(1) Background: HASPIN kinase is involved in regulating spindle function and chromosome segregation, as well as phosphorylating histone H3 at Thr3 in mitotic cells. Several HASPIN inhibitors suppress cancer cell proliferation. It was recently reported that coumestrol from bean sprouts inhibits HASPIN, and a cultivation method for bean sprouts containing large amounts of coumestrol has been established. Here, we showed the effects of bean sprout ingestion on intestinal polyp development, cachexia, and hypogonadism in a mouse model of familial adenomatous polyposis (Apc^Min/+). (2) Methods: Apc^Min/+ mice were randomized into control and treatment groups. Mice in the control group were given the standard diet, while those in the treatment group were given the same standard diet with the addition of 15% bean sprouts. Treatments were commenced at 7 weeks old and analyses were performed at 12 weeks old. (3) Results: ingesting bean sprouts suppressed the development of intestinal polyps, cachexia, and hypogonadism, and also increased serum levels of testosterone in male wild-type and Apc^Min/+ mice. (4) Conclusions: ingesting bean sprouts helps prevent cancer and increases serum levels of testosterone in a mouse model. These results are expected to be applicable to humans.

Extending healthy lifespans is an important public health goal in societies with a long life expectancy. Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), a condition associated with an age-related decrease in testosterone level, contributes to the onset of various diseases. Previously, we demonstrated that the oral ingestion of bean sprouts rich in the HASPIN inhibitor coumestrol increased blood testosterone levels in mice. In the present study, we showed that the oral ingestion of bean sprouts also led to increased blood testosterone levels in humans. These results suggested that bean sprouts, which are rich in coumestrol, have potential as a dietary intervention for the treatment of LOH.

(1) Background: The numbers of wild animals in Japan are increasing due to changes in the industrial structure and a decline in the population. Various extermination approaches have been used against animals that are classified as harmful, such as boars. Making effective use of exterminated wild animals will revitalize extermination activities by developing markets as the number of hunters declines. We measured serum testosterone levels to examine the potential value of male wild boars as a meat source and compared them with the testosterone levels in domestic male pigs. Testosterone has an analeptic effect even in small amounts. (2) Methods: Blood testosterone levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence in wild boars and domestic pigs, collected using box traps in Sasebo City. (3) Results: Almost no testosterone was detected in the sera of castrated domestic male pigs, and more testosterone was detected in wild male boars than in pigs. (4) Conclusions: The analysis demonstrated that male wild boars have unique nutritional value compared with domestic pigs.

1) Background: Coumestrol is a bioactive compound that inhibits HASPIN activity and prevents tau and H3 phosphorylation. Oral ingestion of CBSs increases blood testosterone levels, which decline with age causing late-onset hypogonadism. Oral ingestion of coumestrol-rich bean sprouts (CBSs) has been shown to suppress the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in 5xFAD mice and the onset of colon cancer in APC^min/+ mice. 2) Methods: We investigated the effect of oral ingestion of CBSs on the progression of aging in male senescence-accelerated prone 1 (SAMP1) mice allowed voluntary exercise or no exercise. The SAMP1 mice were divided into two groups fed either a standard diet or a diet including bean sprouts from 12 to 18 weeks of age. Each group was divided into two groups with voluntary exercise or no exercise. 3) Results: Voluntary exercise accelerated aging-related declines in blood testosterone levels, nerve growth factor levels, and spatial working memory, and oral ingestion of CBSs suppressed these age-related phenotypes, regardless of exercise. 4) Conclusion: Ingestion of CBSs prevented aging-related phenotypes in the experimental mice. A detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms of coumestrol will be useful for understanding aging and preventing age-related diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and LOH.