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Oliveira FRK, Gustavo AFSE, Gonçalves RB, Bolfi F, Mendes AL, Nunes-Nogueira VDS. Association between a soy-based infant diet and the onset of puberty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251241. [PMID: 34003856 PMCID: PMC8130953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the association between a soy-based infant diet and the onset of puberty. We included studies in which children were fed a soy-based diet, and we compared them with those who were not. The primary outcomes were the onset of puberty in girls (thelarche, pubarche, and menarche age), boys (pubarche, voice change, testicular and penis enlargement age), and both (risk of delayed and precocious puberty [PP]). Search strategies were performed in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and CENTRAL databases. Two reviewers selected eligible studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data from the included studies. The odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) as a measure of the association between soy consumption and outcomes. We used a random-effects model to pool results across studies and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation to evaluate the certainty of evidence. We included eight studies in which 598 children consumed a soy-based diet but 2957 did not. The primary outcomes that could be plotted in the meta-analysis were the risk of PP and age at menarche. There was no statistical difference between groups for PP (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.09 to 2.94, 3 studies, 206 participants, low certainty of evidence). No between-group difference was observed in menarche age (MD 0.14 years, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.45, 3 studies, 605 children, low certainty of evidence). One study presented this outcome in terms of median and interquartile range, and although the onset of menarche was marginally increased in girls who received a soy-based diet, the reported age was within the normal age range for menarche. We did not find any association between a soy-based infant diet and the onset of puberty in boys or girls. Trial Registration: PROSPERO registration: CRD42018088902.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Ramos Kazan Oliveira
- Department of Internal Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Flora Silva e Gustavo
- Department of Internal Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renan Braga Gonçalves
- Department of Internal Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Bolfi
- Department of Internal Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Lúcia Mendes
- Department of Internal Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Mhaouty-Kodja S, Naulé L, Capela D. Sexual Behavior: From Hormonal Regulation to Endocrine Disruption. Neuroendocrinology 2018; 107:400-416. [PMID: 30326485 DOI: 10.1159/000494558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sexual behavior constitutes a chain of behavioral responses beginning with courtship and leading to copulation. These responses, which are exhibited in a sexually dimorphic manner by the two partners, are tightly regulated by sex steroid hormones as early as the perinatal period. Hormonal changes or exposure to exogenous factors exhibiting hormone-mimetic activities, such as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC), can therefore interfere with their expression. Here we review the experimental studies in rodents performed to address the potential effects of exposure to EDC on sexual behavior and underlying mechanisms, with particular attention to molecules with estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic activities.
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Patisaul HB. Endocrine disruption by dietary phyto-oestrogens: impact on dimorphic sexual systems and behaviours. Proc Nutr Soc 2017; 76:130-144. [PMID: 27389644 PMCID: PMC5646220 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665116000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of health benefits have been ascribed to soya intake including a lowered risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms. Because it is a hormonally active diet, however, soya can also be endocrine disrupting, suggesting that intake has the potential to cause adverse health effects in certain circumstances, particularly when exposure occurs during development. Consequently, the question of whether or not soya phyto-oestrogens are beneficial or harmful to human health is neither straightforward nor universally applicable to all groups. Possible benefits and risks depend on age, health status, and even the presence or absence of specific gut microflora. As global consumption increases, greater awareness and consideration of the endocrine-disrupting properties of soya by nutrition specialists and other health practitioners is needed. Consumption by infants and small children is of particular concern because their hormone-sensitive organs, including the brain and reproductive system, are still undergoing sexual differentiation and maturation. Thus, their susceptibility to the endocrine-disrupting activities of soya phyto-oestrogens may be especially high. As oestrogen receptor partial agonists with molecular and cellular properties similar to anthropogenic endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A, the soya phyto-oestrogens provide an interesting model for how attitudes about what is 'synthetic' v. what is 'natural,' shapes understanding and perception of what it means for a compound to be endocrine disrupting and/or potentially harmful. This review describes the endocrine-disrupting properties of soya phyto-oestrogens with a focus on neuroendocrine development and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences,Center for Human Health and the Environment,NC State University,Raleigh,NC 27695,USA
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Parandin R, Behnam-Rassouli M, Mahdavi-Shahri N. Oestrogenic action of neonatal tamoxifen on the hypothalamus and reproductive system in female mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 29:RD15361. [PMID: 27064117 DOI: 10.1071/rd15361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, is widely used for both the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in women; however, it is known to have adverse effects in the female reproductive system. Growing evidence suggests that oestrogen-sensitive neuron populations of the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nucleus and arcuate (ARC) nucleus, especially kisspeptin neurons, play a pivotal role in the timing of puberty onset and reproductive function. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether neonatal exposure to tamoxifen affects oestrogenic actions in the brain and reproductive function in mice. On 1 to 5 postnatal days, female pups were injected subcutaneously with sesame oil (sham), oestradiol benzoate (EB; 20 µg kg-1), tamoxifen (0.4 mg kg-1) or EB+tamoxifen. Control mice received no treatment. Mice in the EB, tamoxifen and tamoxifen+EB groups exhibited advanced vaginal opening, disrupted oestrous cycles and a decreased follicular pool. Conversely, in these groups, there was a reduction in kisspeptin (Kiss1) mRNA expression, the neuronal density of AVPV and ARC nuclei and LH and oestradiol concentrations in the serum. The results of the present study confirm oestrogenic actions of tamoxifen in the brain and reproductive system. In addition, we show, for the first time, that tamoxifen has oestrogenic effects on the oestrogen-sensitive hypothalamic AVPV and ARC nuclei controlling the reproductive axis in female mice.
