phytoestrogens and Breast-Diseases

Premature thelarche is usually considered a benign condition that disappears without influencing statural growth nor the timing of puberty. It is generally held a phenomenon of endogenous origin but exposure to oestrogenic pollutants must also be taken into consideration since environmental and epidemiological studies have shown that humans and some animal species are adversely affected by environmental chemical substances that interfere with the endocrine system and are known as endocrine disrupters. Environmental pollutants acting as endocrine disrupters include oestrogens and oestrogen-like products that are universally present in the form of hormones used in stockbreeding, chemicals employed in industry and agriculture, and substances naturally contained in plants and cereals. So far few studies have examined the influence of exogenous oestrogenic or oestrogen-like substances in premature thelarche, and there have been equally few reports of the occurrence of many cases in a circumscribed environment and a limited period of time. Since many agents are in a position to make a contribution to the biological mechanisms underlying thelarche, there is no easy way of determining the role of a given substance in the onset of the clinical picture. Furthermore, it must not be forgotten that both the metabolic clearance rate and the serum levels of oestradiol in healthy prepubertal children are still uncertain and even very low doses of exogenous steroid hormones might thus have significant biological effects. Aim of the work is to underline the importance of the exposure to oestrogenic environmental pollutants as possible cause of premature thelarche.

Topics: Breast; Breast Diseases; Child; Endocrine Disruptors; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Pesticides; Phenols; Phytoestrogens; Testosterone

Up to 80 % of the Western female population experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Long-term pharmacological therapy is unacceptable to most women, and is not warranted for moderate symptoms. Nutritional therapies are popular, but lack a clear evidence base. Anecdotal evidence suggests beneficial effects of soy isoflavones because of their influence on endogenous oestrogen and actions on specific tissues. The effect of isolated soya protein (ISP) containing 68 mg/d (aglycone equivalents) soy isoflavones (IF) on premenstrual symptom severity was studied in a seven-menstrual cycle, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover intervention study in twenty-three women with prospectively confirmed PMS aged 18-35 years and BMI 19-30 kg/m(2). ISP containing IF or milk protein placebo was consumed for two complete menstrual cycles. ISP containing IF (genistein, daidzein, equol) were measured in 24 h urine samples. After two cycles of ISP containing IF intervention, total symptoms (F(2,36) 8.20, P=0.000) and physical symptoms (F(2,36) 8.18, P=0.000) were significantly reduced compared with baseline after both active and placebo treatments, although differences between active and placebo treatment were non-significant. Specific premenstrual symptoms, headache (F(2,32) 4.10, P=0.026) and breast tenderness (F(2,32) 4.59, P=0.018), were reduced from baseline after soy IF, but not milk protein placebo. Cramps (F(2,32) 4.15, P=0.025) and swelling (F(2,32) 4.64, P=0.017) were significantly lower after active treatment compared with placebo. Concentrations of genistein and daidzein were increased following soy IF consumption, but equol production did not enhance symptom reduction. The present study showed that ISP containing IF may have potential to reduce specific premenstrual symptoms via non-classical actions.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Breast Diseases; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Female; Genistein; Glycine max; Headache; Humans; Isoflavones; Phytoestrogens; Premenstrual Syndrome; Prospective Studies