Reproductive disruption in adult female and male rats prenatally exposed to mesquite pod extract or daidzein

Toxicological Effects of Naturally Occurring Endocrine Disruptors on Various Human Health Targets: A Rapid Review

“…A compound derived from mesquite ( Prosopis sp. ), a leguminous plant commonly used to feed several species of livestock and in the human diet (mesquite pods), was evaluated for its ability to disrupt normal reproductive physiology in male and female rat offspring exposed to the substance before and during pregnancy and for its potential to induce neurobehavioral deficits [ 29 ]. Additionally, phytosterols (natural sterols widely found in plants) contained in the diet have been implicated as the potential culprit for peripheral precocious puberty in a 20-month-old boy [ 63 ].…”

“…Detrimental effects can also be observed in the prostate. Following exposure to flavonoids [ 29 ] and mycotoxins such as patulin and nivalenol [ 54 ], a decrease in the relative weight and histopathological changes in prostate tissue were observed.…”

“…Male fertility and sperm quality have been seen to be negatively affected by PEs. Genistein and daidzein originating from soy and lignans reduced the sperm count [ 29 , 35 , 36 , 37 ], decreased the motility and viability of the sperm and altered the capacitation reaction [ 28 , 29 ]. In addition, the adverse effects of mycotoxins on semen quality have also been reported.…”

“…Flavonoids act directly on the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) enzyme, while the mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 can also affect cytochrome P450 enzymes, thereby inhibiting Leydig cell activity and causing testosterone deficiency. The intake of flavonoids [ 18 , 22 , 28 , 29 , 35 , 39 ], zearalenone [ 56 ] and microcystin [ 60 ] has been correlated with a decrease in serum testosterone levels, although Messina et al and Lephardt et al reported from clinical trials that this correlation was not statistically significant [ 6 , 52 ].…”

“…Women undergo profound hormonal changes throughout their lives and N-EDCs can pose a potential threat for hormonal homeostasis [ 7 , 18 , 28 , 29 , 34 , 35 , 39 , 59 ]. PEs such as genistein or resveratrol may cause profound changes in hormonal balance.…”