Effects of soybean isoflavones on oxidation of plasma lipoproteins in diabetic rats

  Objective   To study the influence of soybean isoflavones on lipid peroxidation of plasma lipoproteins in diabetic rats.

  Methods   Diabetic rats were given diet containing soybean isoflavones for 8 weeks, then the degrees of perox idation and susceptibilities of lipoproteins to oxidation were examined.

  Results   Among the diabetic rats fed soybean isoflavones, the plasmalipid per oxide, LDL and HDL lipid peroxide levels were significantly decreased after isoflavone intake, and the lag phage of LDL oxidation curve in vitro was prolonged noticeably, indicating a reduced susceptibility to oxidation.

  Conclusion   Soybean isoflavones, which had the function of reducing LDL and HDL lipid peroxides and promoted resistance to LDL oxidation in diabetic rats, may be useful in prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus and diabetes-asso ciated diseases.