred for subjects at a stabilized, reduced weight and a 0.007-mmol/L decrease (P less than or equal to 0.05) for subjects actively losing weight. Our results indicate that weight reduction through dieting can be a viable approach to help normalize plasma lipids and lipoproteins in overweight individuals.     

不同来源的蛋白质对大鼠血脂水平的影响

目的研究雄性大鼠在长期摄入不同来源和含量的蛋白质饲料后,其血脂水平及各血脂比值的变化。方法将断乳雄性大鼠按体重随机分为4组(n=15),分别给予牛奶粉(HM组和LM组)或大豆粉/蛋清粉(HS组和LS组)为蛋白质来源的饲料(每种饲料中总蛋白质含量分别为18%和9%),持续喂养20周后,检测各组大鼠血清中血脂水平,并计算各类血脂的比值。结果在各实验组中,HM组大鼠血清总胆固醇(TC)和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)水平最高(P<0.05),TC/HDL-C比值最低(P<0.05);HS组大鼠甘油三酯(TG)水平最低(P<0.05)。HS与HM组的TG/HDL-C比值低于LS与LM组(P<0.05)。LS与HS组低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平和LDL-C/HDL-C比值均低于LM与HM组(P<0.05)。结论给予高剂量大豆粉来源蛋白质,可以显著降低大鼠的TG水平;若长期给予高剂量牛奶粉作为蛋白质来源,可明显升高大鼠血清胆固醇总体水平。     

Factorial experiment to determine influence of fish protein and fish oil on serum and liver lipids in rabbits.

Rabbits were fed purified diets consisting of casein (CA), fish protein (FP), and soy protein (SP) combined with MaxEpa oil (ME) or corn oil (CN) to determine the effects of dietary protein and lipid sources on serum total, lipoprotein, and hepatic lipid levels. Dietary proteins and lipids exerted significant (p < 0.05) separate effects on serum total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.005), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (p < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.001), whereas only dietary proteins significantly affected low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.001) and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (p < 0.05). Hence, FP induced serum TC (233 mg/dl), VLDL-C (22 mg/dl), and LDL-C (151 mg/dl) intermediary to hypercholesterolemic CA (TC, 319 mg/dl; VLDL-C, 57 mg/dl; LDL-C, 204 mg/dl) and cholesterol-lowering SP (TC, 129 mg/dl; VLDL-C 19 mg/dl; LDL-C, 84 mg/dl). The twofold rise in HDL-C on feeding FP (35 mg/dl), compared with CA (20 mg/dl) and SP (16 mg/dl), resulted in a drop in LDL-C/HDL-C to a level similar to that of SP groups. The cholesterol-lowering action of ME (188 mg/dl), in contrast to CN (266 mg/dl), was reflected mainly in VLDL (ME, 15 mg/dl; CN, 50 mg/dl) but also in HDL (ME, 16 mg/dl; CN, 31 mg/dl) fractions. Compared with CN, the significant (p < 0.05) ME-induced rise in serum and VLDL triglycerides was accompanied by a significant (p < 0.001) drop in lipoprotein lipase activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Changing relationships of obesity and dyslipidemia in Greek children: 1982-2002

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has been increasing rapidly during the past decades in many parts of the world. Less is known with respect to the effects of increasing adiposity on blood lipid profile. The present study was designed to examine the influence of adiposity on secular trends in anthropometric characteristics and plasma lipids of Greek children. METHODS: A total of 419 and 374 boys with normal body weight and 109 and 246 boys with abnormal body weight (overweight and obese) were randomly recruited in 1982 and 2002, respectively (aged 12.1 +/- 0.1 years). Height, weight, body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), Rohrer index (kg/m(3)), plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), TC/HDL-C ratio, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were determined. RESULTS: Temporal changes in weight (positive), BMI (positive), HDL-C (negative), and cholesterol ratios (positive) were greater among overweight and obese vs. normal-weight boys (P < 0.05), while those for height (positive), LDL-C (positive), TG (positive), and TC (no change) were of similar magnitude. The increase in Rohrer index since 1982 failed to reach significance for children with normal body weight (P = 0.077) but did so for overweight and obese subjects (P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that secular increases in measures of fatness and adverse changes in plasma lipids were more pronounced among overweight and obese children than among normal-weight individuals, although qualitatively similar shifts were observed across the entire population.     

Hypolipidemic Effect of Tomato Juice in Hamsters in High Cholesterol Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia

Tomato is a globally famous food and contains several phytonutrients including lycopene, β-carotene, anthocyanin, and flavonoids. The increased temperature used to produce tomato juice, ketchup, tomato paste and canned tomato enhances the bioactive composition. We aimed to verify the beneficial effects of processed tomato juice from Kagome Ltd. (KOT) on hypolipidemic action in hamsters with hyperlipidemia induced by a 0.2% cholesterol and 10% lard diet (i.e., high-cholesterol diet (HCD)). Male Golden Syrian hamsters were randomly divided into two groups for treatment: normal (n = 8), standard diet (control); and experimental (n = 32), HCD. The 32 hamsters were further divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) to receive vehicle or KOT by oral gavage at 2787, 5573, or 13,934 mg/kg/day for six weeks, designated the HCD-1X, -2X and -5X groups, respectively. The efficacy and safety of KOT supplementation was evaluated by lipid profiles of serum, liver and feces and by clinical biochemistry and histopathology. HCD significantly increased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, hepatic and fetal TC and TG levels, and degree of fatty liver as compared with controls. KOT supplementation dose-dependently decreased serum TC, TG, LDL-C levels, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, hepatic TC and TG levels, and fecal TG level. Our study provides experiment-based evidence to support that KOT may be useful in treating or preventing the onset of hyperlipidemia.     

Lipoprotein profile and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in urban Moroccan women

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to characterize the lipid and apolipoprotein profile and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of urban adult women of Morocco. DESIGN: A total of 213 women 25-55 y old were sampled from an agricultural province of Morocco: El Jadida. The following parameters of lipid and apolipoprotein profile were measured: plasma triglycerides (TG), plasma cholesterol (TC), triglyceride-rich lipoprotein triglycerides (TRL-TG), TRL-cholesterol (TRL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apolipoproteins A1, B, B48, CIII and E. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) were also determined. RESULTS: The women studied showed the following pattern: elevated TC, LDL-C levels and TC/HDL-C in 10, 19.4 and in 43.8%, respectively; low HDL-C levels in 45.3% (<0.9 mmol/l) or in 95% (when the cutoff <1.3 mmol/l is used), elevated TG levels in 11.8%. Elevated TRL-C (>0.6 mmol/l) and TRL-TG (>0.8 mmol/l) were observed in 13.4%. Obesity and hypertension were highly prevalent in 23.9 and 16.5%, respectively. Plasma triglyceride concentrations were closely correlated with plasma concentrations of TRL-TG (R = 0.86, P = 0.0001), apoB (R = 0.50, P = 0.0001) and apoCIII (R = 0.52, P = 0.0001) and moderately correlated with HDL-C levels (R = -0.3, P = 0.0001) and BMI (R = 0.4, P = 0.0001). The association between BMI and systolic blood pressure was statistically significant (R = 0.3, P = 0.0001). Obesity, BP, TRL-C, TRL-TG, TG, apoB and apoCIII increased with age. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of some risk factors for cardiovascular disease including altered lipid and lipoprotein profiles in the Moroccan urban women studied, some of these risk factors are associated with age.     

银川市区回汉小学生血脂水平现状分析

目的 探讨银川市区回、汉族学生的血脂差异,为不同民族儿童期预防心脑血管疾病提供基础数据。方法 于2013年9月随机抽取银川市区3所小学,并采用分层整群抽样方法对7~12岁学生进行抽样。采集学生空腹静脉血,并测定其血脂四项即总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)。结果 1)本次调查1 403人,血脂异常检出率为28.2%,回、汉族血脂异常检出率分别为37.8%和24.6%,回族高于汉族,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);回、汉族学生血脂四项异常检出率中,LDL-C、HDL-C异常检出率差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01),回族高于汉族。2)同一性别不同民族血脂水平比较,男生除TG外其余三项血脂水平差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01),回族TC和HDL-C水平低于汉族,而LDL-C水平高于汉族;女生四项血脂水平差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),回族TG、TC和HDL-C水平均低于汉族,而LDL-C水平高于汉族。3)同一民族不同性别比较中,除了汉族男、女学生的TG、HDL-C比较差异有统计学意义外(P<0.05),其余差异均无统计学意义。结论 回、汉族学生血脂异常检出率存在差异,则该地区防治儿童血脂异常应考虑不同民族的遗传因素和生活方式的影响。     

