No abstract

The high rate of cardiovascular disease is due to excessive intake of animal protein. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the replacement of the soybean as a cost effective protein on the blood parameters. 110 immature female Balb/c mice three weeks of age were randomized, into eleven groups of 10 animals each based on following diets: 1) low protein, 2) full protein without soybean, 3) full protein with 20% soybean, and 4) full protein with 40% soybean,. The animals received their diet orally on a daily basis for three and six months. At the end of the study period, the blood samples were collected and blood parameters were measured. The data were analyzed with SPSS software using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: In the groups that received 20% and 40% soybean diet, the cholesterol, LDH, glucose, creatinine and urea levels showed meaningful decrease, and total protein level showed a significant increase in comparison with the other groups (P < 0.01). However, the mean values of ALT, AST, ALP, triglyceride, calcium and phosphorus did not show significant change among experimental groups (P < 0.01). Results of the present study indicated that soybean as a cost effective protein could be suitable replacement for animal protein and soybean may have beneficial effects on health like reduction of cholesterol, LDH and urea.