Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Phytoestrogen α-Zearalanol in an Animal Model of Menopause

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Nutrition and Diet in Menopause

Part of the book series: Nutrition and Health ((NH))

Key Points

  • Estrogen has drawn some serious attention regarding its health benefits.

  • The fact that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) may predispose women to a much higher incidence of breast and endometrial cancers has undoubtedly compromised or jeopardized its clinical application.

  • A plant-derived phytoestrogen, α-zearalanol (α-ZAL), has been proposed as a potential replacement for estrogen.

  • α-ZAL has shown beneficial effects on blood vessels, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease in animal models of menopause similar with estrogen.

  • It has less proliferating effects on uterus and mammary gland compared to estrogen.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

ACh:

Acetylcholine

AP-1:

Activator protein-1

bFGF:

Basic fibroblast growth factor

BGP:

Bone Gla protein

BMD:

Bone mineral density

BMP:

Bone morphogenetic proteins

eNOS:

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase

EPCs:

Endothelial progenitor cells

ET-1:

Endothelin-1

17β-E2 :

17β-estrodiol

ERT:

Estrogen replacement therapy

ERK:

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase

FG:

Fibrinogen

Hcy:

Homocysteine

HUVECs:

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells

HHcy:

Hyperhomocysteinemia

H/R:

Hypoxia/reoxygenation

LDH:

Lactate dehydrogenase

Met:

Methionine

NO:

Nitric oxide

NOS:

Nitric oxide synthase

L-NAME:

N-nitro-larginine methylester

Ovx:

Ovariectomy

oxLDL:

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein

PAI-1:

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1

PE:

Phenylephrine

PT:

Prothrombin time

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

TF:

Tissue factor

t-PA:

Tissue plasminogen activator

VSMCs:

Vascular smooth muscle cells

α-ZAL:

α-Zearalanol

ZEN:

