The effect of soy milk on estrogen receptor alpha expression in medial preoptic area (MPOA) and in spermatogonia, testosterone levels, and androgen receptors expression in male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Soy milk contains high isoflavones that have biological activity similar to estrogen, capable of binding to a estrogen receptors, and is often referred to as phytoestrogens which can disrupt endocrine. ER is found in several mammalian tissues, including the reproductive tract. This study aims to analyze the effect of soy milk on ERa expression in MPOA and in spermatogonia cells, testosterone levels, and AR expression in testes. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into four groups: control group (given normal diet) and P1; P2; P3 (given the normal diet and soy milk powder at doses of 7.1; 14.2; 21.3 g/KgBW/day, respectively, for 6 weeks). IHC method was used to analyze the expression of ERa in MPOA and spermatogonia cells, and AR in testes. Testosterone levels were measured by ELISA. The results showed that the expression of ERa in MPOA and spermatogonia cells, AR expression in the testes, and testosterone levels were lower in treatment groups than in the control group. Soy milk exposure in male rats can affect the regulation of receptor expression and estrogen levels in the male reproductive system which may be related to endocrine disruptor processes and infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]