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Dose‐dependent effects of soy phyto‐oestrogen genistein on adipocytes: mechanisms of action
Author(s) -
Dang Z. C.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
obesity reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.845
H-Index - 162
eISSN - 1467-789X
pISSN - 1467-7881
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-789x.2008.00554.x
Subject(s) - genistein , adipogenesis , endocrinology , medicine , adipocyte , obesity , receptor , adipose tissue , biology
Summary The potential role of genistein in the prevention and treatment of obesity has attracted much attention among public and medical communities. Conversely, increasing evidence indicates that genistein as an endocrine‐disrupting substance is likely to play a role in the aetiology of obesity. This review focuses on the role of soy phyto‐oestrogen genistein in adipocytes and the underlying mechanisms of action. Genistein dose‐dependently inhibits and stimulates adipogenesis in vitro . Increasing evidence shows that genistein dose‐dependently influences obesity in both male and female animals. Dose‐dependent effects of genistein on adipocytes vary with factors such as age and gender of animals. In addition, the role of developmental exposure of genistein in adult obesity has been discussed. Genistein, different from oestrogen, concurrently activates nuclear receptors, oestrogen receptors and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, and it inhibits various enzyme activities. The balance among these pleiotrophic effects of genistein determines its dose‐dependent effects on adipocyte differentiation and function. Current data suggest that genistein could regulate adiposity. However, it remains uncertain whether genistein plays a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Additional evidence is required before firm conclusions showing that genistein decreases adiposity.