A new research was conducted in Spain on the modulation of longevity-associated genes by estrogens or phytoestrogens. The result of the study was published in Biological Chemistry and the research proved that females live longer than males. Based on the research, the scientists report that the higher levels of estrogens slow down the aging process in females by controlling the expression of antioxidant and longevity-related genes like Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

Estradiol and genistein, the phytoestrogen rich in soybeans, share chemical properties which bestow antioxidant features to these compounds. Though, the less volume of estrogens and phytoestrogens will exhibit major antioxidant features in the organism. Combined low concentrated volume of estrogens and genistein has the capability to turn on the MAP kinase pathway. The activation of MAP kinase pathway results in the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) signaling pathway. Subsequently, estrogens activate the expression of Mn-SOD and GPx, but the Mn-SOD expression can only be activated by genistein may be due to the genistein binding to estrogen receptor beta. When compared with controls, the antioxidant guard is chewed over in the lower peroxide levels found in estrogens or phytoestrogens treated cells. According the researches from University of Valencia, their next try is to find the molecules that receive the help of estradiol without effeminizing.

The conclusion of the researchers was that phytoestrogens or phytoestrogen-related molecules may be good enough for their future research.