[Effects of soy isoflavone on low-grade inflammation in obese rats].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of soy isoflavone (SIF) on low-grade inflammation in obese rats induced by high-fat diet, and to elucidate mechanisms of SIF in improving insulin sensitivity.

METHODS

Obese rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: One model control group and 3 SIF groups that were given water solutions with SIF at 0 mg/(kg x d), 50 mg/(kg x d), 150 mg/(kg x d), and 450 mg/(kg x d), respectively. After one month, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, resistin, and adiponectin in serum were detected by enzymic method, radioimmunoassay, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

RESULTS

In the 150 mg/(kg x d) group and 450 mg/(kg x d) group, fasting body-weights, viscera fatty deposition, and contents of insulin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in serum were significantly lower; serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher; and serum resistin levels were significantly lower in the 450 mg/(kg d) group than those of the model control group. There was no difference in serum C-reactive protein levels among the 3 SIF groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Soy isoflavone may improve the insulin sensitivity by decreasing viscera fatty deposition and adjusting low-grade inflammatory molecules derived from white adipose tissues.