[The effects of phytoestrogen on blood pressure and lipids in healthy volunteers].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of dietary soy containing phytoestrogens on blood pressure and lipids in healthy volunteers.


METHODS
Two hundred thirteen healthy volunteers (108 men and 105 post-menopausal women, 50 - 76 years old) received either soy protein isolate (40 g soy protein, 118 mg isoflavones) or cassin placebo for 3 months in this randomized, double-blind trial.


RESULTS
There were 34 withdrawals (16%) and 179 people (96 men and 83 women) completed the study protocol. After 3 months treatment, urinary phytoestrogens was significantly increased and blood pressure was significant reduced in soy protein group than that in cassin placebo group [mean change in systolic (-7.5 +/- 1.2) mm Hg vs. (-3.6 +/- 1.1) mm Hg, P < 0.05; diastolic: -4.3 +/- 0.8) mm Hg vs (-1.9 +/- 0.7) mm Hg, P < 0.05; mean aortic blood pressure: (-5.5 +/- 1.0) mm Hg vs (-0.9 +/- 1.0) mm Hg, P < 0.008]. Low- to high-density lipoprotein ratio [(-0.33 +/- 0.10) mmol/L vs (0.04 +/- 0.10) mmol/L, P < 0.05] and triglycerides [(-0.20 +/- 0.05) mmol/L vs (-0.01 +/- 0.05) mmol/L, P < 0.05] were significantly reduced and Lp(a) lipoprotein significantly increased [42 (17 - 67) mg/L vs 4 (22 - 31) mg/L, P < 0.05] in soy protein group compared to cassin placebo group. Total, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterols all improved in both groups and were similar between the groups. No side-effect was observed in both groups and no effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was noted in study subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
In normotensive men and post-menopausal women, phytoestrogens intake improved blood pressure and lipids status.
Liang
Yu-lu
YL
Cardio-Lungs-Vascular Center, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Teede
Helena
H
Dalais
Fabien
F
McGrath
Barry P
BP
D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D019833:Genistein / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D030262:Soybean Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013025:Glycine max
D007529:Isoflavones; D008055:Lipids; D030262:Soybean Proteins; D019833:Genistein