植物甾醇酯对血脂异常患者血脂调节作用的临床观察研究

目的研究植物甾醇酯对血脂异常患者的辅助调节血脂作用。方法选取100名血脂异常的患者,随机分为试验组和对照组,采用双盲法,干预组每人每日服用含1.35g植物甾醇酯的奶粉,对照组服用安慰剂,试食期为48d,试验前后分别检测受试对象血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、血常规及血生化等安全性指标。结果试食后,干预组TC和LDL-C水平明显下降,下降率分别为8.4%和7.8%,自身前后比较及与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);干预组的TG、HDL-C水平无明显变化,且与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。试食期间,受试人员除血脂以外的各主要生理指标均无明显改变。结论植物甾醇酯对血脂异常患者具有辅助降TC和LDL-C的作用。     

Consumption of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum do not alter urinary equol excretion and plasma reproductive hormones in premenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the results of an earlier study showing premenopausal equol excretors to have hormone profiles associated with reduced breast cancer risk, and to investigate whether equol excretion status and plasma hormone concentrations can be influenced by consumption of probiotics. DESIGN: A randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial. SUBJECTS: In all, 34 of the initially enrolled 37 subjects completed all requirements. INTERVENTION: All subjects were followed for two full menstrual cycles and the first seven days of a third cycle. During menstrual cycle 1, plasma concentrations of estradiol (E(2)), estrone (E(1)), estrone-sulfate (E(1)-S), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured on cycle day 2, 3, or 4, and urinary equol measured on day 7 after a 4-day soy challenge. Subjects then received either probiotic capsules (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum) or placebo capsules through day 7 of menstrual cycle 3, at which time both the plasma hormone concentrations and the post-soy challenge urinary equol measurements were repeated. RESULTS: During menstrual cycle 1, equol excretors and non-excretors were not significantly different with respect to subject characteristics, diet, or hormone concentrations. Significant inverse correlations were found between E(2) and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.02), SHBG and BMI (P=0.01), DHEA-S and dietary fiber (P=0.04), and A and protein:carbohydrate ratio (P=0.02). Probiotic consumption failed to significantly alter equol excretor status or hormone concentrations during menstrual cycle 3, although there were trends towards decreased concentrations of T (P=0.14) and SHBG (P=0.10) in the probiotic group. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to verify a previously reported finding of premenopausal equol excretors having plasma hormone concentrations different from those of nonexcretors. Furthermore, a 2-month intervention with probiotic capsules did not significantly alter equol excretion or plasma hormone concentrations.     

Soy protein and casein in cholesterol-enriched diets: effects on plasma lipoproteins in normolipidemic subjects

The effect of dietary plant protein vs animal protein on plasma lipoproteins was investigated in a crossover study. Eleven normal subjects consumed formula diets containing 20% of calories as soy protein or casein, 27% as fat, and 53% as carbohydrate: the average cholesterol intake was 500 mg/d. After an initial decrease in plasma cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on both diets, the concentration of LDL-C stabilized during the soy-protein diet at a 16% lower level than on the casein diet (p less than 0.02) whereas the concentration of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 16% higher (p less than 0.01). In a similar earlier study with a cholesterol intake of less than 100 mg/d, casein and soy protein had indistinguishable effects on lipoprotein levels. Our two studies together suggest that the level of cholesterol intake may determine whether plant and animal dietary proteins have similar or different effects on plasma LDL and HDL concentrations.     

Walking, lipids, and lipoproteins: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to use the meta-analytic approach to examine the effects of walking on lipids and lipoproteins in adults. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of walking on total cholesterol (TC), high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C), the ratio of TC/HDL, and triglycerides (TG) in adults ages 18 years and older were retrieved via computerized literature searches, cross-referencing, hand-searching, and expert review of our reference list. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies that included 1,176 subjects (692 walkers, 484 controls) and up to 33 outcomes were available for pooling. Using random-effects modeling, statistically significant, walking-induced decreases of 5% and 6% were observed for LDL-C and TC/HDL-C (LDL-C, mean +/- SE, -5.5 +/- 2.2 mg/dL, 95% CI, -9.9 to -1.2 mg/dL; TC/HDL-C, mean +/- SE, -0.3 +/- 0.1, 95% CI, -0.6 to -0.1). No statistically significant changes were observed for TC, HDL, or TG (P > 0.05), although changes were in the direction of benefit. No statistically significant changes occurred in body composition (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Walking reduces LDL-C and TC/HDL-C in adults independent of changes in body composition.     

