(S)-Equol Is More Effective than (R)-Equol in Inhibiting Osteoclast Formation and Enhancing Osteoclast Apoptosis, and Reduces Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Equol, a metabolite of daidzein, binds to the estrogen receptor with greater affinity than daidzein and exhibits various biological properties. It exists as an enantiomer, either (S)-equol or (R)-equol. OBJECTIVES: We have previously shown that the inhibitory effect of (S)-equol on bone fragility is stronger than that of racemic equol in ovariectomized (OVX) mice; however, the effect of (R)-equol has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the activities of equol enantiomers on bone metabolism in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Bone marrow cells (BMCs) and RAW 264.7 cells were treated with equol enantiomers. The number of osteoclasts and caspase-3/7 activity were measured. We examined the effect of equol enantiomers on osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells. In vivo, 8-wk-old female ddY mice were assigned to 4 groups: sham-operated (sham), OVX, OVX + 0.5 mg/d of (S)-equol (S-eq), and OVX + 0.5 mg/d of (R)-equol (R-eq). Four weeks after the intervention, femoral bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoclastic gene expression were analyzed, along with concentrations of equol enantiomers in the serum and tissues. RESULTS: (S)-equol and (R)-equol inhibited osteoclast differentiation in BMCs (97% and 60%, P < 0.05) and RAW 264.7 cells (83% and 68%, P < 0.05). (S)-equol promoted apoptosis of mature osteoclasts by inducing caspase-3/7 activity (29%, P < 0.05) and enhanced osteoblast differentiation (29%, P < 0.05). In OVX mice, BMD was ameliorated in (S)-equol-treated mice (11%, P < 0.05), but not in (R)-equol-treated mice. The concentrations of (S)-equol were greater than those of (R)-equol in the serum, tibia, liver, and kidney (by 148%, 80%, 22%, and 139%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that (S)-equol is more effective than (R)-equol in inhibiting osteoclast formation and enhancing osteoclast apoptosis in vitro, supporting the beneficial effect of (S)-equol to reduce estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss in OVX mice.

[Proficiency Testing Schemes for Food Nutrition Analysis in Japan (2017-2018)].

This paper deals with proficiency testing schemes for food nutrition analysis in Japan. In schemes in 2017 and 2018, 65 and 73 organizations participated, respectively, and more than 70% of the participants were public organizations responsible for a nutrition-labeling compliance test. The food matrices were pork and chicken sausages, and analytes were protein, fat, ash, moisture, carbohydrate, energy, sodium, salt equivalent, calcium (2018 only), and iron (2018 only). The organizations reporting inadequate laboratory values in one or more nutrients for mandatory declaration (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, or salt equivalent) were 11 and 15% of all organizations and 9 and 13% of public organizations in the 2017 and 2018 schemes, respectively. The approximate relative standard deviations for proficiency assessment (RSDr) were as follows: protein, 2%; fat, 3%; ash, 2%; moisture, 0.5%; carbohydrate, 9%; energy, 1%; sodium (salt equivalent), 4%; calcium, 7%; and iron, 7%. Notably, the large RSDr value for carbohydrate may cause inconsistency among laboratories in compliance tests for foods containing several grams or less of carbohydrate per 100 grams.

Safety and Efficacy Assessment of Isoflavones from Pueraria (Kudzu) Flower Extract in Ovariectomised Mice: A Comparison with Soy Isoflavones.

