The impact of dietary oestrogens on male and female fertility.
OBJECTIVE
Modern consumer needs have stimulated a vast expansion in the dietary supplement market, in an attempt to improve general well being and prevent, rather than cure, disease. Isoflavones form a large part of this market. Their oestrogenic properties are still largely unknown and must be thoroughly researched to ensure they cause no adverse effects, particularly on hormone-dependent reproductive physiology.


RESULTS
As a result of the increasing availability of phytoestrogens, research into their actions now covers a very wide field, many of which impact on reproductive potential. Time of exposure is crucial, as is interaction with other dietary components. Their putative role as chemoprotective agents has been expanded in recent years which may have an indirect impact on fertility by decreasing mortality rates in both men and women.


CONCLUSIONS
Phytoestrogens are still a current research topic in reproduction and fertility. Genistein is a putative therapeutic tool in cancer treatment although this must be considered along with evidence that it may cause DNA damage in sperm, depending on the concentration. The effects of phytoestrogen in the body are not limited to oestrogenic action. Much more epidemiological data are required to interpret current molecular studies, and those of previous years.
West
Mhairi Cl
MC
Origin Fertility Care, Belfast, UK. mhairi@originfertilitycare.com
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D019833:Genistein / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D012098:Reproduction; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D019833:Genistein