Probiotic Soy Product Supplemented with Isoflavones Improves the Lipid Profile of Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated that specific probiotics affect the host’s metabolism and may influence the cardiovascular disease risk. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of an isoflavone-supplemented soy product fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416 on cardiovascular risk markers in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. Design: Randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial Setting: São Paulo State University in Araraquara, SP, Brazil. Participants: 49 male healthy men with total cholesterol (TC) >5.17 mmol/L and <6.21 mmol/L Intervention: The volunteers have consumed 200 mL of the probiotic soy product (group SP-10¹⁰ CFU/day), isoflavone-supplemented probiotic soy product (group ISP–probiotic plus 50 mg of total isoflavones/100 g) or unfermented soy product (group USP-placebo) for 42 days in a randomized, double-blind study. Main outcome measures: Lipid profile and additional cardiovascular biomarkers were analyzed on days 0, 30 and 42. Urine samples (24 h) were collected at baseline and at the end of the experiment so as to determine the isoflavones profile. Results: After 42 days, the ISP consumption led to improved total cholesterol, non-HDL-C (LDL + IDL + VLDL cholesterol fractions) and electronegative LDL concentrations (reduction of 13.8%, 14.7% and 24.2%, respectively, p < 0.05). The ISP and SP have prevented the reduction of HDL-C level after 42 days. The C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were not improved. The equol production by the ISP group subjects was inversely correlated with electronegative LDL concentration. Conclusions: The results suggest that a regular consumption of this probiotic soy product, supplemented with isoflavones, could contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in moderately hypercholesterolemic men, through the an improvement in lipid profile and antioxidant properties.     

Soy isoflavones lower serum total and LDL cholesterol in humans: a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have reported the cholesterol-lowering effects of soy protein intake, but the components responsible are not known. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis was primarily conducted to evaluate the precise effects of soy isoflavones on lipid profiles. The effects of soy protein that contains enriched and depleted isoflavones were also examined. DESIGN: PUBMED was searched for English-language reports of randomized controlled trials published from 1990 to 2006 that described the effects of soy protein intake in humans. Eleven studies were selected for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Soy isoflavones significantly decreased serum total cholesterol by 0.10 mmol/L (3.9 mg/dL or 1.77%; P = 0.02) and LDL cholesterol by 0.13 mmol/L (5.0 mg/dL or 3.58%; P < 0.0001); no significant changes in HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol were found. Isoflavone-depleted soy protein significantly decreased LDL cholesterol by 0.10 mmol/L (3.9 mg/dL or 2.77%; P = 0.03). Soy protein that contained enriched isoflavones significantly decreased LDL cholesterol by 0.18 mmol/L (7.0 mg/dL or 4.98%; P < 0.0001) and significantly increased HDL cholesterol by 0.04 mmol/L (1.6 mg/dL or 3.00%; P = 0.05). The reductions in LDL cholesterol were larger in the hypercholesterolemic subcategory than in the normocholesterolemic subcategory, but no significant linear correlations were observed between reductions and the starting values. No significant linear correlations were found between reductions in LDL cholesterol and soy protein ingestion or isoflavone intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Soy isoflavones significantly reduced serum total and LDL cholesterol but did not change HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol. Soy protein that contained enriched or depleted isoflavones also significantly improved lipid profiles. Reductions in LDL cholesterol were larger in hypercholesterolemic than in normocholesterolemic subjects.     

Soy isoflavones improve plasma lipids in normocholesterolemic, premenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Soy consumption is known to reduce plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic subjects, but the responsible soy components and the effects in normocholesterolemic subjects remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The effects of soy isoflavone consumption on plasma total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerol, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) concentrations and on LDL peak particle diameter were examined in normocholesterolemic, premenopausal women. DESIGN: Thirteen healthy, normocholesterolemic, free-living, premenopausal female volunteers took part in this randomized, crossover-controlled trial. Each subject acted as her own control. Three soy isoflavone intakes (control: 10.0 +/- 1.1; low: 64.7 +/- 9.4; and high: 128.7 +/- 15.7 mg/d), provided as soy protein isolate, were consumed for 3 menstrual cycles each. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol were measured over the menstrual cycle. Apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), and LDL peak particle diameter were evaluated in the midluteal phase. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations changed significantly across menstrual cycle phases (P < 0.005). During specific phases of the cycle, the high-isoflavone diet lowered LDL cholesterol by 7.6-10.0% (P < 0.05), the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol by 10.2% (P < 0.005), and the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol by 13.8% (P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Isoflavones significantly improved the lipid profile across the menstrual cycle in normocholesterolemic, premenopausal women. Although of small magnitude, these effects could contribute to a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease in healthy people who consume soy over many years.