Numerous Foods with Function Claims that contain the extract of Pueraria flower (kudzu) isoflavones (PFI) are available in the Japanese market. These are labelled with function claims of reducing visceral fat. However, these foods have not undergone proper safety assessment such as the evaluation of their oestrogenic activity and effects on drug-metabolising enzymes (cytochrome P-450: CYP) in the liver. This study evaluated the estrogenic effect and the hepatic CYP activity and mRNA expression in normal female mice as a safety assessment of PFI (Experiment 1). In addition, the bone mineral density and visceral fat weight in ovariectomised mice (OVX) compared to soy isoflavones (SI) was evaluated to assess the efficacy of PFI (Experiment 2). OVX control fed a control diet, OVX fed a PFI diet (the recommended human intake of PFI), OVX fed a PFI20 diet (20- times the recommended PFI), OVX fed an SI diet (the recommended human intake of SI), and OVX fed an SI20 diet (20 -times the recommended intake of SI) for 28 days in Experiment 2. Body, liver, and visceral fat weights were not affected by the PFI, PFI20, SI, or SI20 diets. The hepatic CYP1A and CYP3A activities were elevated by the SI20 treatment. Ovariectomy-induced bone loss was inhibited by the SI20 treatment, but not by the PFI20 treatment. These results suggest that (1) PFI intake in human doses had no oestrogenic properties and did not affect CYP activity in the liver; (2) there was no evidence that PFI affects the amount of visceral fat in OVX mice.

ß-Carotene prevents bone loss in hind limb unloading mice.

ß-Carotene has been reported to be useful to maintain a positive balance of bone turnover. However, the effects of ß-carotene on bone loss remain to be elucidated in mice with hind limb unloading. Therefore, we investigated whether ß-carotene prevented bone loss induced by skeletal hind limb unloading in mice. Female 8-week-old ddY mice were divided into six groups (n = 6-8 each) and subjected to: (1) normal housing, (2) sham unloading fed a control diet, (3) hind limb unloading fed a control diet, (4) hind limb unloading fed a 0.025% ß-carotene-containing diet, (5) hind limb unloading fed a 0.05% ß-carotene-containing diet, and (6) hind limb unloading fed a 0.25% ß-carotene-containing diet. After 3 weeks, bone mineral density of the tibia was markedly reduced by unloading, which was prevented by 0.025% ß-carotene. Histological analysis revealed a hind limb unloading-induced decrease in the calcified bone of the femur, which was slightly prevented by 0.025% ß-carotene. The 0.025% ß-carotene-containing diet increased the gene expression of osteoprotegerin in the bone marrow cells in unloading mice. These results suggest that a ß-carotene-containing diet may preserve bone health in subjects with disabilities as well as in astronauts.

The combined effects of soya isoflavones and resistant starch on equol production and trabecular bone loss in ovariectomised mice.

Equol is a metabolite of the soya isoflavone (ISO) daidzein that is produced by intestinal microbiota. Equol has greater oestrogenic activity compared with other ISO, and it prevents bone loss in postmenopausal women. Resistant starch (RS), which has a prebiotic activity and is a dietary fibre, was reported to promote equol production. Conversely, the intestinal microbiota is reported to directly regulate bone health by reducing inflammatory cytokine levels and T-lymphocytes in bone. The present study evaluated the combined effects of diet supplemented with ISO and RS on intestinal microbiota, equol production, bone mineral density (BMD) and inflammatory gene expression in the bone marrow of ovariectomised (OVX) mice. Female ddY strain mice, aged 8 weeks, were either sham-operated (Sham, n 7) or OVX. OVX mice were randomly divided into the following four groups (seven per group): OVX control (OVX); OVX fed 0·05 % ISO diet (OVX+ISO); OVX fed 9 % RS diet (OVX+RS); and OVX fed 0·05 % ISO- and 9 % RS diet (OVX+ISO+RS). After 6 weeks, treatment with the combination of ISO and RS increased equol production, prevented the OVX-induced decline in trabecular BMD in the distal femur by modulating the enteric environment and altered OVX-induced inflammation-related gene expression in the bone marrow. However, there were no significant differences in bone parameters between the ISO+RS and ISO-alone groups in OVX mice. Our findings suggest that the combination of ISO and RS might alter intestinal microbiota and immune status in the bone marrow, resulting in attenuated bone resorption in OVX mice.

A combination of soy isoflavones and cello-oligosaccharides changes equol/O-desmethylangolensin production ratio and attenuates bone fragility in ovariectomized mice.

We examined the cooperative effects of isoflavones and cello-oligosaccharides on daidzein metabolism and bone fragility in ovariectomized mice. Cello-oligosaccharides increased urinary equol and decreased O-desmethylangolensin. A combination of isoflavones and cello-oligosaccharides attenuated decreases in bone breaking force and stiffness caused by ovariectomy. Combination treatment with isofalvones and cello-oligosaccharides increases urinary equol/O-desmethylangolensin production ratio and prevents ovariectomy-induced abnormalities in bone strength.

Combined effects of soy isoflavones and milk basic protein on bone mineral density in hind-limb unloaded mice.

We examined whether the combination of isoflavone and milk basic protein both are reported to be effective for bone metabolism, prevents bone loss induced by skeletal hind-limb unloading in mice. Female ddY strain mice, aged 8 weeks, were divided into six groups (n = 6-8 each): (1) normally housed group, (2) loading group, (3) hind-limb unloading group fed a control diet, (4) hind-limb unloading group fed a 0.2% isoflavone conjugates diet, (5) hind-limb unloading group fed a 1.0% milk basic protein diet, and (6) hind-limb unloading group fed a 0.2% isoflavone conjugates and 1.0% milk basic protein diet. After 3 weeks, femoral bone mineral density was markedly reduced in unloading mice. The combination of isoflavone and milk basic protein showed cooperative effects in preventing bone loss and milk basic protein inhibited the increased expression of osteogenic genes in bone marrow cells in unloading mice. These results suggest that the combination of soy isoflavone and milk basic protein may be useful for bone health in subjects with disabling conditions as well as astronauts.

Equol, a Metabolite of Daidzein, Is More Efficient than Daidzein for Bone Formation in Growing Female Rats.

Few studies have examined the effects of isoflavones and particularly equol, a metabolite of the isoflavone daidzein, on bone formation during the growth period in animals. The present study investigated the effects of orally administered daidzein or equol on bone formation and bone mineral density in growing female rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3 weeks, were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) as follows: rats were orally administered a corn oil, 8 mg/day of daidzein, 4 mg/day of equol or 8 mg/day of equol in corn oil for 4 weeks. Daidzein and equol increased the bone mineral density of growing female rats by stimulating bone formation without exhibiting a substantial effect on the weight of their reproductive organs. Bone growth caused by increased bone mineralizing surface and bone formation rate in rats administered with equol was approximately twice that of rats administered with daidzein. These results suggest that equol might be more efficient than daidzein for bone formation in growing female rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Bone and Nutrition. Effect of isoflavones on bone health].

Effects of isoflavones on bone health in postmenopausal women are expected, since it shows weak estrogenic activity. In the observational study in Asia, association between intake of soy foods or isoflavone and bone mineral density and fracture prevention has been observed. In the meta-analysis of intervention trials of isoflavone in 60 years or less of postmenopausal women, 75 mg by day about 6 months to 1 year intervention of isoflavones induced suppression of significant decline of bone resorption markers in the urine was observed. On the other hand, intended for Westerners women in the study intervened isoflavones with calcium and vitamin D simultaneously, it is not observed effectiveness of isoflavones on the bone. Such a difference might be due to diversity in the individual metabolic capacity for isoflavones as well as the effects of presence or absence of other co-interventions nutrients.

Low-dose vitamin K2 (MK-4) supplementation for 12 months improves bone metabolism and prevents forearm bone loss in postmenopausal Japanese women.

Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) administered at a pharmacological dosage of 45 mg/day has been used for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. However, it is not known whether a lower dose of MK-4 supplementation is beneficial for bone health in healthy postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effects of 1.5-mg daily supplementation of MK-4 on the various markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD). The study was performed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The participants (aged 50-65 years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups according to the MK-4 dose received: the placebo-control group (n = 24) and the 1.5-mg MK-4 group (n = 24). The baseline concentrations of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) were high in both groups (>5.1 ng/ml). After 6 and 12 months, the serum ucOC concentrations were significantly lower in the MK-4 group than in the control group. In the control group, there was no significant change in serum pentosidine concentrations. However, in the MK-4 group, the concentration of pentosidine at 6 and 12 months was significantly lower than that at baseline. The forearm BMD was significantly lower after 12 months than at 6 months in the control group. However, there was no significant decrease in BMD in the MK-4 group during the study period. These results suggest that low-dose MK-4 supplementation for 6-12 months improved bone quality in the postmenopausal Japanese women by decreasing the serum ucOC and pentosidine concentrations, without any substantial adverse effects.

Hesperidin prevents androgen deficiency-induced bone loss in male mice.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether hesperidin inhibits bone loss in androgen-deficient male mice. Male ddY mice aged 7 weeks underwent either a sham operation or orchidectomy (ORX) and were divided into five groups: a sham-operated group fed a control diet (Sham) based on AIN-93G formulation with corn oil instead of soy bean oil, an ORX group fed the control diet (ORX), a group fed the control diet containing 0.5% hesperidin (ORX + H), a group fed the control diet containing 0.7% α-glucosylhesperidin (ORX + αG), and a group fed the control diet containing 0.013% simvastatin (ORX + St). Four weeks after intervention, ORX mice showed a striking decrease in seminal vesicle weight, which was not affected by the administration of hesperidin, α-glucosylhesperidin, or simvastatin. Femoral BMD was significantly reduced by ORX, and bone loss was inhibited by the administration of hesperidin, α-glucosylhesperidin or simvastatin. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the bone volume and trabecular thickness were significantly lower, and the osteoclast number was higher in the distal femoral cancellous bone in the ORX group than in the Sham group, and these were normalized in the ORX + H, ORX + αG and ORX + St groups. These results indicate that hesperidin inhibited bone resorption and hyperlipidemia, in ORX mice, and the preventive effect was stronger than that observed in ovariectomized mice in our previous study.

Effects of daidzein and kiwifruit on bone mineral density and equol production in ovariectomised rats.

In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of daidzein (Dz) and kiwifruit on bone and equol production in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of five groups: sham operated, OVX control, OVX fed 0.1% Dz-supplemented diet (OVX + Dz), OVX fed 0.1% Dz and green kiwifruit (GRK)-supplemented diet (OVX + Dz + GRK) and OVX fed 0.1% Dz and gold kiwifruit (GOK)-supplemented diet (OVX + Dz + GOK). There were no significant differences in whole body and femur bone mineral density (BMD) among groups at week 8. BMD in the OVX group significantly decreased at week 8; however, BMD in the OVX + Dz + GRK was not significantly different from baseline in the end of the study. However, supplementation with kiwifruit did not affect urinary equol concentrations, urinary ratios of equol to Dz and the composition of caecal microbiota. These results suggest that the combination of Dz and GRK may slightly reduce bone loss caused by oestrogen deficiency but does not affect equol production.

Cooperative effects of soy isoflavones and carotenoids on osteoclast formation.

Osteoclasts play a major role in bone resorption. Several functional food components, such as soy isoflavones and carotenoids, are reported to inhibit osteoclast formation. However, the cooperative effect of functional foods or their constituents on bone metabolism has not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the cooperative effect of soy isoflavones and carotenoids on osteoclast formation in vitro using cultures of RAW264 and bone marrow cells in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand. In RAW264 cells, treatment with soy isoflavones (genistein or equol) or carotenoids (ß-carotene) suppressed osteoclast formation. At 10 µM, genistein and equol inhibited RAW264 cell proliferation but did not affect cell viability. When 10 µM genistein or equol was combined with 0.1 µM ß-carotene, we observed an additive suppressive effect on osteoclast differentiation. Similar results were observed with bone marrow cell cultures. We found that 10 µM of zeaxanthin or lutein suppressed osteoclast formation singly, and further enhanced the suppressive effects of daidzein or genistein when administered in combination. These results suggest that the combination of soy isoflavones and carotenoids have an enhanced suppressive effect on osteoclast formation. This knowledge might be important in planning diet for bone health.

Development of a Nutrient Profiling Model for Processed Foods in Japan.

