Comparative effects of the selective estrogen receptor modulators (-)-, (+)- and (+/-)-Z bisdehydrodoisynolic acids on metabolic and reproductive parameters in male and female rats

Doisynolic acids are non-steroidal estrogenic compounds originally obtained from alkali fusion of estrone and equilenin. Z-bisdehydrodoisynolic acids (Z-BDDA) exhibit a low binding affinity accompanied by a disproportionately high biologic activity. Two experiments were designed to investigate the chronic effects of (+)-, (-)- and (+/-)-Z-BDDA and (+)-17beta-estradiol (E2) in male and female rats. The (+)-, (-)- and (+/-)-forms Z-BDDA were prepared and injected, daily for four to six weeks into male and female rats and changes in body weight, food intake, metabolic parameters, and reproductive parameters were investigated. Results from both experiments demonstrate that in male and female rats, (+)- and (+/-)-Z-BDDA had similar estrogenic effects on reproductive organ weight. Surprisingly, (-)-Z-BDDA did not induce the increase in uterine weight observed with (+)- and (+/-)-Z-BDDA and E2, demonstrating selective estrogen receptor modulation (SERM). Beneficial metabolic effects, although compound- and gender-specific, included a significant weight repression, reduction in cholesterol, reduction in blood glucose, and positive alterations in body fat distribution. Future research defining the optimal dosages of (-)-Z-BDDA that will maximize beneficial effects and minimize undesirable effects on reproductive tissues will lead to more efficacious treatment options for endocrine-responsive conditions in males and females.