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Genistein effects on quality of life and depression symptoms in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a 2-year randomized, double-blind, controlled study

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Abstract

Summary

Postmenopausal estrogen decline is implicated in several age-related physical and psychological changes in women, including decreases in perceived quality of life. The phytoestrogen genistein at a dose of 54 mg daily in osteopenic postmenopausal women after 2 years implies an improvement on quality of life and depression symptoms.

Introduction

Postmenopausal estrogen decline is implicated in several age-related physical and psychological changes in women, including decreases in perceived quality of life (QoL). A number of trials with hormone therapy showed beneficial effects of the intervention on quality of life parameters. However, because of known or suspected serious side effects of conventional hormone therapy, there is a need for alternatives.

Methods

We conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial using the isoflavone genistein, 54 mg, or placebo for 2 years. In this trial, we recruited 262 postmenopausal women aged 49 to 67 years.

Results

At baseline, after 1 year, and at final visit, participants filled in the Short Form of 36 questions (SF-36) and the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS). For the placebo group, scores on all dimensions of the SF-36 decreased after 1 and 2 years. The genistein group showed increases on all dimensions of the SF-36 at the end of the study. There were, however, statistically significant differences in changes of scores between the two intervention groups. For the ZSDS, similarly, significant differences were found between groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings of this randomized trial showed that genistein improves quality of life (health status, life satisfaction, and depression) in osteopenic postmenopausal women.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Pad. C, 3rd floor, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Martino” Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy

    M. Atteritano, S. Mazzaferro, I. Macrì, A. Frisina, N. Frisina & G. Bagnato

  2. Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy

    A. Bitto & F. Squadrito

  3. Department of Obstetrical and Gynecological Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy

    M. L. Cannata & R. D’Anna

Authors
  1. M. Atteritano
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  2. S. Mazzaferro
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  3. A. Bitto
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  4. M. L. Cannata
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  5. R. D’Anna
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  7. I. Macrì
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  8. A. Frisina
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  9. N. Frisina
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  10. G. Bagnato
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Correspondence to M. Atteritano.

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Atteritano, M., Mazzaferro, S., Bitto, A. et al. Genistein effects on quality of life and depression symptoms in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a 2-year randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Osteoporos Int 25, 1123–1129 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-013-2512-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-013-2512-5

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