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Isolated soy protein improves endothelial function in postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women

Abstract

Background: Postmenopausia and hypercholesterolemia are related to endothelial dysfunction, a pathogenic event in atherosclerosis. Soy protein reduces plasma cholesterol, but there is scanty information about its effect on endothelial function.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of isolated soy protein compared to caseinate on plasma lipoproteins and endothelial function in postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial.

Setting: Outpatient clinic of the Catholic University of Chile.

Subjects: Eighteen healthy, postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia were recruited, included and completed the protocol.

Interventions: During the trial, all patients followed a low fat/low cholesterol diet and were randomly assigned to receive isolated soy protein or matching caseinate for 4 weeks, and then the alternative treatment until week 8. At pre-study and at the end of the first and second period, plasma lipoprotein levels and endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery) were evaluated.

Results: Plasma total and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentration were significantly lower with the low fat/low cholesterol diet compared to pre-study, either with caseinate or soy protein. No significant differences in plasma lipid concentration between caseinate or soy protein interventions were observed. FMD did not change with the caseinate. In contrast, when soy protein was administered, FMD was significantly higher compared to pre-study (9.471.8% vs 5.371.2%; P<0.05) and compared to caseinate intervention (9.471.8% vs 4.971.5%; P<0.033).

Conclusions: These results suggest that in postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women, soy protein improves endothelial function, regardless of changes in plasma lipoproteins.

Sponsorship: Pontificia Universidad Católica (DIPUC99/09E), Protein Technology International and Gynopharm Laboratory (Recalcine Group).

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Acknowledgements

We thanks Protein Technology International, which provided the caseinate and soy protein powder, MEGODUC Physicians of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Catholic University of Chile for the facilities to use the ultrasound equipment and Ms Lorena Faundez and Ms Ximena Garcia for their technical assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

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Contributions

Contributors: AC designed and conducted the trial; recruited and controlled all patients at each visit including register of body weight, blood pressure, heart rate and adverse events; performed the statistical analyses of the results and wrote the final manuscript. VI collaborated in the recruitment and following of the patients at each visit and, in addition, organized data in tables, figures and participated in the writing of the final manuscript. OC prescribed the NCEP step 1 diet and gave the indications to consume the protein supplementation. At each control, he checked and reinforced the adherence to diet. In addition he collected the empty packages and registered the compliance to their consumption. MY performed the measurement of the brachial artery diameter in the video and computer register. AMG performed the brachial artery ultrasonography and the measurement of the arterial diameter in the video. He collaborated in the statistical analyses of the results and writing of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to A M Cuevas.

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Cuevas, A., Irribarra, V., Castillo, O. et al. Isolated soy protein improves endothelial function in postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women. Eur J Clin Nutr 57, 889–894 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601622

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