EFFECT OF SOYBEAN ON BONE AND GONAD HORMONES IN LEAD INTOXICATED RATS

Protective and treated dietary soybean against lead toxicity in male rats was investigated in bone and hormonal changes of reproductive system. Sixty adult males rats were divided into the following groups; Group I: 30 rats fed on standard casein and were divided into three equal subgroups Group la: control casein. Group lb: (casein-protected) rats fed casein before lead intoxication Group I c: (casein-treated) rats fed casein after lead intoxication. Group II: 30 rats fed on standard soybean. They were also divided into three equal subgroups. Group Ila: control soybean. Group lib: (soybean-protected) rats fed soybean before lead intoxication. Group lie: (soybean-treated) rats fed soybean after lead intoxication. Results demonstrated that accumulation of lead in soft tissues (liver, kidney and testis) was much greater in protective groups than curative ones. There was slightly significant increase in femoral bone mass density (BMD) in soybean protected group as compared with either soybean treated or casein protected group. Serum testosterone was slightly significantly increased in soybean treated group compared to soybean protected group but these levels of hormone do not reach to normal level. Serum LH hormone level was not changed between both groups. It can concluded that soybean diet ameliorate the bone and testis intoxicated with lead.