Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

The Korean Pediatric Society (대한소아청소년과학회)
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Effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development

  • Kim, Shin-Hye (Department of Pediatrics, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine) ;
  • Park, Mi-Jung (Department of Pediatrics, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2012.05.03
  • Accepted : 2012.06.27
  • Published : 2012.08.15
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Abstract

Phytoestrogen is an estrogenic compound that occurs naturally in plants. The most common sources of phytoestrogen are soybean products, which contain high levels of isoflavones. This compound, which has structural similarity with estrogen, can act as an estrogen receptor agonist or antagonist. Animal studies provide evidence of the significant effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development, including altered pubertal timing, impaired estrous cycling and ovarian function, and altered hypothalamus and pituitary functions. Although human studies examining the effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development are extremely limited, the results of some studies agree with those of the animal studies. In this paper, we review the possible mechanism of phytoestrogen action and the evidence showing the effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development in animal and human studies.

Keywords

References

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