Underlying mechanisms and molecular targets of genistein in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complications

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors and is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Long-term hyperglycemia can cause macrovascular and microvascular damage, and compromise the heart, brain, kidney, peripheral nerves, eyes and other organs, leading to serious complications. Genistein, a phytoestrogen derived from soybean, is known for its various biological activities and therapeutic properties. Recent studies found that genistein not only has hypoglycemic activity but can also decrease insulin resistance. In addition, genistein has particular activity in the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications, such as nephropathy, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthrosis, encephalopathy and retinopathy. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the latest medical research and progress of genistein in DM and related complications and highlights its potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Meanwhile, evidence is provided for the development and application of genistein as a potential drug or functional food in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its related complications.

Keywords:

• Genistein
• hypoglycemia
• oxidative stress
• anti-inflammation
• signaling pathway

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Table 1. Summary of mechanisms and molecular targets of genistein in diabetes mellitus (DM) and related complications.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by “Three Levels” talent construction project of Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, the Science and Technology Development Funds (FDCT) of Macao [0104/2021/A2], and Faculty Research Grant of MUST [FRG-21-035-FMD].