Soybean β-conglycinin improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in Wistar rats

The effects of dietary soybean beta-conglycinin on lipid metabolism and energy consumption were studied in Wistar adult rats. Rats were fed, a diet containing casein (control group) or beta-conglycinin (beta-conglycinin group), for 4weeks. Carbohydrate consumption was higher and fat consumption was lower in the beta-conglycinin group than in the control group, whereas the total energy consumption was the same between the two groups. Serum adiponectin was higher in the beta-conglycinin group than in the control group. Serum triacylglycerol levels in the beta-conglycinin group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The secretion rate of triacylglycerols from the liver after the administration of tyloxapol, an inhibitor of lipolysis, was significantly lower in the beta-conglycinin group than in the control group. These results suggest the possibility that beta-conglycinin exerts hypolipidemic effects through an acceleration in carbohydrate consumption associated with an increase in adiponectin in rats.