Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (Oct 2019)
Genistein diet improves body weight, serum glucose and triglyceride levels in both male and female ob/ob mice
Abstract
Schuyler Rockwood,1 Daniel Mason,1 Ryan Lord,1 Peter Lamar,2 Walter Prozialeck,2 Layla Al-Nakkash3 1Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA; 2Department of Pharmacology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA; 3Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USACorrespondence: Layla Al-NakkashDepartment of Physiology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USATel +1 623 572 3719Fax +1 623 572 3673Email [email protected]: Diabetic obesity in the leptin-deficient ob/ob mouse is associated with weight gain, and hyperglycemia, along with hyperinsulinemia. We have previously examined the effects of genistein (a naturally occurring isoflavone found in soy) on metabolic disturbances in the ob/ob mouse and demonstrated beneficial effects of genistein (600 mg genistein/kg diet, for 4-weeks) on T3 production and corticosterone status. The goal of this study was to examine whether dietary genistein could prevent, or at least lessen, the typical phenotype in this murine model of diabetic-obesity, and to assess potential sex-differences.Patients and methods: The ob/ob mice (male and female) aged 4–5 weeks were randomly assigned to one of two diets for a period of 4-weeks: standard rodent diet, or genistein-containing diet (600 mg genistein/kg diet). Comparisons were made to a lean control group.Results: Genistein diet significantly reduced body weight by 12% in females and 9% in males. Genistein significantly lowered serum glucose levels by 18% in females and 43% in males, yet had no effect on serum insulin. Genistein diet significantly lowered serum triglyceride levels in both ob/ob male and female mice returning them to lean levels. In females only, genistein significantly reduced serum pancreatic polypeptide levels by 56% and increased serum GIP levels 2.3-fold. Genistein had sex-dependent effects on hepatic steatosis: in females, genistein further increased the % fat area and the fat droplet diameter 2.6-fold, along with additionally increasing hepatic TBARS.Conclusion: The results from this study indicate interesting beneficial effects of genistein diet for both male and female ob/ob mice.Keywords: genistein, ob/ob, diabetes, phenotype
