Menopause is the last step in the reproductive history of a woman. The ovaries stop producing hormones and the body reacts by lowering its functions, including the neuronal one. Phytoestrogens are plant products with estrogen-like activity able to affect many body functions. The aim of the present experiment was to study the effects of 30 days of regular consumption of a soy-enriched bread containing a known amount of phytoestrogens (genistein and daidzein). Women at climacteric, within 5 years or more than 5 years of menopause, were asked to include in their diet 200 g/day of a bread containing 40 mg of phytoestrogens. The effect on common menopausal symptoms and neurophysiological, hormonal and antioxidant parameters were determined before and after 30 days through questionnaires and experimental tests. Phytoestrogens were measured in the urine. In all groups, there was a significant increase of phytoestrogens in the urine and a decrease of the classical symptoms of menopause as well as a significant improvement in attentional performance tests, the quality of life index and pain intensity. Phytoestrogens present in the soy-enriched bread, are an important supplement in aging women due to their ability to induce estrogen-like effects without the potential side effects of estrogens.

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived bioactive compounds with estrogen-like properties. Their potential health benefits, especially in cancer prevention and treatment, have been a subject of considerable research in the past decade. Phytoestrogens exert their effects, at least in part, through interactions with estrogen receptors (ERs), mimicking or inhibiting the actions of natural estrogens. Recently, there has been growing interest in exploring the impact of phytoestrogens on osteosarcoma (OS), a type of bone malignancy that primarily affects children and young adults, and currently presenting limited treatment options. Considering the critical role of estrogen/ERs axis in bone development and growth, the modulation of ERs has emerged as a highly promising approach in the treatment of OS. This review provides an extensive overview of current literature on the effects of phytoestrogens on human OS models. It delves into the multiple mechanisms through which these molecules regulate the cell cycle, apoptosis and key pathways implicated in the growth and progression of OS, including ERs signaling. Moreover, potential interactions between phytoestrogens and conventional chemotherapy agents commonly used in OS treatment will be examined. Understanding the impact of these compounds in OS holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic approaches that can augment current OS treatment modalities.

Soybean a pulse of considerable nutritional value due to its high protein, fibers and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents, also contains phytoestrogenic compounds that definitely hinder its recommendation for general consumption. Contrarily to ancient times when soybeans were boiled, modern commercial soy-foods can contain up to 150 mg/100g of estrogenic isoflavones. Interestingly, current estimations of isoflavone intake in the literature do not distinguish between the origins of soy-food i.e. home-made or commercial. As a result, the isoflavone exposure in Asian countries may well be over-estimated. This study aims to demonstrate, based on step-by-step monitoring of isoflavones, that traditional and domestic treatments, leveraging isoflavones water-solubility, can indeed significantly reduce their content in soy-foods. Indeed, when compared to commercial foods, the isoflavone contents was found to be 20, 2.6, 4.5 and 9.8 times lower in “home-made” soy-juice, tofu, tempeh and miso, respectively. Additionally, water soaking was found to reduce the isoflavones levels in soy-textured-proteins by more than 70%. Hence, this simple process has the potential to help drastically reduce overall xenoestrogens exposure. This study could serve as a basis for establishing the isoflavones Reference Dose and issuing food safety guidelines.

Resveratrol is one of the most investigated natural polyphenolic compounds and is contained in more than 70 types of plants and in red wine. The widespread interest in this polyphenol derives from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Several studies have established that resveratrol regulates animal reproduction. However, the mechanisms of action and the potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of resveratrol in the male and female reproductive functions, with a focus on animals of veterinary interest. In the female, resveratrol has been considered a phytoestrogen due to its capacity to modulate ovarian function and steroidogenesis via sirtuins, SIRT1, in particular. Resveratrol has also been used to enhance aged oocyte quality, and as a gametes cryo-protectant with mainly antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. In the male, resveratrol enhanced testes function and spermatogenesis through activation of AMPK pathway. Furthermore, resveratrol has been supplemented to semen extenders improving the preservation of sperm quality. In conclusion, resveratrol has potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function. However, due to unclear data, further studies are necessary to consolidate these findings.

Phytoestrogens (PEs) are estrogen-like nonsteroidal compounds derived from plants (e.g., nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables) and fungi that are structurally similar to 17β-estradiol. PEs bind to all types of estrogen receptors, including ERα and ERβ receptors, the nuclear receptors, and a membrane-bound estrogen receptor known as the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). As endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with pro‐ or antiestrogenic properties, PEs can potentially disrupt hormonal regulation of homeostasis, resulting in developmental and reproductive abnormalities. However, the lack of PEs in the diet does not result in the development of deficiency symptoms. To properly assess the benefits and risks associated with the use of a PE-rich diet, it is necessary to distinguish between endocrine disruption (endocrine-mediated adverse effects) and nonspecific effects on the endocrine system. Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease of unknown etiopathogenesis, in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus with subsequent complications being manifested as a result of local inflammatory reactions. Endometriosis affects 10–15% of women of reproductive age and is associated with chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and infertility. In this review, the endocrine-disruptive actions of PEs are reviewed in the context of endometriosis to determine whether a PE-rich diet has a positive or negative effect on the risk and course of endometriosis.