Endocrine Abstracts

This study examined the mechanism by which genistein produced adverse effects in pregnant laboratory rats. Pregnant rats were divided into control (Con) and genistein (Gen) force fed (2 mg/kg) groups. At terminal gestation day (GD) ranging from 0 to 20, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples and amniotic fluids were collected. Thyroid hormone, C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin assay was carried using the blood samples. Leptin was also assayed in the placenta and amniotic fluid supernatant. Oral exposure of pregnant rats to genistein significantly altered maternal T₃, (GD18; Con 1.65±0.01, Gen 1.03±0.04 nmol/l), T₄ (GD6; Con 29.60±0.00, Gen 36.04±1.29 nmol/l), Leptin (Placenta GD20; Con 0.08±0.01, Gen 0.31±0.02 ng/ml, amniotic fluid;GD 20; Con 0.02±0.00, Gen 0.35±0.05 ng/ml) in genistein group. These changes were accompanied with loss of embryonic implants and a decreased foetal and placental weight. Oral exposure of pregnant rats to genistein precipitated hypothyroidism, altered some metabolic hormones with a reduction in foetal and placental growth and increased resorption of embryonic implants.