Modulation of fish production by the phyto estrogen genistein
2008
Paraso, M.G.V., Philippines Univ. Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines). Coll. of Veterinary Medicine
Various studies have linked the consumption of phyto estrogen-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 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 phyto estrogen genistein in livestock run off 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 transgene-rational effects has been studied. Research has shown that genistein is an estrogenic compound and as such, may have the potential to adversely affect reproduction on 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.
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