Korean J Pediatr.  2009 Jan;52(1):111-118. 10.3345/kjp.2009.52.1.111.

Effect of genistein on the sexual maturation in immature female rats

• Lee W
• Lee SH
• Ahn RS
• Park MJ

• KMID: 2037346
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2009.52.1.111

Abstract

PURPOSE
Exposure to dietary phytoestrogens such as genistein during early childhood is a growing public health concern. We examined the effect of early exposure to genistein on sexual maturation in immature rats.
METHODS
Weaning (3wk-old) Sprague-Dawley female rats were assigned to three groups (n=6 for each): fed by high dose of genistein (100 mg/kg/d), low dose of genistein (10 mg/kg/d) and control group. First vaginal opening (VO) day was observed. Structural alterations in the ovary and uterus were assessed by histologically. Expression of genes of ERalpha, ERbeta, and progesterone receptor (PR) in the ovary and uterus were investigated by RT-PCR.
RESULTS
High genistein group had earlier VO than control and low genistein group. Graafian follicle s and corpora lutea were observed from the ovary of genistein-treated groups, while primary, secondary follicles and small atretic follicles were observed in the control group. Hypertrophy of luminal and glandular uterine epithelia were found in the genistein-treated groups while poor development of gland and fewer myometrial cell layers were evident in control group. In ovary, the transcriptional activities of ERalpha and ERbeta were higher in high genistein group than in controls. In uterus, the transcriptional activities of ERalpha, ERbeta and PR were higher in low genistein group than in controls.
CONCLUSION
Acute exposure to genistein during the prepubertal period could activate the reproductive endocrine system resulting in the early onset of puberty in female rats. Further clinical investigation on the effect of genistein on the sexual maturation in children is warranted.

Keyword

Genistein; Puberty; Ovary; Uterus; Onset of puberty

MeSH Terms

Animals
Child
Corpus Luteum
Endocrine System
Estrogen Receptor alpha
Estrogen Receptor beta
Female
Genistein
Humans
Hypertrophy
Ovarian Follicle
Ovary
Phenobarbital
Phytoestrogens
Puberty
Public Health
Rats
Receptors, Progesterone
Sexual Maturation
Uterus
Weaning
Estrogen Receptor alpha
Estrogen Receptor beta
Genistein
Phenobarbital
Phytoestrogens
Receptors, Progesterone