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Sá SI, Fonseca BM, Teixeira N, Madeira MD. Induction and subcellular redistribution of progesterone receptor A and B by tamoxifen in the hypothalamic ventromedial neurons of young adult female Wistar rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:1-10. [PMID: 26597778 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ventrolateral division of the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMNvl) is a brain center for estrogen-dependent triggering of female sexual behavior upon progesterone receptor (PR) activation. We examined the agonistic and antagonistic actions of tamoxifen in this nucleus by analyzing its effects on the total number of PR-immunoreactive neurons, PR mRNA and protein levels, and subcellular location of PRs in ovariectomized Wistar rats. The results show that tamoxifen has no agonistic action in the number of PR-immunoreactive neurons, but increases PR expression and labeling in the nucleus and cytoplasm of VMNvl neurons that constitutively express PRs. As an antagonist, tamoxifen partially inhibited the estradiol-dependent increase in the number of PR-immunoreactive neurons and in PR mRNA and protein levels, without interfering with the subcellular location of the protein. We suggest that tamoxifen influence on PR expression in the VMNvl critically depends on the presence or absence of estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana I Sá
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Bruno M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - M Dulce Madeira
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
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Zhang M, Duan Z, Wu Y, Liu Z, Li K, Wang L. Occurrence and Profiles of the Artificial Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A and Natural Endocrine Disruptor Phytoestrogens in Urine from Children in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:15110-7. [PMID: 26633438 PMCID: PMC4690900 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph121214964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to artificial or natural endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phytoestrogens has been demonstrated to have health effects, especially in children. Biomonitoring of BPA and phytoestrogens in human urine can be used to assess the intake levels of these compounds. METHODS In this study, BPA and phytoestrogens in urine specimens (n = 256) collected from children in China were measured by liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). RESULTS BPA was detected in most specimens, with a geometric mean concentration of 1.58 ng/mL. For the first time, levels of urinary phytoestrogens in Chinese children were reported. Daidzein and enterolactone are the typical isoflavones and lignans compounds in urine, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Relatively high levels of urinary BPA indicate an increasing risk of BPA exposure to Chinese children. Urinary concentrations of daidzein in Chinese children are higher when compared with those reported in the U.S. children, while concentrations of urinary enterolactone and enterodiols are significantly lower. This suggests a significant difference in phytoestrogen intake between the children from China and from the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Zhang
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin 300171, China.
| | - Zhenghua Duan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China.
| | - Yinghong Wu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin 300171, China.
| | - Zhen Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Ke Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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Ebrahimzadeh Bideskan AR, Lale Ataei M, Mansouri S, Hosseini M. The effects of tamoxifen and soy on dark neuron production in hippocampal formation after pentylenetetrazole-induced repeated seizures in rats. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2015; 22:125-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Futran Fuhrman V, Tal A, Arnon S. Why endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) challenge traditional risk assessment and how to respond. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2015; 286:589-611. [PMID: 25646754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are a diverse group of "chemicals of emerging concern" which have attracted much interest from the research community since the 1990s. Today there is still no definitive risk assessment tool for EDCs. While some decision making organizations have attempted to design methodology guidelines to evaluate the potential risk from this broadly defined group of constituents, risk assessors still face many uncertainties and unknowns. Until a risk assessment paradigm is designed specifically for EDCs and is vetted by the field, traditional risk assessment tools may be used with caution to evaluate EDCs. In doing so, each issue of contention should be addressed with transparency in order to leverage available information and technology without sacrificing integrity or accuracy. The challenges that EDCs pose to traditional risk assessment are described in this article to assist in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Futran Fuhrman
- Institute for Dryland, Environmental and Desert Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel.
| | - Alon Tal
- Institute for Dryland, Environmental and Desert Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel.
| | - Shai Arnon
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel.
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Laredo SA, Villalon Landeros R, Trainor BC. Rapid effects of estrogens on behavior: environmental modulation and molecular mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:447-58. [PMID: 24685383 PMCID: PMC4175137 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol can modulate neural activity and behavior via both genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. Environmental cues have a major impact on the relative importance of these signaling pathways with significant consequences for behavior. First we consider how photoperiod modulates nongenomic estrogen signaling on behavior. Intriguingly, short days permit rapid effects of estrogens on aggression in both rodents and song sparrows. This highlights the importance of considering photoperiod as a variable in laboratory research. Next we review evidence for rapid effects of estradiol on ecologically-relevant behaviors including aggression, copulation, communication, and learning. We also address the impact of endocrine disruptors on estrogen signaling, such as those found in corncob bedding used in rodent research. Finally, we examine the biochemical mechanisms that may mediate rapid estrogen action on behavior in males and females. A common theme across these topics is that the effects of estrogens on social behaviors vary across different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Laredo
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Rosalina Villalon Landeros
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, United States
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
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Phytoestrogens β -sitosterol and genistein have limited effects on reproductive endpoints in a female fish, Betta splendens. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:681396. [PMID: 24707495 PMCID: PMC3953504 DOI: 10.1155/2014/681396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are produced by plants and may cause endocrine disruption in vertebrates. The present study hypothesizes that phytoestrogen exposure of female Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) may disrupt endogenous steroid levels, change agonistic behavior expression, and potentially also disrupt oocyte development. However, only the pharmacologic dose of β-sitosterol had a significant effect on opercular flaring behavior, while we did not find significant effects of β-sitosterol or genistein on steroids or gonads. These findings are in direct contrast with previous studies on the effects of phytoestrogens in female fish. Results of the current study support previous work showing that the effects of phytoestrogen exposure may be less acute in mature female B. splendens than in other fish.