Numerous nutrient profiling models (NPMs) exist worldwide, but Japan lacks an official NPM. Using the Australian and New Zealand Health Star Rating (HSR) as a reference, "Processed Foods in Japan version 1.0" (NPM-PFJ (1.0)) was developed to fit Japanese food culture and policies. In total, 668 processed foods from the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan were analyzed, excluding seasonings/spices, fats/oils, alcoholic beverages, and infant food. The NPM-PFJ (1.0) scoring algorithm was adapted from HSR, with revised reference values for energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium, protein, and dietary fiber in alignment with Japanese standards. Reference values for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes (fvnl) remained unchanged. Median scores were 4.5 for HSR and 5.0 for NPM-PFJ (1.0), showing high correlation (r = 0.939, p < 0.01). Thereafter, food categories familiar and meaningful in Japan were defined based on a hierarchical cluster analysis of scoring patterns, creating six categories with distinct characteristics. Finally, the rating algorithm for NPM-PFJ (1.0) was created using each group's score distribution (10th percentile). The NPM-PFJ (1.0) was developed through a fully transparent and evidence-based process and is expected to facilitate the reformulation of food products by food industries and help consumers easily access healthier processed foods. This model marks a significant step forward in developing an NPM tailored to Japanese food culture and health policies, with the potential to enhance public health.

Development of a Nutrient Profile Model for Dishes in Japan Version 1.0: A New Step towards Addressing Public Health Nutrition Challenges.

To address the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote healthier eating habits, Japan requires a culturally tailored Nutrient Profile Model. This study aimed to develop a Nutrient Profile Model for Dishes in Japan version 1.0 (NPM-DJ (1.0)) that corresponds to the nutritional issues and food culture in Japan. The aim of the NPM-DJ (1.0) was to promote the health of the general population, and to prevent the increase in NCDs in Japan. The NPM-DJ (1.0) categorizes dishes into staples, sides, mains, mixed dishes, and mixed dishes with staples. The model evaluates dishes based on energy, saturated fats, sugars, and sodium as restricted nutrients, while considering protein, dietary fiber, and the weight of certain food groups as recommended nutrients. The distribution of the overall score for each dish category was analyzed and a rating algorithm was created. The baseline, modification points, and final scores were significantly lower for side dishes than for staple dishes. In contrast, the baseline points and final scores were significantly higher for mixed dishes with staple. The model effectively differentiated nutritional profiles across five dishes categories, which may promote healthier dish reformulation by food businesses operators and encourage consumers to select healthier dishes.

Assessment of safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane on bone and knee joints in osteoarthritis animal model.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is one of the popular ingredients of so-called health foods in Japan, is expected to relieve inflammation in arthritis and allergies. However, there is no scientific evidence to confirm the efficacy and safety of MSM in detail. In this study, we examined the effects of MSM on cartilage formation in growing rats (G) and cartilage degradation in STR/Ort mice (A), an accepted human osteoarthritis (OA) model. For cartilage formation study, 6-week-old growing male Wister rats were assigned to four groups to receive a control or MSM-containing diet. To examine the efficacy of MSM on the cartilage of OA model mouse, 10-week-old male STR/OrtCrlj mice were assigned to three groups to receive a control or MSM-containing diet. The dosages used were amounts equal to the recommended supplements for humans [0.06 g/kg body weight (BW)/day: MSM1G and MSM1A], 10 fold higher (0.6 g/kg BW/day: MSM10G and MSM10A), and 100 fold higher (6 g/kg BW/day: MSM100G). Intake of MSM for 4 weeks did not affect cartilage formation in the knee joint in growing rats. Body, liver, and spleen weight in the MSM100G group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Intake of MSM for 13 weeks decreased degeneration of the cartilage at the joint surface in the knee joints in STR/Ort mice in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that appropriate intake of MSM is possibly effective in OA model mice; however, intake of large amounts of MSM induced atrophy of several organs.

