Effects of soy germ isoflavones and hormone therapy on nitric oxide derivatives, low-density lipoprotein oxidation, and vascular reactivity in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the effects of soy germ isoflavones and hormone therapy on vascular reactivity, the formation of nitric oxide derivatives, and lipid peroxidation in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women. Design: Women were treated with soy germ, 17A-estradiol or 17A-estradiol + noretisterone acetate for 3 months after taking placebo for 1 month. The plasma concentrations of nitrite + nitrate and S-nitrosothiols were evaluated by gaseous phase chemiluminescence; nitrotyrosine, electronegative low-density lipoprotein, and estradiol levels were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay; cholesterol oxides and isoflavones were determined by gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Vascular reactivity was analyzed by high-resolution ultrasonography. Results: Soy germ isoflavones and hormone therapy induced a decrease in nitrite + nitrate, electronegative low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol oxides, as well as an increase in S-nitrosothiols. Soy germ isoflavones lowered electronegative low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol oxides more efficiently than did hormone therapy. Only soy isoflavones inhibited nitrotyrosine formation. A significant improvement of vascular reactivity was only seen in women treated with 17A-estradiol. Conclusions: The soy germ isoflavones and 17A-estradiol, alone or associated with noretisterone acetate, in the doses and forms used here, have similar effects on the bioavailability of nitric oxide. Soy germ treatment inhibited lipid peroxidation more effectively than hormone therapy.