Glycine Max (L.) Merr isoflavone gel improves vaginal vascularization in postmenopausal women

Author(s)

Lima, S. M. R. R. ; Honorato, J. V. ; Silva, M. A. L. G.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CLIMACTERIC; v. 23, n. 5, p. 6-pg., 2020-04-25.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of isoflavones from Glycine max (L.) Merr (soy) used topically as a vaginal gel on the induction of vascularization of the vaginal tissue in postmenopausal women. Study design: A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted with 22 postmenopausal women, randomly allocated for treatment with Glycine max (L.) Merr isoflavone 4% vaginal gel daily for 12 weeks or with placebo gel for the same period. Main outcome measure: Vaginal microbiopsies were collected before and after the 12-week treatment. Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to provide a blood vessel count per field in the vaginal tissue, pre and post intervention. Results: The isoflavone group exhibited a significant increase in blood vessels per field relative to baseline, whereas the placebo group showed no difference compared to baseline. There was a significant difference in the increase of the number of blood vessels between the isoflavone and placebo groups. Conclusion: The results showed that local administration of Glycine max (L.) Merr isoflavone gel promoted a significant improvement in the number of blood vessels in the vaginal tissue of postmenopausal women. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/20061-5 - Effects of isoflavones derived from Glycine max (L.) Merr on the histology and the induction of angiogenesis in the vaginal epithelium of postmenopausal women
• Grantee: Sonia Maria Rolim Rosa Lima
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants