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ABSTRACT
Objective To determine whether daidzein improves insulin resistance by modifying weight gain, visceral fat accumulation, blood lipids and serum cytokines levels in ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley rats.
Materials and methods Twenty-eight 12-week-old female rats were divided into three groups: the sham-operated group (SHAM) (n =10), the ovariectomized group receiving daidzein therapy (DAID) (n =10), and the ovariectomized control group (Control) (n =8). The rats in the DAID group received 50 mg/kg daidzein via gavage daily. Weight and food intake were recorded every 2 weeks. All of the animals were euthanized 12 weeks after ovariectomy, after which their fasting insulin, glucose, blood lipids, estradiol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adiponectin and leptin levels were measured.
Results After 12 weeks, the ovariectomized rats demonstrated an increase in their body weight and visceral fat; compared to the SHAM rats, the ovariectomized rats also experienced a significant increase in their serum IL-6 levels and insulin resistance, which was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p <0.05). Daidzein therapy decreased weight gain, visceral fat, the HOMA-IR index and IL-6 levels that were induced by ovariectomy. Rats which had received daidzein therapy had lower levels of TNF-α, leptin and blood lipids (except for high density lipoprotein cholesterol) than the other two groups. IL-6 levels positively correlated with the HOMA-IR index in all of the rats after adjustment for body weight (r =0.495; p =0.016).
Conclusion We conclude that daidzein can improve insulin resistance induced by ovariectomy by decreasing weight gain, visceral fat accumulation, blood lipids, TNF-α, leptin and IL-6 levels.
Conflict of interest We declare that we have no financial or personal relationships with any people or organizations that could inappropriately influence our work. We have no professional or personal interest of any nature in any product, service or company that could be construed as influencing this study.
Source of funding This work was supported by research funding from Shanghai Science Committee's Innovation Program (08411966000).