Analyzing the Neuroprotective Effects of Phytoestrogens and Aromatase on Male Zebra Finch Cerebellum Post Lesion

Presenter(s)

Tony Irovic, University of Mississippi
Grace Thompson, University of Mississippi
Lainy B. Day, University of Mississippi

Files

Description

(All authors are affiliated with Interdisciplinary Studies: Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor, University of Mississippi)

Introduction:

• Estradiol (E2) & aromatase (AROM) are neuroprotective
• AROM enzymatically converts testosterone (T) into E2
• E2 alters testicular function and increases stroke and cancer risk
• Phytoestrogens, such as genistein (GEN), are plant derived compounds that have a similar chemical structure to E2 and some E2 -like effects
• GEN may possess the neuroprotective effects of E2 while not having the negative effects
• Zebra finch (ZF) brains are highly plastic, and the cerebellum (CB) has low AROM constitutively
• The CB has high levels of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) for which GEN has high affinity
• CB damage increases E2 via AROM upregulation
• Letrozole (LET) inhibits AROM, blocking the conversion of E2 into T
• ZF males & females have similar level of circulating E2

Publication Date

4-15-2025

Relational Format

poster

Disciplines

Neurosciences

Recommended Citation

Irovic, Tony; Thompson, Grace; and Day, Lainy B., "Analyzing the Neuroprotective Effects of Phytoestrogens and Aromatase on Male Zebra Finch Cerebellum Post Lesion" (2025). Neuroscience Research Showcase. 29.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/neuro_showcase/29

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