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Wasserman MD, Milton K, Chapman CA. The Roles of Phytoestrogens in Primate Ecology and Evolution. INT J PRIMATOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-013-9699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: associated disorders and mechanisms of action. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 2012:713696. [PMID: 22991565 PMCID: PMC3443608 DOI: 10.1155/2012/713696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and/or prevalence of health problems associated with endocrine-disruption have increased. Many chemicals have endocrine-disrupting properties, including bisphenol A, some organochlorines, polybrominated flame retardants, perfluorinated substances, alkylphenols, phthalates, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylphenols, solvents, and some household products including some cleaning products, air fresheners, hair dyes, cosmetics, and sunscreens. Even some metals were shown to have endocrine-disrupting properties. Many observations suggesting that endocrine disruptors do contribute to cancer, diabetes, obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and infertility are listed in this paper. An overview is presented of mechanisms contributing to endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruptors can act through classical nuclear receptors, but also through estrogen-related receptors, membrane-bound estrogen-receptors, and interaction with targets in the cytosol resulting in activation of the Src/Ras/Erk pathway or modulation of nitric oxide. In addition, changes in metabolism of endogenous hormones, cross-talk between genomic and nongenomic pathways, cross talk with estrogen receptors after binding on other receptors, interference with feedback regulation and neuroendocrine cells, changes in DNA methylation or histone modifications, and genomic instability by interference with the spindle figure can play a role. Also it was found that effects of receptor activation can differ in function of the ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biology and W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA.
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Anti-anxiety, cognitive, and steroid biosynthetic effects of an isoflavone-based dietary supplement are gonad and sex-dependent in rats. Brain Res 2010; 1379:164-75. [PMID: 21167133 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Isoflavone-rich diets are associated with reduced menopausal symptoms and lowered risk of cancers of reproductive tissues. Isoflavones may mimic some effects of estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors, and/or altering steroid availability. Despite their potential health benefits, neither the effects, nor mechanisms, of isoflavones are well understood. We hypothesized that isoflavones would alter behavior and physiology of rats in sex and/or gonad-dependent manner. An isoflavone-based, commercially-available, dietary supplement was administered via subcutaneous implantation to female and male, intact and gonadectomized Long-Evans rats. Affective (elevated plus-maze), cognitive (water-maze), and reproductive (sexual) behavior was examined. Weights of reproductive structures were measured, as an index of trophic effects. Steroid levels in circulation and brain regions associated with behavioral measures were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. The supplement increased anti-anxiety behavior of intact, but not gonadectomized, rats. The supplement enhanced visual-spatial performance of all rats, but this effect was most evident among proestrous female rats, which had the poorest spatial performance. There were neither effects of the supplement on sexual behavior, mass of reproductive tissues, nor plasma steroid levels. The supplement increased levels of 5α-androstane,17ß-diol-3α-diol (3α-diol) in the hippocampus (but not other brain regions) of gonadectomized females. Thus, the supplement altered anxiety and cognitive behavior and brain production of steroids; however, the anti-anxiety effects were limited to rats with an intact reproductive axis and effects on cognitive performance and neurosteriodogenesis were most evident among intact and gonadectomized, female rats respectively.
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Patisaul HB, Jefferson W. The pros and cons of phytoestrogens. Front Neuroendocrinol 2010; 31:400-19. [PMID: 20347861 PMCID: PMC3074428 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 414] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are plant derived compounds found in a wide variety of foods, most notably soy. A litany of health benefits including a lowered risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms, are frequently attributed to phytoestrogens but many are also considered endocrine disruptors, indicating that they have the potential to cause adverse health effects as well. Consequently, the question of whether or not phytoestrogens are beneficial or harmful to human health remains unresolved. The answer is likely complex and may depend on age, health status, and even the presence or absence of specific gut microflora. Clarity on this issue is needed because global consumption is rapidly increasing. Phytoestrogens are present in numerous dietary supplements and widely marketed as a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy. Soy infant formula now constitutes up to a third of the US market, and soy protein is now added to many processed foods. As weak estrogen agonists/antagonists with molecular and cellular properties similar to synthetic endocrine disruptors such as Bisphenol A (BPA), the phytoestrogens provide a useful model to comprehensively investigate the biological impact of endocrine disruptors in general. This review weighs the evidence for and against the purported health benefits and adverse effects of phytoestrogens.
