Genistein effects on quantitative ultrasound parameters and bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal women.
This study aimed at evaluating the effects of genistein (54 mg/die) on calcaneus and phalanges ultrasound (QUS) parameters and bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal women. We concluded that genistein prevented bone loss in the osteopenic postmenopausal women and improves QUS parameters at the calcaneus and phalanges.


BACKGROUND
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of genistein (54 mg/die) on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters of the calcaneus and hand phalange and on bone mineral density (BMD) in osteopenic postmenopausal women.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-eight women (age 49-67 years) were assigned to receive genistein or placebo. Bone status was assessed by measuring the anteroposterior lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and by ultrasound of the calcaneus (Achilles Plus, GE, Lunar) and of the phalanges (Bone Profiler. IGEA) at baseline and after a 1- and 2-year treatment.


RESULTS
At the end of the experimental period, genistein had significantly increased BMD in the femur and lumbar spine (p < 0.001). The stiffness index, amplitude-dependent speed of sound, and bone transmission time in the genistein group had increased significantly at the end of study (+5.3, p < 0.001; +3.6%, p < 0.001; +4.6, p < 0.001, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms that genistein prevented bone loss in the osteopenic postmenopausal women and it improves the QUS parameters.
Atteritano
M
M
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. matteritano@unime.it
Mazzaferro
S
S
Frisina
A
A
Cannata
M L
ML
Bitto
A
A
D'Anna
R
R
Squadrito
F
F
Macrì
I
I
Frisina
N
N
Buemi
M
M
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000503:physiopathology; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D019833:Genistein / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014463:Ultrasonography
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D019833:Genistein