An assesment of the oestrogenic effect of soyprotein on female rabbits

The oestrogen effect of soyprotein on female rabbits, fed for a period of 6 weeks, was investigated. Results indicate significant increase (P<0.05) in uterus weight and serum albumin of soyprotein-fed rabbits when compared with the control. There was a significant positive correlation between total soyprotein intake and uterus weight in test animals (r=0.808, P<0.05). Furthermore, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly reduced (P< 0.05) in soyprotein- fed rabbits compared to the control. As similar reduction (P< 0.05) in serum total cholesterol levels was observed in soyprotein-fed rabbits compared to the control. However, there were no significant differences (P<0.05) in the average daily food intake or body weight-gain of the test animals compared to the control. These results suggest a cholesterol-lowering capacity of soyprotein and provide strong evidence of its oestrogenic effect on female rabbits. Its consumption may therefore be a risk factor in female infertility.