Effects of short-term fructooligosaccharide intake on equol production in Japanese postmenopausal women consuming soy isoflavone supplements: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that some of the clinical effectiveness of soy or daidzein, which is a type of isoflavone, may be attributed to a person's ability to produce equol from daidzein. Equol, which is a metabolite of one of the major soybean isoflavones called daidzein, is produced in the gastrointestinal tract by certain intestinal microbiota where present. Habitual dietary patterns may alter the intestinal bacterial profile, and influence the metabolism of isoflavones and the production of equol. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have a prebiotic activity as well as being a dietary fibre. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether FOS supplementation increases equol production in equol producers and stimulates equol production in equol non-producers in Japanese postmenopausal women. METHODS: A soy challenge was used to assess equol-producer status prior to the start of the study in healthy postmenopausal Japanese women. The study involved 4 separate groups in randomised crossover design. First, subjects were classified as equol producers (n = 25) or non-producers (n = 18), and then they were randomly assigned to the FOS or control group. All subjects received a daily dose of 37 mg isoflavone conjugates in the capsule (21 mg aglycone form) and either FOS (5 g/day) or sucrose as control, in a randomised crossover study design. Equol -production was assessed by testing the serum and urine before and after the 2-week supplementation period. RESULTS: The analyses were conducted on 34 subjects completed the study, 21 (61.8%) were classified as equol producers, and 13 (38.2%) as non-producers. Significant differences were observed in the interaction effect of time × equol state after 1 week of intervention (p = 0.006). However there were no effects after 2 weeks of intervention (p = 0.516). Finally, in both equol producers and non-producers, FOS supplementation did not affect the serum equol concentration or the urinary equol to daidzein concentration ratios. CONCLUSIONS: We have reported that FOS intervention (5 g/day for 2 weeks) does not significantly modulate the capacity of intestinal microbiota to produce equol in postmenopausal Japanese women, in either equol producers or non-producers in this pilot study. Further larger investigations that explore the roles of specific intestinal microbiota in equol production will enable the establishment of dietary conditions that are required to enhance equol production.

Role of nuclear localization of PSMB1 in transcriptional activation.

The production of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is higher in adipose tissue in type 2 diabetes. We have found that proteasome subunit beta type 1 (PSMB1) is a transcriptional activator of Rbp4. In the present study, the putative tyrosine phosphorylation site in PSMB1 was mutated to phenylalanine. The mutated form of PSMB1 displayed increased nuclear translocation, resulting in activation of transcription in adipocytes.

Bi-phasic effect of equol on adipocyte differentiation of MC3T3-L1 cells.

We investigated the effects of equol on adipogenesis by measuring lipid accumulation and analyzing the change in adipocyte-related gene expression in MC3T3-L1 cells. Treatment with 10 µM equol tended to increase adipocyte-related gene expression, whereas 100 µM equol reduced lipid accumulation and suppressed the expression of these genes and proteins. Our results suggest that equol regulated adipogenesis in a bi-phasic fashion.

Possible role of S-equol on bone loss via amelioration of inflammatory indices in ovariectomized mice.

S-equol is a natural metabolite of the soy isoflavone, daidzein, produced by intestinal bacteria. S-equol has been shown to have greater estrogenic activity than other soy isoflavones and prevent bone loss in post-menopausal women. Estrogen regulates both bone remodeling and hemopoiesis in the bone marrow, these processes that communicate closely with each other. In this study, we investigated the effect of S-equol on bone mass and gene expression of bone marrow cells in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Female ddY strain mice, aged 12 weeks, were either sham operated or OVX. The OVX mice were randomly divided into two groups: (1) OVX control and (2) OVX fed a 0.06% (w/w) S-equol supplemented diet. After 2 weeks, the trabecular bone volume of the femoral distal metaphysis was markedly reduced in OVX mice. However, treatment with equol was observed to ameliorate this. Expression of inflammatory-, osteoclastogenesis- and adipogenesis-related genes was increased in OVX mice compared with sham mice, and equol was observed to suppress their expression. The present study demonstrates that equol might ameliorate bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency through regulating hemopoiesis and production of inflammatory cytokines in bone marrow cells.