Endocrine and metabolic alterations in the mink (Mustela vison) due to chronic phytoestrogen exposure

Phytoestrogens are natural components of plant-based food items with beneficial health effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the chronic effects of dietary phytoestrogens, genistein (8 mg kg−1 day−1) and β-sitosterol (50 mg kg−1 day−1), on the weight regulation of the mink (Mustela vison). The parental generation was exposed from August 2002 to May–June 2003 to either β-sitosterol or genistein, while the kits were exposed through gestation and lactation. Food consumption and body masses were monitored monthly. Plasma lipid, glucose, total protein and hormone (ghrelin, leptin, triiodothyronine and thyroxine) concentrations were measured from the parents in August 2002, January 2003 and at the end of the experiment in May–June 2003 when the kits were 21 days of age. Relative food intake was higher in the β-sitosterol-exposed minks than in the control or genistein minks in September 2002. Plasma leptin and total protein concentrations were lower in the β-sitosterol kits compared to the control kits. Furthermore, plasma ghrelin levels and liver phosphorylase activities of the mink kits were higher due to genistein exposure. In mink kits, exposure to both phytoestrogens reduced the plasma thyroxine concentrations. The kidney glycogen concentrations and the muscle phosphorylase activities of phytoestrogen-treated adult minks were elevated. The results of this study suggest that minks are sensitive to perinatal phytoestrogen exposure.