Equol inhibits growth, induces atresia, and inhibits steroidogenesis of mouse antral follicles in vitro.

ABSTRACT: Equol is a non-steroidal estrogen metabolite produced by microbial conversion of daidzein, a major soy isoflavone, in the gut of some humans and many animal species. Isoflavones and their metabolites can affect endogenous estradiol production, action, and metabolism, potentially influencing ovarian follicle function. However, no studies have examined the effects of equol on intact ovarian antral follicles, which are responsible for sex steroid synthesis and further development into ovulatory follicles. Thus, the present study tested the hypothesis that equol inhibits antral follicle growth, increases follicle atresia, and inhibits steroidogenesis in the adult mouse ovary. To test this hypothesis, antral follicles isolated from adult CD-1 mice were cultured with vehicle control (dimethyl su

SUBMITTER: Mahalingam S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4779678 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature