Ameliorative Effects of Soy 11S Protein on Liver Damage and Hyperlipidemia in Alcohol-Fed Rats

This study sought to investigate the ameliorating effects of soy 11S protein on the impacts of alcohol consumption in rat hepatocytes and in reducing total cholesterol levels and total lipid levels in the serum. Liver histology and the clinically important enzyme markers (Aspartate Aminotransferase: AST and Alanine Aminotransferase: ALT) of rats, administered with both alcohol and soy 11S protein treatments, were compared with those in the control group. The treatment regimen (11S soy protein extract) significantly reduced serum ALT and AST levels, indicating the hepato-protective effects of soy 11S protein. Furthermore, total cholesterol and total lipid levels were significantly reduced. In addition to preventing the presence of lipid droplets and secondary lysosomes, electron microscopy indicated that the administration of the soy 11S protein treatment preserved important hepatocyte structures. These results indicate that soy 11S protein can positively mediate the effects of alcohol on hepatocytes and general liver functions.