Alleviation of Plasma Homocysteine Level by Phytoestrogenα-Zearalanol Might Be Related to the Reduction of Cystathionineβ-Synthase Nitration

Hyperhomocysteinemia is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that phytoestrogen α -zearalanol can protect cardiovascular system from hyperhomocysteinemia and ameliorate the level of plasma total homocysteine; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. The aim of this research is to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms involved in ameliorating the level of plasma homocysteine by α -zearalanol. By the successfully established diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia rat models, we found that, after α -zearalanol treatment, the activity of cystathionine β -synthase, the key enzyme in homocysteine metabolism, was significantly elevated and level of nitrative stress in liver was significantly reduced. In correlation with this, results also showed a decreased nitration level of cystathionine β -synthase in liver. Together data implied that alleviation of plasma homocysteine level by phytoestrogen α -zearalanol might be related to the reduction of cystathionine β -synthase nitration.