Abstract

DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF DAIDZEIN ON THE FERTILITY OF MALE RATS

Reham M. Morsi*, Salah-Ahmed E.M. and Mobasher E.E.

ABSTRACT

Daidzein, is naturally occurring isoflavone, which is classed as a phytoestrogen because it possesses estrogen-like properties. To account for potential reproductive effects, the aim of the current work was designed to investigate the impact of daizein administration in different doses on fertility of male albino rats. Eighty male rats were randomly divided into four groups of twenty rats each. Groups were located as normal control and three other groups which received 25, 50 and 100mg daizein/kg b.wt/day respectively. The levels of serum total & free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, LH and FSH as well as antioxidant and lipid peroxidation in testis tissue were determined after one and two months of treatment. The results revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in total no of sperm count, total and free testosterone, tissue glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity in daizein rats groups. On the other hand, administration of daidzein caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in serum levels of DHT, LH and FSH compared with the control group. No remarkable change in epididymal sperm malondialdehyde concentration was recorded in low daidzein group, whereas, medium and high daidzein groups recorded significant (p<0.05) increase after (1& 2 months) compared to control rats. Thus, administration of daidzein as a one of phytoestrogens could cause adversely influence on the development and functions of the male reproductive system.

Keywords: Phytoestrogen, Daidzein, Fertility, Testis, Rats.