Genistein lowers fertility with pronounced effect in males: Meta‐analyses on pre‐clinical studies

Abstract

Genistein, an isoflavonoid, is found in a plethora of plant-based foods, and has been approved for use in various therapies. A couple of studies in adult men observed a negative correlation between genistein exposure and reproductive parameters. To assess the effects of genistein exposure on reproduction and fertility in males and females, we performed quantitative meta-analyses by pooling data from published studies on animals that assessed various reproductive parameters. Pooled analysis showed significant decreases in sperm count in males exposed to genistein during adulthood (Hedges's g = À2.51, p = 0.013) and in utero (Hedges's g = À0.861, p = 0.016) compared with controls. In males exposed to genistein in utero, serum testosterone levels decreased (Hedges's g = À6.301, p = 0.000) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (Hedges's g = 7.127, p = 0.000) and FSH (Hedges's g = 6.19, p = 0.000) levels increased in comparison with controls. In females, the number of corpora lutea (Hedges's g = À2.103, p = 0.019) and the litter size (Hedges's g = À1.773, p-value = 0.000) decreased; however, female reproductive hormones remained unaffected. These meta-analyses show that genistein has detrimental effects on male reproductive system and on the progression and sustenance of pregnancy, with more pronounced adverse impact in males, particularly when exposed in utero.

Estrogenic endocrine disruptor exposure directly impacts erectile function

“…These findings align with prior research demonstrating that estrogenic-EDCs at lower dose ranges can increase estrogen signalling, whereas higher doses induce cytotoxicity 135 , which also relates to the non-monotonic effects characteristic of several estrogenic-EDCs 136 – 141 . For example, in utero exposures to low doses of genistein are associated with DSDs such as hypospadias in mice and humans 142 – 145 , demonstrating that even very low doses of estrogenic-EDCs can impact development. In the context of ED, our study reiterates the importance of testing a range of doses and treatment methods of EDCs to understand their full spectrum of effects.…”

Protective effect of phytoestrogens on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in postmenopausal women

“…Different studies have come to the controversial conclusion. Rashid Rdeng et al (Rashid et al, 2022) found that Genistein reduced male testosterone levels, reduced sperm quality, and lowered fertility. In contrast, Reed KE et al (Reed et al, 2021) found that regardless of dose and study duration, neither soy protein nor isoflavone exposure affects TT, FT, E2 or E1 levels in men.…”

Testosterone and lifespan in males: At the right time and the right level

“…Variety of drugs and/or compounds has been used in the manipulation of the level of testosterone. For example, genistein has been capable of reduction of level of testosterone (Rashid et al, 2022).…”