Zearalenone

References

  1. Sullivan JM. Estrogen replacement therapy. Am J Med. 1996;101:4A56S–9. Discussion 59S–60S.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Collins P. Clinical cardiovascular studies of hormone replacement therapy. Am J Cardiol. 2002;90:30F–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Creasman WT. Estrogen and cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2002;86:1–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Knight DC, Eden JA. Phytoestrogens—a short review. Maturitas. 1995;22:167–75.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Dai SL, Duan JH, Lu Y, Cheng J, Ren J, Deng W, et al. α-Zearalanol, a phytoestrogen for cardiovascular therapy. Endocrine. 2004;25:117–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Stob M, Boldwin RS, Tuite J. Isolation of an anabolic, uterotrophic compound from corn infected with Gibberella zeae. Nature. 1962;196:1318.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Li JL, Zhu TX, Zhang H, Li BR, Deng ZP, Li YS, et al. Studies on zearalenone. Acta Agricul Universitatis Pekinensis. 1980;1:13–28.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Wang W, Yang H, Wang HX, Zhang LK. 17β-estradiol and phytoestrogen α-zearalanol on uterus enlarging in ovariectomized rats. J Capit University Med Sci. 2005;26:51–4.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Deng WH, Dai SL, Zhang Y, et al. The effects of alpha-zearalanol and estradiol benzoate on expression of c-myc, c-fos and epidermal growth factor receptor mRNAs in breast tissues implanted into nude mice. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010;26:144–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Deng WH, Wu YY, Duan JH, Yang L, Wang S, Dai SL. Effects of phytoestrogen α-zearalanol on normal human breast. Acta Acad Med Sin. 2004;26:566–70.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Dai SL, Duan JH, Lu Y, Zhang Y, Cheng J, Ren J, et al. Phytoestrogen alpha-zearalanol inhibits atherogenesis and improves lipid profile in ovariectomized cholesterol-fed rabbits. Endocrine. 2004;25:121–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Zhao XY, Zuo PP, Duan JH, Lu Y, Zhang YH, Cheng JX, et al. Influence of α-zearalanol on lipometabolism and hemorheology in experimental hyperlipidemia rabbits. Chin J Rehabil Theo Pract. 2005;11:924–6.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Lu Y, Dai SL, Duan JH, Cheng JX, Zhang YH, Wu XQ, et al. Phytoestrogen α-zearalanol inhibition it against increase of rabbit VSMCs [Ca2+] induced by (−) BayK8644. Chin Phamacol Bull. 2006;22:1147–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Xu H, Duan J, Dai S, Wu Y, Sun R, Ren J. Phytoestrogen α-zearalanol antagonizes oxidized LDL-induced inhibition of nitric oxide production and stimulation of endothelin-1 release in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Endocrine. 2004;25:235–45.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Xu H, Duan J, Dai S, Wu Y, Sun R, Ren J. α-Zearalanol attenuates oxLDL-induced ET-1 gene expression, ET-1 secretion and redox-sensitive intracellular signaling activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Toxicol Lett. 2008;179:163–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Zhen PP, Duan JH, Zhao Q, Hou DD, Wang HX, Hong N, et al. Phytoestrogen α-zearalanol improves vascular function in ovariectomized hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Atherosclerosis. 2011;215(2):309–15.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Duan J, Xu H, Dai S, Wang X, Wu Y, Zhang Y, et al. Phytoestrogen alpha-zearalanol inhibits homocysteine-induced endothelin-1 expression and oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Atherosclerosis. 2008;197:549–55.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Duan JH, Dai SL, Fang CX, Sun R, Shavali S, Sharma SK, et al. Phytoestrogen alpha-zearalanol antagonizes homocysteine-induced imbalance of nitric oxide/endothelin-1 and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cell Biochem Biophys. 2006;45:137–45.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Wang W, Zhu GJ, Zu SY. Effects of 17β-estradiol and phytoestrogen α-zearalanol on tissue factor in ovariectomized rats and endothelial cells. Chin J Physiol. 2004;47:67–72.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Wang W, Zhu GJ. Comparison between phyoestrogen α-zearalanol and supplementary ectogenesis 17β-estradiol in the effect on coagulation and fibrnolysis in ovariectomized rats. Chin J Clinic Rehabil. 2005;9:195–7.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Wang W, Liu W, Zu SY, Zhu GJ. Transcription regulation on tissue factor gene expression in the HUVEC by phytoestrogen α-zearalanol. Basic Clin Med. 2005;25:539–42.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Wang W, Jiang DJ, Zhu YF, Liu W, Duan J, Dai S. Relaxing effects of phytoestrogen α-zearalanol on rat thoracic aorta rings in vitro. Chin J Physiol. 2009;52:99–105.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Wang W, Qiu XW, Jiang DQ, Zhang LK. Effects of phytoestrogen α-zearalanol on hypoxia/reoxygena tion injury in HUVECs. Chin J Physiol. 2006;22:2110–2.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Wang W, Jiang DQ, Qiu XW, Zhu YF, Zhang LK. Influence of a new type of phytoestrogen alpha-zearalanol on the expression of cell adhesion molecule in human umbilical vein endothelial cells following hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. J Clin Rehabili Tis Eng Res. 2007;11:1038–40.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Asahara T, Murohara T, Sullivan A, Silver M, van der Zee R, Li T, et al. Isolation of putative progenitor endothelial cells for angiogenesis. Science. 1997;275:964–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Chade AR, Zhu X, Lavi R, Krier JD, Pislaru S, Simari RD, et al. Endothelial progenitor cells restore renal function in chronic experimental renovascular disease. Circulation. 2009;119:547–57.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Wang W, Lang JK, Suzuki G, Canty JM Jr, Cimato T. Statins enhance clonal growth of late outgrowth endothelial progenitors and increase myocardial capillary density in the chronically ischemic heart. PLoS One. 2011;6:e24868.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Hamada H, Kim MK, Iwakura A, Ii M, Thorne T, Qin G, et al. Estrogen receptors alpha and beta mediate contribution of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells to functional recovery after myocardial infarction. Circulation. 2006;114:2261–70.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Masuda H, Kalka C, Takahashi T, Yoshida M, Wada M, Kobori M, et al. Estrogen-mediated endothelial progenitor cell biology and kinetics for physiological postnatal vasculogenesis. Circ Res. 2007;101:598–606.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Hou DD, Wang W. Phytoestrogen α-zearalanol promotes proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells in vitro. Chin J Microcirc. 2011;21:26–9.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Dong YL, Yue Y, Liu FH, Lang SY, Zhang XC, Dai SL, et al. Treatment with phytoestrogen alpha-zearalanol might protect neurons of hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. Endocrine. 2006;30:249–54.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Dong YL, Zuo PP, Li Q, Liu FH, Dai SL, Ge QS. Protective effects of phytoestrogen alpha-zearalanol on beta amyloid25-35 induced oxidative damage in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Endocrine. 2007;32:206–11.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Dong YL, Yang N, Liu Y, Li Q, Zuo P. The neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogen α-zearalanol on β-amyloid-induced toxicity in differentiated PC-12 cells. Eur J Pharmacol. 2011;670:392–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Fanti P, Monier-Faugere MC, Geng Z, Schmidt J, Morris PE, Cohen D, et al. The phytoestrogen genistein reduces bone loss in short-term ovariectomized rats. Osteoporos Int. 1998;8:274–81.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Zong SH, Wei B, Xiong CX, Zhao Y, Zeng G, et al. The role of a-zearalanol in reversing bone loss induced by ovarian hormone deficiency in rats. J Bone Miner Metab. 2011. DOI 10.1007/s00774-011-0302-8.

  36. Gajecki M. Zearalenone–undesirable substances in feed. Pol J Vet Sci. 2002;5:117–22.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Young LG, King GJ. Low concentrations of zearalenone in diets of mature gilts. J Anim Sci. 1986;63:1191–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Altavilla D, Saitta A, Galeano M, Squadrito G, Marino D, Minutoli L, et al. The phytoestrogen alpha-zearalenol reverses endothelial dysfunction induced by oophorectomy in rats. Lab Invest. 2001;81:125–32.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Prof. Shunling Dai and Dr. Jinhong Duan from Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China for their assistance on this article.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, 100069, China

    Wen Wang M.D., Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Wen Wang M.D., Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wen Wang M.D., Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social, College of Health and Social Care, Department of Midwifery, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, United Kingdom

    Caroline J. Hollins Martin

  2. Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public, Health, and School of Medicine, University of Arizona, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, 85724-5155, Arizona, USA

    Ronald Ross Watson

  3. Dept. Nutrition & Dietetics, King's College, Stamford St. 150, London, SE1 9NH, United Kingdom

    Victor R. Preedy

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wang, W. (2013). Phytoestrogen α-Zearalanol in an Animal Model of Menopause. In: Hollins Martin, C., Watson, R., Preedy, V. (eds) Nutrition and Diet in Menopause. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-373-2_30

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-373-2_30

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-372-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-373-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation