Phytochemical effects of genistein and daidzein on sex hormones and corticosterone in female adult rats exposed to Chlorpyrifos

Abstract

The main aim of the present research was to determine the effects of a mixture of either DZ or GS or their combination with CF on the reproductive performance of female rats. Furthermore, to investigate whether soy isoflavones such as GN and DZ might have protective effect against pesticide induced reproductive toxicity. Healthy adult female albino rats divided into five groups of six rats each. The first group was control received corn oil, second group dosed with CF 6.7 mg/kg, third group dosed with CF 6.7 mg/kg + GS 21.7 mg/kg, forth group dosed orally CF 6.7 mg/kg + DZ 17.4 mg/kg and the last group given 6.7 mg/kg CF + 21.7 mg/kg GS + 17.4 mg/kg DZ, all are oral daily doses for six weeks. At the end, rats sacrificed and the blood samples collected for biochemical analysis and ovary tissues collected for histopathology analysis. No deaths or change in the appearance of animals reported throughout the study period. There was a significant body weights increase in all groups excepting CF group CF alone or with either GS, DZ or their combination for 42 days causes a significant reduction of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in female rats. In addition to significant increase in serum corticosterone level in female rats. Histopathology results of rat ovaries consistent with the biochemical tests. GS or DZ provides no protective effect against oxidative stress induced by CF. However, GS and DZ together have a synergistic effect producing same effect as oxidative stress induced by CF. further studies required to confirm this synergistic effect and reproductive toxicity in female rats.