Asthma is a chronic disease affecting more than 24 million persons in the United States. Airway remodeling, one of the main pathologic hallmarks of uncontrolled asthma and fatalities, is associated with a decrease in lung function and excessive airway narrowing. It has been shown that plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is associated with asthma severity because of its role in airway remodeling. Genistein is a major soy isoflavone with possible anti-inflammatory benefits.
Our researchers discovered that soy isoflavones, including genistein, reduced severe asthma exacerbation in adolescent and adult asthmatics with high PAI-1 producing genotypes. The mechanism likely functions via genistein. In vitro and animal data show the efficacy of genistein in reducing allergic inflammation and improving lung function. This research suggests that genistein provides therapeutic and preventive benefits for patients with uncontrolled asthma, especially those who have high PAI-1 genotypes.
Genistein reduces asthma exacerbations in high PAI-1 producing genotypes.