Phytoestrogen coumestrol attenuates brain mitochondrial dysfunction and long-term cognitive deficits following neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.

Introduction: Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia (HI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and is frequently associated with short and long-term neurologic and cognitive impairments. The HI injury causes mitochondrial damage leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal plant substances structurally and functionally similar to estrogen.