The role of soy proteins in cardioprotection in Wistar rats feeded on a high fat diet

BACKGROUND . Obesity is considered a traditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects of soy diet in CKD are known. The effect of a diet containing soy proteins on the cardiovascular system in obese patients has been virtually unstudied. In this regard, the purpose of the work was to test the hypothesis about the cardioprotective effect of the soy diet in Wistar rats fed a diet high in animal fat. MATERIALS AND METODS . Three groups of Wistar rats were studied. The first (control) received laboratory food containing 20 % animal proteins and 15 % (calorie content) fats; the second is a diet with a high (50 % calorie) content of beef fat (HFD) and 20 % casein; third – HFD and 20 % soy protein SUPRO-760. After 2 months, systolic blood pressure (BP), biochemical blood parameters, albumin in urine were determined, insulin resistance, glucose tolerance tests, and histological examination of the myocardium was performed. RESULTS . HFD in combination with casein led to an increase in BP, myocardial mass index (IMM), visceral obesity, increased glucose levels, lipid metabolism disorders, and albuminuria. In rats of this group, an increase in interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, cardiomyocyte thickness, and intramyocardial vessel walls was noted. In rats on high-fat diet with soy protein, insulin resistance, glucose tolerance, lipid spectrum disorders, albuminuria, increased BP, and myocardial remodeling were less pronounced. CONCLUSION . The introduction of soy proteins into a high-fat diet reduces visceral obesity, improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, has a hypotensive and cardioprotective effect.