Effects of Neonatal Exposure to Genistein on Female Reproductive Tract Development
The benefits of soy-based formula has been questioned because of the effects that genistein could have on the female reproductive tract development. Genistein, the most abundant phytoestrogen found in soy is known interact with both estrogen receptors (? and ?) and is able to produce estrogenic responses on the female reproductive tract. The goal of this project was to determine if the levels of genistein, present in soy-based infant formulas, has any effects on female reproductive tract. To address this question female mouse pups were given, starting at birth, an emulsion that consisted of soy-based infant formula with 0.01% corn only or one that contained 25mg/mL genistein, until postnatal day 5. After their fifth and final dose the uterus was harvested, weighted and stained with MKI-67 (a cell proliferation marker); also, total uterine area was determined. Our results indicate that neonatal exposure to genistein does not alter the proliferation rate and subsequently the total area of the uterus was not affected. Although no changes were observed, we cannot rule the possibility that neonatal exposure to genistein can produce changes that could persist throughout life.
School:
University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón
Department:
Human Biology
Research Advisor:
Paul S. Cooke
Department of Research Advisor:
Veterinary Biosciences
Year of Publication:
2008