The Neutralizing Effect of Panax Ginseng for Toxicities in the Survival, Sperm Quality, Pregnancy and F1 Generation of Guinea Pigs Exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.
- Author:
Seung Hyo WOO
1
;
Min Sik EOM
;
Kwan Hee SHIN
;
Kwang Hee HAN
;
Wun Jae KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University Cheongju, Chungbuk, Korea. wjkim@med.chungbuk.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Ginseng;
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin;
Sperm;
Fertility
- MeSH:
Animals;
Environmental Pollutants;
Female;
Fertility;
Guinea Pigs*;
Guinea*;
Humans;
Male;
Mortality;
Panax*;
Parturition;
Pregnancy*;
Sexual Maturation;
Sperm Count;
Sperm Motility;
Spermatozoa*;
Survival Rate;
Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin*;
Water
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
2002;43(2):161-168
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), one of the most potent environmental pollutants, is known to disrupt the endocrine, immune, and reproductive system. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of a panax ginseng water extract (PG-WE) on the survival rate, sperm quality, and fertility impaired by TCDD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty male guinea pigs were divided into 8 groups. The normal control group received the vehicle and saline. TCDD was intraperitoneally injected at a single dose of 1microgram/kg. A PG-WE was administered at 100 or 200mg/kg/ day 1wk prior to (P groups) or subsequent to (C groups) TCDD-exposure for 12 and 10 weeks, respectively. The G groups received the vehicle and the PG-WE of 100 or 200mg/kg/day, respectively. The parameters for the male guinea pigs were assessed for 40 weeks. The effects on the F1 generation were assessed at a growth period of F1. RESULTS: All single TCDD-treated group animals died within 18 days and the survival rate of the PG-WE-treated groups increased in a dose dependant manner. Forty to 70% of the P and C groups survived until the 40th week and reached sexual maturation. The death rate of the progeny born from the PG-WE-treated groups was significantly lower than that in the NC group (14.3%). The M/F ratio of the F1 generation in the P and C groups had higher female birth ratio. The sperm number and morphology showed no significant differences among the groups. The PG-WE increased the sperm motility in the guinea pigs exposed to TCDD. CONCLUSIONS: Panax ginseng is a useful agent that can neutralize endocrine disrupters and environmental pollutants, and help maintain a high sperm quality after a growth period.
