Genistein Effect on Sex Hormones, Sperm Count and Sperm Viability in Male Rats

Genistein is a soya phytoestrogen having estrogenic effects. Phytoestrogen has been introduced as one of the elements of unproductively in some animals, but previous studies on genistein role in male reproductive system have shown contradictory results. Since no similar study has taken place in Iran, the present study has been designed for evaluation of genistein effects on male reproductive system.

In this experimental study, 30 male rats with 13 weeks of age and limited weight of 220 to 250 grams were selected. They were divided into six groups of 5, and different genistein doses (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 mg/kg) were injected subcutaneously on 14 consecutive days to male rats. After 24 hours animal were killed and then their blood testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and (LH Luteinizing hormone) were measured via ELAISA method. Sperm count and viability were measured through WHO protocols.

There was a significant reduction in FSH plasma levels among groups that were injected low doses of genistein while by increasing the genistein dose the inhibitory effect of reducing became slower (p<0.05). There were not any significant differences between other indicators.

Based on our findings, genistein has an effect on FSH level of plasma and the functioning of male reproductive system.