Pleiotropic Effects of Isoflavones in Inflammation and Chronic Degenerative Diseases

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 26;22(11):5656. doi: 10.3390/ijms22115656.

Abstract

Isoflavones are phytoestrogens of plant origin, mostly found in the members of the Fabaceae family, that exert beneficial effects in various degenerative disorders. Having high similarity to 17-β-estradiol, isoflavones can bind estrogen receptors, scavenge reactive oxygen species, activate various cellular signal transduction pathways and modulate growth and transcription factors, activities of enzymes, cytokines, and genes regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Due to their pleiotropic activities isoflavones might be considered as a natural alternative for the treatment of estrogen decrease-related conditions during menopause. This review will focus on the effects of isoflavones on inflammation and chronic degenerative diseases including cancer, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and adverse postmenopausal symptoms.

Keywords: cancer; daidzein; degenerative diseases; genistein; inflammation; isoflavones.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Free Radical Scavengers / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Isoflavones / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Metabolic Diseases / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Postmenopause*

Substances

  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Isoflavones