Phytoestrogens: Dietary Intake, Bioavailability, and Protective Mechanisms against Colorectal Neoproliferative Lesions

Nutrients

Lorenzo Polimeno¹  MariaTeresa Viggiani¹  Michele Barone¹  Alfredo Di Leo¹ 

[1] Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;

关键词: estrogen receptors;    intestinal microbiota;    familial adenomatous polyposis;    colon adenomas;    colorectal cancer;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu11081709

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Phytoestrogens are natural substances that have been extensively studied for their beneficial effect on human health. Herein, we analyzed the data of the literature on the role of phytoestrogens in the prevention of colorectal neoproliferative lesions (CNL). Both in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the beneficial effects of phytoestrogens on CNL mainly depend on their ability to bind estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in the intestinal mucosa and counter ER-alpha (ERα) activity. Epidemiological data demonstrate a correlation between the low prevalence of CNL in Eastern populations and the consumption of soy products (phytoestrogen-enriched diet). However, both observational and interventional studies have produced inconclusive results. In our opinion, these discrepancies depend on an inadequate evaluation of phytoestrogen intake (dietary questionnaires were not aimed at establishing phytoestrogen intake) and absorption (depending mainly on the intestinal microbiota of the analyzed subjects). For this reason, in the present review, we performed an overview of phytoestrogen dietary intake and metabolism to offer the reader the opportunity for a better interpretation of the literature. Future prospective trials focusing on the protective effect of phytoestrogens against CNL should take into account both their dietary intake and absorption, considering the effective role of the intestinal microbiota.

【 授权许可】

Unknown