Isoflavone-rich soy protein and androgen receptor

Posted by Chantel M. Contributed by US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

In the study of "Isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate suppresses androgen receptor expression without altering estrogen receptor-beta expression or serum hormonal profiles in men at high risk of prostate cancer" by Hamilton-Reeves JM, Rebello SA, Thomas W, Slaton JW, Kurzer MS. posted in US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, found that At 6 mo, consumption of SPI+ significantly suppressed AR expression but did not alter estrogen receptor-beta expression or circulating hormones. Consumption of SPI- significantly increased estradiol and androstenedione concentrations, and tended to suppress AR expression (P = 0.09). Although the effects of SPI- consumption on estradiol and androstenedione are difficult to interpret and the clinical relevance is uncertain, these data show that AR expression in the prostate is suppressed by soy protein isolate consumption, which may be beneficial in preventing prostate cancer.