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Effect of daidzein on anxiety, social behavior and spatial learning in male Balb/cJ mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 96:16-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2008] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Legume consumption and severe depressed mood, the modifying roles of gender and menopausal status. Public Health Nutr 2010; 13:1198-206. [PMID: 20100387 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980009992059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Legumes have been recommended as staple foods in the anticipation of disease prevention. However, the scientific evidence of their benefits, particularly on mental well-being, remains preliminary. We longitudinally assessed the association between legume consumption and the risk of severe depressed mood (SDM) among a national cohort. DESIGN The study included adults aged 25-74 years who were examined in 1971-1975 as a part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Legume consumption at baseline was obtained from a 3-month FFQ and categorised as infrequent (<1 time/week), moderate (1-2 times/week) and frequent (> or = 3 times/week). SDM was defined as Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score > or = 22 or taking anti-depression medication after an average of 10.6 years of follow-up (from 8.0 to 12.5 years). RESULTS Among women, the proportion of individuals with SDM was 17.75 %. For premenopausal women (n 1778), a significant linear trend of deleterious effect from legume consumption was observed (P for trend = 0.0148). The relative risks (RR) for infrequent, moderate and frequent consumptions were 1 (reference), 1.24 (95 % CI = 0.91, 1.70) and 1.75 (1.12, 2.75), respectively. However, moderate consumption showed a significant protective effect (RR = 0.52 (0.27, 1.00)) among women undergoing the menopausal transition (n 454). No association was obtained from either postmenopausal women (n 601) or men (n 2036). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that gender and menopausal status were effect modifiers of the association between legume consumption and SDM. Detrimental effects of frequent consumption of legumes may exist among premenopausal women; moderate consumption, however, may protect perimenopausal women against SDM.
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Battaglia C, Cianciosi A, Mancini F, Fabbri R, Busacchi P, Nappi RE, Venturoli S. Genistein Supplements Might Not Induce Clitoral Modifications in Postmenopausal Women: A Prospective, Pilot Study. J Sex Med 2009; 6:3132-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01427.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Adewale HB, Jefferson WN, Newbold RR, Patisaul HB. Neonatal bisphenol-a exposure alters rat reproductive development and ovarian morphology without impairing activation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:690-9. [PMID: 19535786 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.078261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds is hypothesized to adversely affect female reproductive physiology by interfering with the organization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Here, we compared the effects of neonatal exposure to two environmentally relevant doses of the plastics component bisphenol-A (BPA; 50 microg/kg and 50 mg/kg) with the ESR1 (formerly known as ERalpha)-selective agonist 4,4',4''-(4-propyl-[(1)H]pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT; 1 mg/kg) on the development of the female rat hypothalamus and ovary. An oil vehicle and estradiol benzoate (EB; 25 microg) were used as negative and positive controls. Exposure to EB, PPT, or the low dose of BPA advanced pubertal onset. A total of 67% of females exposed to the high BPA dose were acyclic by 15 wk after vaginal opening compared with 14% of those exposed to the low BPA dose, all of the EB- and PPT-treated females, and none of the control animals. Ovaries from the EB-treated females were undersized and showed no evidence of folliculogenesis, whereas ovaries from the PPT-treated females were characterized by large antral-like follicles, which did not appear to support ovulation. Severity of deficits within the BPA-treated groups increased with dose and included large antral-like follicles and lower numbers of corpora lutea. Sexual receptivity, examined after ovariectomy and hormone replacement, was normal in all groups except those neonatally exposed to EB. FOS induction in hypothalamic gonadotropic (GnRH) neurons after hormone priming was impaired in the EB- and PPT-treated groups but neither of the BPA-treated groups. Our data suggest that BPA disrupts ovarian development but not the ability of GnRH neurons to respond to steroid-positive feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Adewale
- Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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21
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Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Bourguignon JP, Giudice LC, Hauser R, Prins GS, Soto AM, Zoeller RT, Gore AC. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev 2009; 30:293-342. [PMID: 19502515 PMCID: PMC2726844 DOI: 10.1210/er.2009-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2715] [Impact Index Per Article: 181.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2009] [Accepted: 04/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the possible health threat posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are substances in our environment, food, and consumer products that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, or action resulting in a deviation from normal homeostatic control or reproduction. In this first Scientific Statement of The Endocrine Society, we present the evidence that endocrine disruptors have effects on male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology. Results from animal models, human clinical observations, and epidemiological studies converge to implicate EDCs as a significant concern to public health. The mechanisms of EDCs involve divergent pathways including (but not limited to) estrogenic, antiandrogenic, thyroid, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, retinoid, and actions through other nuclear receptors; steroidogenic enzymes; neurotransmitter receptors and systems; and many other pathways that are highly conserved in wildlife and humans, and which can be modeled in laboratory in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, EDCs represent a broad class of molecules such as organochlorinated pesticides and industrial chemicals, plastics and plasticizers, fuels, and many other chemicals that are present in the environment or are in widespread use. We make a number of recommendations to increase understanding of effects of EDCs, including enhancing increased basic and clinical research, invoking the precautionary principle, and advocating involvement of individual and scientific society stakeholders in communicating and implementing changes in public policy and awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis
- Endocrine Section of First Department of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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22
