OBJECTIVE -Consumption of soy protein has recently been shown to improve the blood lipid levels in nondiabetic subjects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a dietary supplement of soy protein, isoflavones, and cotyledon fiber (Abalon) affects cardiovascular risk markers, blood glucose, and insulin levels in type 2 diabetic subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS RESULTS -The results are expressed as means ± SD. The percentage mean treatment difference between Abalon and placebo demonstrated significantly lower mean values afterAbalon for LDL cholesterol (10 ± 15%, P Ͻ 0.05), LDL/HDL ratio (12 ± 18%, P Ͻ 0.05), apolipoprotein (apo) B100 (30 ± 38%, P Ͻ 0.01), triglycerides (22 ± 10%, P Ͻ 0.05), and homocysteine (14 ± 21%, P Ͻ 0.01), whereas the total cholesterol value tended to be less significant but still lower (8 ± 15%, P Ͻ 0.08). No change occurred in HDL cholesterol, apo B100/apo A1 ratio, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, factor VIIc, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, lipoprotein(a), glucose, HbA 1c , or 24-h blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS -These results indicate beneficial effects of dietary supplementation withAbalon on cardiovascular risk markers in type 2 diabetic subjects. This improvement is seen even in individuals with near-normal lipid values.

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Objectives The aim of this study was to characterize the cardiovascular disease (CVD) profile and describe the incidence and characteristics of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) following chemoradiation and surgery. Background Underlying CVD is a concern in patients with EC receiving curative treatment with chemoradiation and surgery. Methods Consecutive patients with EC referred for curative treatment were enrolled. Clinical CVD status, ongoing CVD treatment, cardiac function, and physical performance were assessed before chemoradiation. During a 90-day follow-up period, all CV events were noted and classified after in-depth medical record review. CV events were defined by major adverse CV events (transient ischemic attack, imaging-verified new stroke, unstable angina, heart failure or cardiomyopathy) or by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥3 (arrhythmia, thromboembolic events, or pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis). Results Among 55 patients enrolled (median age 67 years; range: 50-86 years; 89% men), 22% had CVD prior to chemoradiation, and 11% with pre-existing CVD were inadequately treated according to current CV guidelines. Thirteen patients (24%) developed 15 events during follow-up. Pre-existing atrial fibrillation and a dilated left atrium were significantly associated with subsequent CV events. Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction was frequently noted; 51% had impaired LV global longitudinal strain (<18%), and 16% had LV ejection fraction <50%. Conclusions A systematic cardiac evaluation prior to chemoradiation in patients with EC revealed a high prevalence of undetected CVD, inadequately treated pre-existing CVD, and a high incidence of CV events after chemoradiation. These findings highlight the need for a systematic baseline cardiac examination in patients with EC to optimize CVD treatment. (Impact of Cancer Therapy on Myocardial Function in Patients With Esophagus Cancer [Heartcheck]; NCT03619317 )