ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of astragaloside Ⅳ（AS-Ⅳ） on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells（VSMCs） induced by angiotensin Ⅱ（Ang Ⅱ） based on solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4（SLC7A11/GPX4） pathway. MethodsPrimary rat thoracic aortic VSMCs were cultured by tissue explant method， and the cell types were identified by immunofluorescence. Cell counting kit-8（CCK-8） was used to determine the optimal concentration and time of AS-Ⅳ after Ang Ⅱ stimulation. The experiment was divided into blank group， model group， AS-Ⅳ group（40 μmol·L^-1）， Erastin group（0.5 μmol·L^-1）， Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group（0.5 μmol·L^-1+40 μmol·L^-1）. The blank group was cultured in normal medium， the model group was cultured in medium containing Ang Ⅱ（0.1 μmol·L^-1）， and each administration group was cultured in medium containing Ang Ⅱ（0.1 μmol·L^-1） and the corresponding doses of drug. CCK-8 and plate clone formation assay were used to detect the proliferation of cells in each group， Prussian blue staining was used to detect cell iron deposition， the content of reactive oxygen species（ROS） in cells was detected by fluorescence probe method， the content of malondialdehyde（MDA） was detected by thiobarbituric acid（TBA） method， and the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in each group were detected by Western blot. ResultsPrimary rat thoracic aortic VSMCs were successfully cultured by tissue explant method， and immunofluorescence detection showed that positive expression of α-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA） and negative expression of vimentin in the cells， identifying them as VSMCs. The optimal concentration and time of AS-Ⅳ determined by CCK-8 were 40 μmol·L^-1 and 24 h， respectively. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that compared with the blank group， the cell proliferation in the model group increased， the iron deposition in the cells increased， the contents of ROS and MDA increased， and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins decreased（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the cell proliferation of the AS-Ⅳ group was inhibited， the iron deposition in the cells was decreased， the contents of ROS and MDA were decreased， and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were increased（P<0.05， P<0.01）. While in the Erastin group， the cell proliferation was increased， the iron deposition was increased， ROS and MDA contents were increased， and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were decreased（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the AS-Ⅳ group， Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group showed increased cell proliferation， increased iron deposition in cells， increased ROS and MDA contents， and decreased expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins（P<0.05）. Compared with the Erastin group， the cell proliferation in Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group was inhibited， the iron deposition was decreased， the contents of ROS and MDA were decreased， and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were increased（P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAS-Ⅳ can inhibit ferroptosis by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway， so as to weaken the proliferation of VSMCs， thus playing a role in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Objective:To analyze the application value of ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules and its correlation with patients' midkine, thymidine kinase 1, and thyroid function indicators.Methods:This study was a prospective study. A total of 108 patients with thyroid nodules (120 nodules) who visited Jinan 2 nd People's Hospital from December 2022 to February 2024 were included. Ultrasound examinations were conducted to complete the TI-RADS classification, and serum levels of midkine (MK) and thymidine kinase 1 (TK1), as well as thyroid function indicators, were measured. Based on the patients' pathological results, the consistency between the TI-RADS diagnostic results and the pathological findings was analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy of TI-RADS classification was calculated. The incidence of malignant nodules across various TI-RADS categories was assessed, and the differences in serum levels of MK, TK1, and thyroid function indicators between patients with benign and malignant nodules were compared. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the TI-RADS classification of thyroid nodules and the serum levels of MK, TK1, and thyroid function indicators. Results:Pathological examination results revealed 38 malignant nodules and 82 benign nodules. The consistency between ultrasound TI-RADS classification diagnoses and pathological results was good ( Kappa = 0.90, P < 0.001), with diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 86.84% (33/38), 97.56% (80/82), and 94.17% (113/120), respectively. Among the ultrasound TI-RADS classifications, the malignant rates for category Ⅳb and category Ⅴ thyroid nodules were the highest, at 92.00% (23/25) and 100.00% (10/10), respectively. Serum levels of MK, TK1, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were significantly higher in patients with malignant thyroid nodules than in those with benign thyroid nodules (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that TI-RADS classification was positively correlated with serum levels of MK, TK1, and TSH ( r = 0.56, 0.60, 0.52, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasound TI-RADS classification can be used to differentiate the nature of thyroid nodules, demonstrating high accuracy with low risks of missed or misdiagnoses. It is also closely related to indicators such as MK, TK1, and TSH, providing a basis for the detection of thyroid cancer.

Objective:To analyze the application value of ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules and its correlation with patients' midkine, thymidine kinase 1, and thyroid function indicators.Methods:This study was a prospective study. A total of 108 patients with thyroid nodules (120 nodules) who visited Jinan 2 nd People's Hospital from December 2022 to February 2024 were included. Ultrasound examinations were conducted to complete the TI-RADS classification, and serum levels of midkine (MK) and thymidine kinase 1 (TK1), as well as thyroid function indicators, were measured. Based on the patients' pathological results, the consistency between the TI-RADS diagnostic results and the pathological findings was analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy of TI-RADS classification was calculated. The incidence of malignant nodules across various TI-RADS categories was assessed, and the differences in serum levels of MK, TK1, and thyroid function indicators between patients with benign and malignant nodules were compared. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the TI-RADS classification of thyroid nodules and the serum levels of MK, TK1, and thyroid function indicators. Results:Pathological examination results revealed 38 malignant nodules and 82 benign nodules. The consistency between ultrasound TI-RADS classification diagnoses and pathological results was good ( Kappa = 0.90, P < 0.001), with diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 86.84% (33/38), 97.56% (80/82), and 94.17% (113/120), respectively. Among the ultrasound TI-RADS classifications, the malignant rates for category Ⅳb and category Ⅴ thyroid nodules were the highest, at 92.00% (23/25) and 100.00% (10/10), respectively. Serum levels of MK, TK1, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were significantly higher in patients with malignant thyroid nodules than in those with benign thyroid nodules (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that TI-RADS classification was positively correlated with serum levels of MK, TK1, and TSH ( r = 0.56, 0.60, 0.52, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasound TI-RADS classification can be used to differentiate the nature of thyroid nodules, demonstrating high accuracy with low risks of missed or misdiagnoses. It is also closely related to indicators such as MK, TK1, and TSH, providing a basis for the detection of thyroid cancer.

