Effect of isoflavone extracts from Glycine max on human endothelial cell damage and on nitric oxide production.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we determined the protective effect of isoflavones from Glycine max on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (ECV304) damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and on nitric oxide (NO) production.

METHODS

We studied the regulation of NO synthesis in cultured human endothelial cells by phytoestrogens contained in soy extracts in the presence or absence of ICI 182,780 or N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther and determined the protective effect of these isoflavones on ECV304 damage induced by H2O2.

RESULTS

We show that soy extracts activate NO synthesis in endothelial cells and protect against cell damage.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, soy isoflavones markedly protect ECV304 cells against H2O2 damage and promote NO synthesizing. Therefore, these isoflavones can potentially act as an NO promoter and as an antioxidant.