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Keen-Rhinehart E, Michopoulos V, Toufexis DJ, Martin EI, Nair H, Ressler KJ, Davis M, Owens MJ, Nemeroff CB, Wilson ME. Continuous expression of corticotropin-releasing factor in the central nucleus of the amygdala emulates the dysregulation of the stress and reproductive axes. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:37-50. [PMID: 18698320 PMCID: PMC2652696 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2008.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An increase in corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a putative factor in the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders. As CRF expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is important in adaptation to chronic stress, we hypothesized that unrestrained synthesis of CRF in CeA would mimic the consequences of chronic stress exposure and cause dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increase emotionality and disrupt reproduction. To test this hypothesis, we used a lentiviral vector to increase CRF-expression site specifically in CeA of female rats. Increased synthesis of CRF in CeA amplified CRF and arginine vasopressin peptide concentration in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and decreased glucocorticoid negative feedback, both markers associated with the pathophysiology of depression. In addition, continuous expression of CRF in CeA also increased the acoustic startle response and depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. Protein levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the medial preoptic area were significantly reduced by continuous expression of CRF in CeA and this was associated with a lengthening of estrous cycles. Finally, sexual motivation but not sexual receptivity was significantly attenuated by continuous CRF synthesis in ovariectomized estradiol-progesterone-primed females. These data indicate that unrestrained CRF synthesis in CeA produces a dysregulation of the HPA axis, as well as many of the behavioral, physiological and reproductive consequences associated with stress-related disorders.Molecular Psychiatry (2009) 14, 37-50; doi:10.1038/mp.2008.91; published online 12 August 2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Keen-Rhinehart
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - V Michopoulos
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - DJ Toufexis
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - EI Martin
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Nair
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - KJ Ressler
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Davis
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - MJ Owens
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - CB Nemeroff
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - ME Wilson
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Gore AC. Developmental programming and endocrine disruptor effects on reproductive neuroendocrine systems. Front Neuroendocrinol 2008; 29:358-74. [PMID: 18394690 PMCID: PMC2702520 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2008.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2007] [Revised: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 02/22/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The ability of a species to reproduce successfully requires the careful orchestration of developmental processes during critical time points, particularly the late embryonic and early postnatal periods. This article begins with a brief presentation of the evidence for how gonadal steroid hormones exert these imprinting effects upon the morphology of sexually differentiated hypothalamic brain regions, the mechanisms underlying these effects, and their implications in adulthood. Then, I review the evidence that aberrant exposure to hormonally-active substances such as exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), may result in improper hypothalamic programming, thereby decreasing reproductive success in adulthood. The field of endocrine disruption has shed new light on the discipline of basic reproductive neuroendocrinology through studies on how early life exposures to EDCs may alter gene expression via non-genomic, epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Importantly, these effects may be transmitted to future generations if the germline is affected via transgenerational, epigenetic actions. By understanding the mechanisms by which natural hormones and xenobiotics affect reproductive neuroendocrine systems, we will gain a better understanding of normal developmental processes, as well as develop the potential ability to intervene when development is disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Neuroscience and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Gore AC. Neuroendocrine systems as targets for environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:e101-2. [PMID: 18308047 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Gore
- The University of Texas at Austin, Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
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25
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Enokizono J, Kusuhara H, Sugiyama Y. Effect of breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp/Abcg2) on the disposition of phytoestrogens. Mol Pharmacol 2007; 72:967-75. [PMID: 17644650 DOI: 10.1124/mol.107.034751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp/Abcg2) on the disposition of the phytoestrogens daidzein, genistein, and coumestrol was investigated using Bcrp(-/-) mice. Expression of the genes for either mouse Bcrp or human BCRP in MDCK II cells induced apically directed transport of the three phytoestrogens, whereas their transcellular transport was identical in mock and LLC-PK1 cells expressing mouse Mdr1a. After oral administration, the plasma levels of daidzein and genistein were increased in Bcrp(-/-) mice, but only a minimal change was observed for coumestrol. At steady state, tissue-to-plasma concentration ratios of the three phytoestrogens in the brain and testis of wild-type mice were very small and similar to those of [(14)C]inulin, whereas those were significantly increased in the brain and testis of Bcrp(-/-) mice. The largest increases were observed with genistein (9.2- and 5.8-fold in the brain and testis, respectively). The distributions of genistein in the epididymis and fetus, but not the ovary, were also increased in Bcrp(-/-) mice. The Bcrp protein was localized in the luminal membrane of the endothelial cells in the testis and the body of the epididymis and in both the luminal and abluminal side of ducts in the head of the epididymis. These results suggest that Bcrp limits the oral availability and distribution into the brain and testis, epididymis, and fetus of phytoestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Enokizono
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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26
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Jefferson WN, Padilla-Banks E, Newbold RR. Disruption of the developing female reproductive system by phytoestrogens: Genistein as an example. Mol Nutr Food Res 2007; 51:832-44. [PMID: 17604387 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200600258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Studies in our laboratory have shown that exposure to genistein causes deleterious effects on the developing female reproductive system. Mice treated neonatally on days 1-5 by subcutaneous injection of genistein (0.5-50 mg/kg) exhibited altered ovarian differentiation leading to multioocyte follicles (MOFs) at 2 months of age. Ovarian function and estrous cyclicity were also disrupted by neonatal exposure to genistein with increasing severity observed over time. Reduced fertility was observed in mice treated with genistein (0.5, 5, or 25 mg/kg) and infertility was observed at 50 mg/kg. Mammary gland and behavioral endpoints were also affected by neonatal genistein treatment. Further, transgenerational effects were observed; female offspring obtained from breeding genistein treated females (25 mg/kg) to control males had increased MOFs. Thus, neonatal treatment with genistein at environmentally relevant doses caused adverse consequences on female development which is manifested in adulthood. Whether adverse effects occur in human infants exposed to soy-based products such as soy infant formulas is unknown but the neonatal murine model may help address some of the current uncertainties since we have shown that many effects obtained from feeding genistin, the glycosolated form of genistein found in soy formula, are similar to those obtained from injecting genistein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N Jefferson
