Effect of dietary supplementation with soybean on reproductive hormones of male Wistar rats

Abstract

Dietary soybean has been shown to have variable effects on the reproductive system of male rodents, non-human primates and humans. These effects can affect subsequent fertility. Soybean intake in men has been advocated due to its protective effect in the prevention of prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease and osteo-arthritis. However, the protection it offers in the prevention of prostatic cancer by altering the levels of male reproductive hormones may lead to infertility. This study aimed at determining the effect of dietary supplementation with soybean on reproductive hormones of male Wistar rats. The study was a randomised controlled trial. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group and two study groups. The rats in the control group were fed on soy-free diet while rats in Group 1 and Group 2 of the study were fed on 20% and 50% soybean supplemented diet for four weeks. Serum concentration of FSH, LH and Testosterone were estimated. Data obtained was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.There was no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the level of FSH (p=0.783), LH (p=0.815)and Testosterone (p=0.330) between the study and control groups. Dietary supplementation with of soybean has no effect on the level of FSH, LH and Testosterone in male Wistar rats and therefore may not affect their reproductive function.