OBJECTIVE: Isoflavones (ISO) present in soybean are named phytoestrogens because they show estrogen effect. The use of isoflavones has beneficial effect in disturbance of post-menopause, which is characterized by ovarian function suppression. Decreasing of estrogen secretion and consequent morphologic and metabolic disarrangements are observed in female hormonal decline. The aim of present work was to investigate the effect of ISO on the fat accretion of uterin endometric tissue, and HDL and glucose blood concentration from ovariectomized rats (OVX). METHODS: Female Wistar rats with 60 days-old were submitted a surgery to remove bilaterally the ovarium. After 8-day recovery period the animals were distributed into three groups: sham operate (GC); OVX ISO untreated (GI) and OVX supplemented with ISO (G II). Total uterus mass, uterus fat and retroperitoneal fat pad, were removed, washed and weighted. Samples of uterus were histological processed to measure endometrium thickness. Blood samples were also collected to analyze the concentration of HDL and glucose. The OVX caused endometric atrophy, decrease of uterus weight and HDL reduction. The treatment with ISO provoked decrease of uterin and retroperitoneal fat pad. HDL increase and glycemia reduction were also observed. However, there was no uterotrophic effect. CONCLUSIONS: ISO treatment causes decrease in tissue fat accretion from ovariectomized rats.
Isoflavones; Phytoestrogens; Ovariectomy; Menopause; Adiposity
