Isoflavone maternal-supplementation during periconception period: Influence on the reproductive organs of the first generation (F1) murine weanling-stage offspring

Objective: To determine the influence of maternal Isoflavone-supplementation during peri-conception period on the reproductive organs of the first generation (F1) murine weanling-stage offspring. Methods: Sexually-mature female mice were randomly distributed into the Control group (C) that was fed with food pellets only, treatment groups that were designated as High Dose (HD), Medium Dose (MD) and Low dose (LD) that were fed with food pellets + Isoflavone Genistein dosages of 150.0, 100.0, and 50.0 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Supplement was given two weeks prior to mating and throughout a 21-day gestation period. The pups that were delivered on the 21st day were allowed to mature up to the 28th-day postnatal age then sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The testis and epididymis of males and ovaries and oviducts of females were obtained for histological analyses. Results: Histological analysis of the testes showed clogged luminal spaces and indistinct population of spermatogenic cells in the HD group while the development of the ovaries from all test groups appeared intact. The luminal and tubular diameter of epididymis were unaffected in the isoflavone-supplemented groups. The epididymis of HD group exhibited poorly developed cauda segment and atrophy of the caput segment but not for MD and LD groups. The oviducts of the HD and MD groups exhibited collapsed muscularis layer and indistinguishable mucosa layer with HD being the more severe. The LD and Control groups showed well-developed mucosa layer. Conclusion: Results showed that maternal isoflavone-supplementation when administered at a high dose of 150 mg/kg body weight during peri-conception period can induce adverse effects on the reproductive organs of first generation (F1) murine weanling-stage offspring. © 2014 Hainan Medical College