Phytoestrogen isoflavones found in soy have potential in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. This is reported by the authors of a scientific review published in the journal. nutrients.
Globally, the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in East Asia is lower compared to Western countries. This change may be due to dietary differences, particularly higher consumption of soy isoflavones in Asian countries, the authors of the new paper noted.
Using data from published studies, scientists compared the cellular mechanisms of action of soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and equol) on prostate cancer cells. The human prostate gland is dominated by estrogen receptor β (ER-β), which interacts with soy isoflavones, including genistein and equol. They are structurally similar to estrogen, which allows them to bind to ER-β. This leads to suppression of androgen receptors and reduces the production of prostate-specific antigen, the level of which increases in prostate cancer. Additionally, genistein demonstrated the ability to suppress the growth, division and metastasis of cancer cells in experiments conducted on them.
Isoflavones not only act on hormones but may also reduce oxidative stress. Under normal conditions, free radicals and reactive oxygen species are produced during cellular respiration. Stress or illness can increase these levels and cause cell damage associated with an increased risk of cancer. Soy isoflavones, particularly equol, have been shown to combat this by increasing the activity of human antioxidant enzymes.
The scientists concluded that although animal and cell experiments provide evidence of soy isoflavones’ potential to prevent cancer, studies involving large numbers of patients are needed to confirm these findings.
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