Underlying mechanisms and molecular targets of genistein in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complications

• Published in: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 2024-12, Vol.64 (31), p.11543-11555
• Main Authors: Jiang, Tao, Dong, Yuhe, Zhu, Wanying, Wu, Tong, Chen, Linyan, Cao, Yuantong, Yu, Xi, Peng, Ye, Wang, Ling, Xiao, Ying, Zhong, Tian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; anti-inflammation; Biological activity; Biological properties; Brain damage; Brain injury; Cardiovascular diseases; Diabetes; Diabetes Complications - drug therapy; Diabetes Complications - prevention & control; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent); Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - drug therapy; Encephalopathy; Environmental factors; Environmental management; Functional foods & nutraceuticals; Genistein; Genistein - pharmacology; Genistein - therapeutic use; Glycine max - chemistry; Health services; Heart diseases; Humans; Hyperglycemia; hypoglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents - pharmacology; Hypoglycemic Agents - therapeutic use; Insulin Resistance; Medical research; Metabolic disorders; Microvasculature; Molecular modelling; Nephropathy; oxidative stress; Peripheral nerves; Phytoestrogens; Phytoestrogens - pharmacology; Phytoestrogens - therapeutic use; Prevention; Retinopathy; signaling pathway; Soybeans; Therapeutic targets
• ISSN: 1040-8398; 1549-7852; 1549-7852
• DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2240886

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors and is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Long-term hyperglycemia can cause macrovascular and microvascular damage, and compromise the heart, brain, kidney, peripheral nerves, eyes and other organs, leading to serious complications. Genistein, a phytoestrogen derived from soybean, is known for its various biological activities and therapeutic properties. Recent studies found that genistein not only has hypoglycemic activity but can also decrease insulin resistance. In addition, genistein has particular activity in the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications, such as nephropathy, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthrosis, encephalopathy and retinopathy. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the latest medical research and progress of genistein in DM and related complications and highlights its potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Meanwhile, evidence is provided for the development and application of genistein as a potential drug or functional food in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its related complications.