Modulation of fish reproduction by the phytoestrogen genistein

Professorial Chair Lecture

Metro Manila Commission Professorial Chair Lecture

Place

DBVS Lecture Room, UPLB, College, Laguna

Date

3-12-2008

Abstract

Various studies have linked the consumption of phytoestrogen-rich diets to both beneficial and adverse effects in susceptible organisms. The protective effects of these compounds against hormone-related cancers (e.g. prostate and breast cancer) as well as in the prevention of estrogen-related conditions in humans such as cardiovascular disease and menopausal symptoms have led to the widespread use of these compounds as nutritional supplements. However, their hormone-like activity has also been implicated in reproductive abnormalities in both humans and animals. The recent detection of the phytoestrogen genistein in livestock runoff and in effluents of pulp and paper mills, and its ubiquitous presence in commercially available vegetable-based fish diets has raised attention to the possible consequences of exposure to these compounds in both feral and captive fish.

This study reviewed and examined the potential effect of genistein on fish reproduction, which is considered as an ecologically relevant indicator of endocrine disruption and estrogenic activity. The impact of exposure on reproduction-related endpoints in various species of fish such as the number of spawned eggs, fertilization, gonad morphology, vitellogenesis and transgenerational effects has been studied. Research has shown that genistein is an estrogenic compound and as such, may have the potential to adversely affect reproduction in this species. However, as revealed in various studies, there has been variability with regard to response of fish to this substance. This information, together with the relevance and magnitude of the plausible effect of genistein and related compounds on reproduction, underlines the need for further studies.

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

College

College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Language

English

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