Phytoestrogen Effects on Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Models
Summary
Phytoestrogens are plant‐derived compounds structurally similar to 17β‐oestradiol that exert weak oestrogenic activity via oestrogen receptors in bone tissue. In postmenopausal women, declining endogenous oestrogen leads to an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, increasing fracture risk. Preclinical models commonly employ ovariectomised rodents to simulate this hormone deficit and to assess the capacity of phytoestrogens—especially isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein—to restore bone homeostasis. Mechanistically, phytoestrogens may inhibit osteoclast differentiation, enhance osteoblast survival and stimulate signalling cascades such as the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. They also influence the expression of bone remodelling mediators including receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand and osteoprotegerin, and can improve calcium absorption and deposition. Recent work has explored both isolated isoflavone aglycones and whole‐food sources such as tempeh, often in conjunction with probiotics, to enhance bioaccessibility and target multiple facets of bone microarchitecture. Across diverse models, phytoestrogens have demonstrated the potential to mitigate trabecular thinning, preserve bone mineral density and modulate serum markers of turnover, suggesting a globally relevant, low‐risk adjunct or alternative to conventional hormone replacement and antiresorptive therapies.
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Phytoestrogen Effects on Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Models publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytoestrogen effects on bone metabolism in postmenopausal models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytoestrogen: A plant‐derived compound capable of binding oestrogen receptors and eliciting estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects.
Isoflavone aglycone: The bioactive form of soy isoflavones (e.g. genistein, daidzein) lacking sugar moieties, increasing cellular uptake.
Ovariectomised model: An experimental animal, typically a rat or mouse, surgically deprived of ovaries to mimic postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency.
Wnt/β‐catenin pathway: A cellular signalling cascade crucial for osteoblast differentiation and activity; its activation promotes bone formation.
Bone remodelling: The coupled process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts, essential for skeletal integrity.
References
- Insights into the antiosteoporotic mechanism of the soy‐derived isoflavone genistein: Modulation of the Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling. BioFactors (2023).
- Effects of soybean isoflavone aglycone on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Frontiers in Nutrition (2023).
- Effect of Tempeh and Daidzein on Calcium Status, Calcium Transporters, and Bone Metabolism Biomarkers in Ovariectomized Rats. Nutrients (2024).
- Soy Isoflavones and Bone Health: Focus on the RANKL/RANK/OPG Pathway. BioMed Research International (2022).
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