Azevedo, TiagoSilva-Reis, RitaMedeiros-Fonseca, BeatrizGonçalves, MarianaMendes, GabrielRoboredo, MartaRocha, Maria J.Peixoto, FranciscoPinto, Maria de LurdesMatos, ManuelaSousa, João R.Oliveira, Paula A.Coimbra, Ana M.2026-02-122026-02-122025-03-26Chemosphere. 2025 May:377:144315. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144315. Epub 2025 Mar 260045-6535http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/10910Understanding the impact of endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) across a wide range of species is crucial, given their ubiquitous presence. Although invertebrate species lack sex steroid hormone pathways, they exhibit sensitivity to EDCs, which could affect population dynamics. This study assessed reproductive endpoints and oxidative stress parameters in Eisenia fetida following exposure to estradiol and soy isoflavones, resembling the concentrations found in livestock manure. The experiment used artificial soil, as recommended by OECD guidelines (7:2:1 sand, kaolin and peat). Adult specimens were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 11/replicate): one control, three estradiol (156.1, 283.4 and 633.8 μg/kg of dry soil) and three soy isoflavones (113.0, 215.3 and 405.0 mg/kg of dry soil) concentrations. After eight weeks, samples were collected for cytological, histological and biochemical analysis. Offspring development was assessed after 12 additional weeks. Higher estradiol and isoflavone concentrations led to lower germ cell number and increased abnormalities, especially in the seminal vesicles and ovaries. Catalase and peroxidase activities were significantly increased in all treated groups. The exposure did not significantly affect the number of E. fetida offspring. These findings highlight E. fetida’s sensitivity to EDCs at a biochemical and tissue level, suggesting its use as a bioindicator for assessing EDC contamination in soils.Highlights: -No mortality observed in E. fetida after exposure to varying EDC concentrations -Estradiol and soy isoflavones increased catalase and peroxidase enzyme activities. -Germ cell number was reduced and abnormalities increased in reproductive organs. -Reproductive output was not affected, suggesting possible adaptive mechanisms. -This study highlights the need for future research on EDC effects in soil organisms.engEcotoxicityEndocrine Disruptor CompoundsHistologyLivestock ManureOxidative StressPhytoestrogensReproductionDoenças GenéticasGenética Humanajournal article10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.14431540147346