Soybean germination and cancer disease

Cancer is one of the chronic diseases that has the highest incidence in the world. Extensive epidemiological, in vitro, and animal data suggest that soybean consumption reduces the risk of developing several types of cancer. To date, a number of nutrients and micronutrients with anticancer properties have been identified in soybean, including isoflavones, saponins, inositol hexaphosphate, and biologically active proteins and peptides such as protease inhibitors, lectins, low molecular weight peptides and the most recently discovered peptide lunasin. The anticancer properties of soybean may also be due to its amino acid balance since it has low methionine and high arginine content; both conditions are known to inhibit tumor development. The ability to block DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species and/or carcinogens is the most direct strategy for preventing the initiation of cancer and for slowing down disease progression; studies have demonstrated the antioxidant capacity of soybeans due to their content of compounds such as isoflavones and other phenolic compounds, phytates, tocopherols, carotenoids, and peptides derived from its hydrolysis. Furthermore, soy may protect against cancer through other different mechanisms including increased cell differentiation, decreased activation of procarcinogens to carcinogens, and regulation of genes involved in signal transduction pathways critical in tumor initiation, promotion and/or progression. Germination is a simple, low-cost process that can improve the nutraceutical properties of plants by modifying metabolite content and generating peptides and amino acids with possible biological activity. A previous study from our laboratory showed that germination could improve the antiproliferative effect of soybean protein on HeLa and C-33 cervical cancer cells. In this chapter we will review the different components of soy with anticarcinogenic properties and how they are affected by germination. In addition, we will explore the possibility of using germination as a means to improve these properties.