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DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-38254
Effects of Soy Protein Diet on the Expression of Adipose Genes and Plasma Adiponectin
Publication History
Received 4 November 2002
Accepted after revision 3 December 2002
Publication Date:
27 March 2003 (online)


Abstract
Many studies have reported the cholesterol-lowering, anti-lipogenic, anti-obesity and anti-hypertensive effects of soy protein. Adipose tissue-specific plasma protein, adiponectin, has anti-atherogenic and anti-insulin-resistance properties. Here, we investigated the effects of soy protein diet on body fat composition, plasma glucose, lipid and adiponectin levels and expression of genes involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism in obese KK-Ay mice. Body weights and adipose tissue weights of mesenteric, epididymal, and brown fat were lower in mice on calorie-restricted diet containing soy protein isolate. Plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, and glucose levels were also decreased by this diet. Body fat content and plasma glucose levels in mice on a soy protein isolate diet were still lower than those treated with an isocaloric casein-protein-diet. Among the genes related to glucose and fatty acid metabolism, adiponectin mRNA levels in adipose tissue and adiponectin plasma concentrations were elevated in mice on a calorie-restricted diet, although there were no significant differences between soy protein and casein protein groups. Our results indicate that that soy protein diet decreased body fat content and plasma glucose levels more effectively than isocaloric casein-protein diet in obese mice.
Key words
Soy Protein - Metabolic Syndrome - Obesity - Adiponectin - Fat - Adipose Tissue - Calorie Restriction