- Developmental Endocrinology and Endocrine Disruptor Section, Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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27
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Jaroenporn S, Malaivijitnond S, Wattanasirmkit K, Watanabe G, Taya K, Cherdshewasart W. Assessment of fertility and reproductive toxicity in adult female mice after long-term exposure to Pueraria mirifica herb. J Reprod Dev 2007; 53:995-1005. [PMID: 17585183 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.18151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of long-term administration of Pueraria mirifica (PM) at non-toxic doses on the ovarian function and fertility of adult female mice based on evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters. Female mice were divided into 4 groups (36 mice/group). Groups 1-3 were orally treated with a dose of 0 (PM-0), 10 (PM-10) or 100 mg/kg BW/day PM (PM-100), and group 4 was subcutaneously injected with 200 mug/kg BW/day of synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES). The treatment schedule was separated into treatment and post-treatment periods. The duration of each period was 8 weeks. The PM-10 mice exhibited regular estrous cycles, while the PM-100 and DES treatments induced prolonged estrous cycles. Although no changes were observed in the uterus and ovary weights of the mice after the PM-100 and DES treatments, hyperplasia of the uterine endothelium and a decrease in the number of growing ovarian follicles were detected. The changes in the ovarian histologies of the PM-100 and DES mice were related to reductions in the levels of LH and FSH, which subsequently caused a decrease in mating efficiency. Once the PM mice were able to copulate, they were capable of successfully becoming pregnant and mothering offspring. No abnormalities were observed in the external morphologies and reproductive organ weights of the 50-day-old offspring. In conclusion, our results suggest that long-term exposure to 100 mg/kg BW of PM has adverse effects on the mating efficiency and reproduction of adult female mice and that administration of 10 mg/kg BW of PM does not induce any changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-uterine axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Jaroenporn
- Interdepartment of Physiology, Faculty of Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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28
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Dickerson SM, Gore AC. Estrogenic environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical effects on reproductive neuroendocrine function and dysfunction across the life cycle. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2007; 8:143-59. [PMID: 17674209 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-007-9048-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the normal function of an organism's endocrine system. Many EDCs are resistant to biodegradation, due to their structural stability, and persist in the environment. The focus of this review is on natural and artificial EDCs that act through estrogenic mechanisms to affect reproductive neuroendocrine systems. This endocrine axis comprises the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), pituitary gonadotropins, and gonadal steroid hormones, including estrogens. Although it is not surprising that EDCs that mimic or antagonize estrogen receptors may exert actions upon reproductive targets, the mechanisms for these effects are complex and involve all three levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) system. Nevertheless, considerable evidence links exposure to estrogenic environmental EDCs with neuroendocrine reproductive deficits in wildlife and in humans. The effects of an EDC are variable across the life cycle of an animal, and are particularly potent when exposure occurs during fetal and early postnatal development. As a consequence, abnormal sexual differentiation, disrupted reproductive function, or inappropriate sexual behavior may be detected later in life. This review will cover the effects of two representative classes of estrogenic EDCs, phytoestrogens and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), on neuroendocrine reproductive function, from molecules to behavior, across the vertebrate life cycle. Finally, we identify the gaps of knowledge in this field and suggest future directions for study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Dickerson
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, P.O. Box A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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29
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Tsang SY, Yao X, Chan HY, Chan FL, Leung CSL, Yung LM, Au CL, Chen ZY, Laher I, Huang Y. Tamoxifen and estrogen attenuate enhanced vascular reactivity induced by estrogen deficiency in rat carotid arteries. Biochem Pharmacol 2006; 73:1330-9. [PMID: 17250811 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2006.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2006] [Revised: 12/17/2006] [Accepted: 12/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent clinical trials showed that estrogen usage in postmenopausal women did not affect coronary heart disease incidence, in contrast to several laboratory studies showing that estrogen decreased vascular reactivity. We speculated that, in some arteries, estrogen deficiency enhances endothelial function to compensate for the increased vascular smooth muscle reactivity. In this study, we examined the role of endothelium-derived vasoactive factors and the influence of in vivo estrogen and/or tamoxifen treatment on vascular reactivity of estrogen-deficient rats. Common carotid arteries were isolated from sham-operated (control), ovariectomized (Ovx), estrogen- or tamoxifen-treated Ovx rats, and Ovx rats co-treated with estrogen and tamoxifen. U46619 or phenylephrine induced similar contractions in endothelium-intact rings from all groups. Interestingly, removal of endothelium unmasked enhanced contractions in Ovx rats, which was prevented by estrogen, tamoxifen, or estrogen+tamoxifen treatment. Contractions to high K(+) were higher in both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded arteries from Ovx rats. Estrogen or tamoxifen treatment normalized high K(+)-induced contraction. A gap junction blocker, 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid, revealed enhanced contractions to U46619 in the absence or presence of l-NNA. Western blotting showed enhanced expressions of gap junctional connexin 43 in Ovx group. This study suggests that ovariectomy increases functional expression of gap junction-mediated endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. Also, vascular effects of ovariectomy can be reversed by estrogen, tamoxifen or estrogen+tamoxifen treatment, suggesting that tamoxifen confers estrogenic effects in the vascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk Ying Tsang
- Department of Biochemistry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, PR China.
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30
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Clotfelter ED, Rodriguez AC. Behavioral changes in fish exposed to phytoestrogens. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2006; 144:833-9. [PMID: 16584819 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2005] [Revised: 01/25/2006] [Accepted: 02/05/2006] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the behavioral effects of exposure to waterborne phytoestrogens in male fighting fish, Betta splendens. Adult fish were exposed to a range of concentrations of genistein, equol, beta-sitosterol, and the positive control 17beta-estradiol. The following behaviors were measured: spontaneous swimming activity, latency to respond to a perceived intruder (mirror reflection), intensity of aggressive response toward a perceived intruder, probability of constructing a nest in the presence of a female, and the size of the nest constructed. We found few changes in spontaneous swimming activity, the latency to respond to the mirror, and nest size, and modest changes in the probability of constructing a nest. There were significant decreases, however, in the intensity of aggressive behavior toward the mirror following exposure to several concentrations, including environmentally relevant ones, of 17beta-estradiol, genistein, and equol. This suggests that phytoestrogen contamination has the potential to significantly affect the behavior of free-living fishes.
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Bowe J, Li XF, Kinsey-Jones J, Heyerick A, Brain S, Milligan S, O'Byrne K. The hop phytoestrogen, 8-prenylnaringenin, reverses the ovariectomy-induced rise in skin temperature in an animal model of menopausal hot flushes. J Endocrinol 2006; 191:399-405. [PMID: 17088409 PMCID: PMC1635969 DOI: 10.1677/joe.1.06919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying menopausal hot flushes are poorly understood, although it is generally assumed they result from disturbances of thermoregulatory centres in the hypothalamus. 8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN) has been identified as a potent phytoestrogen in hops (Humulus lupulus) and there are claims that hop-containing preparations can reduce hot flushes. We have investigated the site of action of 8-PN in a rat model of menopausal hot flushes, in which the tail skin temperature (TST) is increased after oestrogen withdrawal induced by ovariectomy. Daily s.c. administration of either 17beta-oestradiol (E2; 4 microg/kg) or 8-PN (400 microg/kg) significantly reduced the elevated TST after 2 days of treatment. Subcutaneous co-administration of either E2 or 8-PN with the oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, ICI 182,780 (200 microg/kg), which is thought not to cross the blood-brain barrier, completely blocked the effect of E2 and 8-PN on TST. The ERalpha- and ERbeta-specific agonists, 4,4',4''-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (100 microg/kg) and 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (60 microg/kg) respectively, both significantly reversed the raised TST in ovariectomised rats. These observations suggest that the regulation of the vasomotor response by oestrogens and phytoestrogens is mediated, at least in part, by peripheral mechanisms involving both ERalpha and ERbeta.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Bowe
- Division of Reproductive and Endocrinology, New Hunt’s House, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao Feng Li
- Division of Reproductive and Endocrinology, New Hunt’s House, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - James Kinsey-Jones
- Division of Reproductive and Endocrinology, New Hunt’s House, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Arne Heyerick
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Ghent University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Susan Brain
- Cardiovascular Division, New Hunt’s House, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Milligan
- Division of Reproductive and Endocrinology, New Hunt’s House, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin O'Byrne
- Division of Reproductive and Endocrinology, New Hunt’s House, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
- Corresponding Author: Kevin O’Byrne, 2.36D New Hunt’s House, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London, UK, SE1 1UL. kevin.o’ , Tel: +44 (0)20-7848-6286, Fax: +44 (0)20-7848-6220
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32
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Rozman KK, Bhatia J, Calafat AM, Chambers C, Culty M, Etzel RA, Flaws JA, Hansen DK, Hoyer PB, Jeffery EH, Kesner JS, Marty S, Thomas JA, Umbach D. NTP-CERHR expert panel report on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of soy formula. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 77:280-397. [PMID: 16998908 PMCID: PMC2266894 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl K Rozman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Zavatti M, Montanari C, Zanoli P. Role of ferutinin in the impairment of female sexual function induced by Ferula hermonis. Physiol Behav 2006; 89:656-61. [PMID: 16970966 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2006] [Revised: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 08/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we evaluated the effects of single components of Ferula hermonis extract on female rat sexual behaviour. Ovariectomized rats hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate (1.5 or 10 microg/rat s.c.) and progesterone (500 microg/rat s.c.) were acutely treated by oral gavage with ferutinin, teferin and teferdin (2.5 mg/kg). Thereafter they were tested for: a) partner preference, b) receptivity, c) proceptivity, d) paced mating behaviour. In the partner preference test, the choice of the female for a sexually active male was not influenced by the different treatments. Similarly, during the paced mating test, the contact-return latencies as well as the percentage of exits from the male compartment were not different in control and treated rats. Therefore none of the three compounds showed the capacity to alter sexual motivation. On the other hand, ferutinin, but not teferin and teferdin, significantly inhibited female receptivity. These results suggest a primary role of ferutinin in the impairment of sexual behaviour elicited by F. hermonis extract in hormone primed-female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Zavatti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National InterUniversity Consortium for the Study of Natural Active Principles (CINSPAN), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41100 Modena, Italy
