Soy Isoflavones Prevent Chronic Inflammation‐induced Bone Loss and Coronary Vascular Disease (CVD)

Epidemiological and clinical evidence suggests a link between low bone density and atherosclerosis. This study determined if soy isoflavones (IF) could prevent development of cardiovascular and bone pathology in a model of chronic inflammation. Intact, 8 wk old female C57BL/6J mice were used. In the Phase 1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) study, 66.6 ug LPS/kg/d produced the greatest decrease in lymphocytes (LYM) and increase in neutrophils (NEU). In Phase 2, mice (n=12–13/group) were given 0 or 66.6 ug LPS/kg/d with 0, 200 or 800 mg IF/kg diet (0, 200 or 800 IF). IF were fed starting 2 wks prior to the 30‐d LPS challenge period. Final body weights and uterine weights were similar (p>0.05) at termination. LPS induced perivascular fibrosis and LYM infiltration consistent with early CVD, but 200 and 800 IF protected against these changes. LPS decreased trabecular number (TbN) and increased separation (TbSp; p<0.05) in the distal femur metaphysis. LPS reduced trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) in the 0 and 200 IF groups, but 800 IF provided protection against this reduction and against a decrease in TbN and TbSp. These results suggest IF may attenuate negative effects of chronic inflammation on bone and cardiovascular health. Supported by: USDA, NRI 2003–35200‐13454; OK Agricultural Experiment Station; Soy Isoflavones provided by Dr. Kathy Greaves and The Solae Company.