 
         
         
         Abstract
         
         Previous investigations have demonstrated a marked effect of soy protein on multiple
            physiological parameters associated with the metabolic syndrome (MS). This preliminary
            study investigated the physiological effects of soy-based diets on cardiovascular
            risk in a unique rodent model that reflects early stages of MS. Briefly, lean male
            SHHF (+/cp) rats were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: casein (control,
            C); low-isoflavone (LIS) soy protein isolate; high-isoflavone (HIS) soy protein isolate;
            or C+ 0.01 % rosiglitazone (CR). Rats were fed for thirty-six weeks. Liver weight,
            heart weight, total plasma cholesterol, fasting blood glucose were lower in soy-fed
            animals compared to control (p < 0.01). Body weight, kidney weight, alanine aminotransferase
            (ALT), fasting plasma insulin, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score were
            also lower in LIS-fed rodents (p < 0.05) compared to casein treatment. All diet groups
            exhibited lower urine protein (p < 0.01) and small arteriole content (p < 0.05) compared
            to controls. LIS feed had a slightly more profound influence on body weight, liver
            metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. However, both soy diets exhibited marked improvements
            over a casein-based diet.
         
         
         
            
Key words
         
         
            Soy protein - Rosiglitazone - Metabolic syndrome - Insulin - Cardiovascular disease
               
          
      
    
   
      
         
            References
            
         
         
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William J. Banz, Ph. D., RD
            Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University
            
            Carbondale, IL 62901-4317, USA
            
            Phone: +1 (618) 453-7511
            
            Fax: +1 (618) 453-7517
            
            Email: banz@siu.edu