| Retinoids, which are used in the chemoprevention of cancer, increase serum triglycerides and the ratio of total:high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Soy protein diets produce lower serum lipid levels than animal protein diets. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of soy diets versus casein diets on serum lipid levels in retinoid-induced hyperlipidemia. Twenty-four male Fischer 344 rats were divided into four groups and placed on the following diets for a period of 14 days: casein; soy; casein + isotretinoin; and soy + isotretinoin. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured, and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was calculated. In all aspects, the soy + isotretinoin diet produced significantly lower values than the casein + isotretinoin diet (47%, 53%, 30%, and 21% respectively). Therefore, it was concluded that a soy protein diet does improve the serum lipid profile during a course of retinoid treatment in rats. |
