Isoflavone maternal supplementation during periconceptual period: Influence on selected reproductive organs of weanling-stage offspring

Isoflavones are phytoestrogens primarily found in legumes. They are capable of inhibiting enzymes that are essential for the synthesis of estrogen and testosterone. These are among the main hormones responsible for the development of reproductive system. Therefore, altering their natural levels may induce abnormalities. Though there are abundant number of literature about the effects of phytoestrogens in humans and laboratory animal models, there is still lack of knowledge about the transgenerational effects of estrogenic forage. In this study, a total of 25 female pups and 25 male pups were obtained from 5 experimental groups of dams – natural control (-), negative control (-) and 3 treated groups HD, MD, LD which are 150mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight and 50 mg/kg body weight respectively. Histological analysis of the gonads and the reproductive tracts were performed 28 days after birth. Results showed disappearance of cauput epididymis and underdevelopment of testis at HD. Indistinct mucosa layer in HD and MD were observed in the oviducts while there is no sufficient number of ovary to conclude the occurrence of multi-oocyte formation. The effects may be associated to the anti-estrogenic effects of isoflavones in female pups and inhibition of testosterone production in male pups. These suggest that pups exposed to isoflavones thru maternal supplementation are highly susceptible to endocrine disruptors as they are currently undergoing critical stages of development and differentiation that are sensitive to hormonal disruptions