Morphological modification of female bladder after prolonged use of soy-based diets

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of a prolonged use of organic and transgenic soy upon the lipid profile and the collagen/muscle ratio of the detrusor muscle of the bladder.MethodsWistar rats were fed three different diets from weaning until sacrifice (15 months old): control group (CG) casein-based diet; organic soy group (OSG) organic soy-based diet; genetically modified soy group (GMSG) transgenic soy-based diet.ResultsThere was no difference in the food consumption or in the diet isoflavone components among the groups. Comparing to CG, both OSG and GMSG groups presented a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the body weight, triglycerides, cholesterol and the smooth muscle of the detrusor and a significant (p < 0.05) increase of collagen fibers number of the detrusor muscle.ConclusionsThese findings call into question that, the prolonged use of soy-based diets can be deleterious to the bladder by altering the collagen/muscle ratio what can cause bladder dysfunctions similar with that occurring during menopause.