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Powell KR, Albers HE. Center for Behavioral Neuroscience: a prototype multi-institutional collaborative research center. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL DISCOVERY AND COLLABORATION 2006; 1:9. [PMID: 16846500 PMCID: PMC1557540 DOI: 10.1186/1747-5333-1-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2006] [Accepted: 07/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience was launched in the fall of 1999 with support from the National Science Foundation, the Georgia Research Alliance, and our eight participating institutions (Georgia State University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Clark-Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College). The CBN provides the resources to foster innovative research in behavioral neuroscience, with a specific focus on the neurobiology of social behavior. Center faculty working in collaboratories use diverse model systems from invertebrates to humans to investigate fear, aggression, affiliation, and reproductive behaviors. The addition of new research foci in reward and reinforcement, memory and cognition, and sex differences has expanded the potential for collaborations among Center investigators. Technology core laboratories develop the molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and imaging tools essential for investigating how the brain influences complex social behavior and, in turn, how social experience influences brain function. In addition to scientific discovery, a major goal of the CBN is to train the next generation of behavioral neuroscientists and to increase the number of women and under-represented minorities in neuroscience. Educational programs are offered for K-12 students to spark an interest in science. Undergraduate and graduate initiatives encourage students to participate in interdisciplinary and inter-institutional programs, while postdoctoral programs provide a bridge between laboratories and allow the interdisciplinary research and educational ventures to flourish. Finally, the CBN is committed to knowledge transfer, partnering with community organizations to bring neuroscience to the public. This multifaceted approach through research, education, and knowledge transfer will have a major impact on how we study interactions between the brain and behavior, as well as how the public views brain function and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Powell
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3966, Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3966, USA
| | - H Elliott Albers
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3966, Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3966, USA
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Zanoli P, Zavatti M, Rivasi M, Baraldi M. Ferula hermonis impairs sexual behavior in hormone-primed female rats. Physiol Behav 2005; 86:69-74. [PMID: 16084537 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2005.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2005] [Revised: 06/14/2005] [Accepted: 06/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The influence of Ferula hermonis root extract on sexual behavior was studied in female rats. Sexual receptivity, proceptivity and paced mating behavior were evaluated in ovariectomized females primed with estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P) and then treated with F. hermonis extract acutely (30 and 60 mg/kg) or subchronically (1 and 10 mg/kg daily for 10 consecutive days). A significant reduction in lordosis responses was observed in rats after acute (60 mg/kg) or subchronic (1 and 10 mg/kg) administration of the plant extract. Similarly, a decrease in proceptive behaviors was exhibited by F. hermonis treated rats in comparison with EB+P controls. No difference was found in the patterns of paced mating behavior between control and treated animals. The present results demonstrate that the acute or repeated ingestion of F. hermonis specifically impairs the receptive and proceptive components of female sexual behavior. The effect could be the consequence of an antiestrogenic action of the extract in hormone-primed female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Zanoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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Schwarz A, Soares MR, Flório JC, Bernardi MM, Spinosa HS. Rats exposed to Solanum lycocarpum fruit in utero and during lactation: Neurochemical, behavioral and histopathological effects. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2005; 27:861-70. [PMID: 16099621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2005.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2004] [Revised: 06/29/2005] [Accepted: 07/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil (Solanaceae) is a native shrub very common in the Brazilian savannah. This plant contains steroidal glycoalkaloids that can be transformed into an intermediate for steroidal drug production. In this way, it is very possible that these glycoalkaloids and its aglycone, once in the body by ingestion of S. lycocarpum fruits, may act by disrupting the endocrine system. Because its fruits may be consumed by pregnant animals in the fields, the present study determined the possible toxic effects of exposure to S. lycocarpum fruit (10% added in the diet) from gestation day (GD) 6 to postnatal day (PND) 07 in rat dams. The unripe fruits contained 0.6% of solamargine and 0.9% of solasonine. S. lycocarpum, 10% in the diet, during gestation and the beginning of lactation reduced intrauterine growth. In addition, 20% of the treated dams showed some dead pups at birth. Reduced body weight was observed from birth through adulthood in male and female offspring exposed to 10% S. lycocarpum unripe fruits. During adulthood, female offspring showed impaired sexual behavior and male offspring showed prominent degeneration of testis germinative cells, characterized by a reduced number of germ cells and vacuolation. Also, the exposed offspring showed reduced hypothalamic norepinephrine (NOR), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), 3-methoxy-4-hydrophenylglycol (MHPG) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels, and reduced striatum NOR, HVA, VMA, MHPG, dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels. These results suggest that the fruit may act as an estrogen, with a long-term effect, impairing the receptive lordosis behavior of female offspring and promoting testis abnormalities in male offspring at adulthood. Finally, it appears to disrupt brain organization since important central monoamine level alterations were also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schwarz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Toxicologia e Análises Toxicológicas da Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
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Abstract
Abstract Soy isoflavonoids are plant phytoestrogens available as dietary supplements and are increasingly advocated as a natural alternative to oestrogen replacement therapy. As weak oestrogen agonists/antagonists with a range of other enzymatic activities, the isoflavonoids provide a useful model to investigate the actions of endocrine disruptors. Here, the activational and organisational effects of these compounds on the brain are reviewed. In spite of their preferential affinity for oestrogen receptor (ER)beta in vitro, isoflavonoids act in vivo through both ERalpha and ERbeta. Their neurobehavioural actions are largely anti-oestrogenic, either antagonising or producing an action in opposition to that of oestradiol. Small, physiologically relevant exposure levels can alter oestrogen-dependent gene expression in the brain and affect complex behaviour in a wide range of species. The implications for these findings in humans, and particularly in infants, largely remain uninvestigated but are a subject of increasing public interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- H B Patisaul
- CIIT Centers for Health Research, Six Davis Drive, Research Traingle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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