Meeting Abstract

P3.50  Monday, Jan. 6 15:30  Effects of Dietary Phytoestrogens on the Development of Xenopus laevis TRAYLOR, AL*; EDWARDS, TM; Louisiana Tech University; Louisiana Tech University trayloal@gmail.com

Flavonoids are interesting plant molecules that can affect reproduction and development of herbivores by altering estrogenic signaling. These so-called “phytoestrogens,” although non-steroidal, have structures similar in shape and function to animal estrogens. The effects of phytoestrogens on animal physiology have been primarily studied in terrestrial animals, and a study performed on aquatic animals could expand our current understanding of animal-phytoendocrine interactions. The objective of this study was to investigate whether diets that vary in soy phytoestrogen levels could affect Xenopus laevis tadpoles by causing changes in developmental rate, time to metamorphosis, sex ratios and gonadal development. Using a yeast-based reporter gene assay for nuclear estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), we validated estrogenic activity levels in five commercially formulated, experimental soy-based diets that varied in phytoestrogen (isoflavone) content. Results show the effects of these diets on Xenopus laevis tadpole development, overall improving our understanding of how dietary phytoestrogens can affect amphibian development.