OBJECTIVES: Xenobiotics, present in the modern environment, may emulate, antagonize or mask the activity of estrogens, and hence greatly influence the functions of the male reproductive system. The main pathway of xenobiotic influence are estrogen receptors, due to xenobiotics' structural similarity to endogenous estrogens. The increased level of estrogens has been reported to disrupt the distribution and metabolism of many bioelements, e.g. Zn, Cu, and Mg, crucial for the development of testicles and proper spermatogenesis.

The increased level of estrogens in the blood serum affects the distribution of elements in the body, as it facilitates their offtake by cytoplasm of the hormone-sensitive (estrogen-sensitive) cells. This increased sensitivity of the target cells decreases the pool of elements available for other tissues. Hence, this paper aims to examine the influence of soya isoflavones (with proven estrogen potential), given prenatally and postnatally, on the mineral metabolism and selected functions of the male reproductive system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant Wistar rats and then their newborns (for the first three months of their life) were given genistein and daidzein-soya isoflavones, 200mg/kg m.c./per 24h. Samples of testicles and epididymis, stained with PAS, were examined morphologically; the number of spermatozoa was determined; the concentration of the steroid hormones estradiol and testosterone in blood serum and homogenates of testicles and epididymis (electroluminescent method). Concentrations of Zn, Mg, Cu in the serum and bones were analyzed with AAS.

RESULTS: The weight of the testicles was considerably higher than the control (p=0.05); the concentration of testosterone in the testicle homogenates was lower than the control (p=0.046). The concentration of estradiol in epididymis homogenates treated with phytoestrogens was significantly higher (p=0.043). The level of estradiol in blood serum was higher than the control (p=0.043). Rats treated with phytoestrogens had a lower concentration of Zn in serum (p=0.036). Similar changes were observed for Mg and Cu, although the differences were not statistically significant. The concentration of Zn in the bones of the experimental animals was higher than the control (p=0.028). Morphological examinations revealed the exfoliation of spermatocytes to some tubules, and in a small number of cases, rafts in the seminiferous epithelium. In the epithelium of the duct in caput epididymis, mainly in section 1 and in the middle of section 2, numerous glycogen grains were observed in the main cells above and beneath the testicles. Numerous grains were also visible in the head and tail of the epididymis, along with a higher volume of PAS-positive secretion.

CONCLUSION: The loss of balance between androgens and estrogens, as well as changes in the distribution of elements in the body, may cause disorders in spermatogenesis and impair the development of spermatozoa in the epididymis.

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