Objective To establish an allogeneic rat model of endometriosis and to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist GenSci006 on experimental rat endometriosis. Methods Endometrium from SPF grade donor female SD rats were transplanted onto the abdominal wall of recipient female rats to construct an allogeneic endometriosis model. The rats undergoing sham surgery were divided into the sham group. Three weeks later, the length, width and height of the ectopic endometrium were measured, and the volume of the endometrium (V₁) was calculated before drug administration. The modeling rats were randomly divided into four groups: model group, triptorelin group (0.25 mg/kg), GenSci006-1 group (0.125 mg/kg) and GenSci006-2 group (0.25 mg/kg). Each group had 16 rats and received a single dose of the corresponding drug. The sham group and model group were administered an equal volume of solvent. Three weeks after administration, ectopic endometrium was measured to calculate the volume V₂ and inhibition rate. The effect of GenSci006 on rat uterus and ovarian tissues was assessed by comparing organ coefficients and changes in pathological sections. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of serum estradiol (E₂), progesterone (P₄), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) mRNA in the hypothalamus and pituitary. Western blot was used to detect the expression of estradiol receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ) and progesterone receptor (PR) in ectopic endometrium. Results Three weeks after administration, compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the volume of ectopic endometrium significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the model group showed no significant changes in uterine and ovarian organ coefficients or endometrial thickness (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the uterine organ coefficients and endometrial thickness were significantly reduced in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the serum levels of E₂, P₄, FSH and LH in the model group showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the ovarian organ coefficient and serum P₄ levels of rats in the Triptorelin, GenSci006-1, and GenSci006-2 groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the serum LH levels of rats in the GenSci006-1 group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in serum E₂ and FSH levels in each group (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of GnRHR mRNA in the pituitary tissue of rats in the triptorelin and GenSci006-2 groups were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05), with no significantly changes in the hypothalamus (P > 0.05). There were no significant changes in the expression level of GnRHR mRNA in the hypothalamus or the protein levels of ERα, ERβ and PR in the ectopic endometrial tissue in any group (P > 0.05). Conclusion The allogeneic endometriosis rat model is a suitable animal model for screening and evaluating drugs for treating endometriosis. The volume of ectopic endometrium, inhibition rate, uterine and ovarian organ coefficients, and serum E₂ levels may serve as indicators for detecting drug efficacy.

Objective:To explore the effects of consecutively repeated application of emergency contraception pills (ECPs) containing levonorgestrel (LNG) on the female fertility and the health outcomes of F1 generation rats.Methods:Female SPF rats were intragastric administered with LNG-ECPs consecutively for 3 (P-3), 6 (P-6) and 12 (P-12) estrous cycles (three times in each estrous cycle), respectively. Under each administration schedule, rats were randomly divided into 2 groups according to body weight stratification using random numbers generated in Excel, i.e. LNG-ECPs group and solvent control group, administered with 0.12 mg/kg LNG-ECPs and corresponding volumes of 0.5% CMC-Na, respectively. Four hours after the last dosing, half of the animals (12-18) in each group were allotted randomly for dissection (6-9) and mating (6-9), respectively. The remaining half (12-18) were recovered for 3 estrous cycles, and then were randomly allocated for dissection (6-9) and mating (6-9). Organ coefficients were calculated. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and free thyroid hormone 3 (fT3) were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ovarian tissues were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for follicle counting. In addition, the pregnancy rate and litter size of the female rats were recorded, and the growth indexes and behavioral parameters of the cubs were measured. Moreover, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of the ovarian tissues was performed to establish the differential expression gene profile of ovarian injury induced by LNG-ECPs. Then gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were analyzed.Results:1) After consecutive administration for 3 and 6 estrous cycles, LNG-ECPs showed no significant impact on the serum hormone levels and female fertility (all P>0.05), and the growth indexes and behavioral parameters of the F1 generation (all P>0.05). 2) After consecutive administration for 12 estrous cycles, the serum levels of FSH [(0.21±0.17) U/L], LH [(0.27±0.08) U/L] and progesterone [(0.68±0.23) μg/L] in LNG-ECPs group decreased significantly compared with those in solvent control group [(1.00±0.82) U/L, P=0.043; (1.00±0.50) U/L, P=0.006; (1.00±0.20) μg/L, P=0.027], while the level of estradiol [(2.24±1.03) μg/L] and testosterone [(1.25±0.25) μg/L] increased noticeably compared with those in solvent control group [(1.00±0.35) μg/L, P=0.019; (1.00±0.07) μg/L, P=0.044]. The number of primordial follicles (4.88±2.36) lost distinctly, while the number of atretic follicles (24.38±5.01) increased markedly in LNG-ECPs group compared with those in solvent control group (16.13±9.36, P=0.005; 19.13±2.30, P=0.018). In addition, the weight-loaded swimming (WLS) time of the F1 generation rats from the LNG-ECPs group [(157.13±32.29) s] reduced obviously compared with those from the solvent control group [(198.06±40.01) s, P=0.003]. Moreover, after recovering for 3 estrous cycles, LNG-ECPs significantly increased the levels of FSH [(2.48±1.18) U/L], LH [(1.60±0.41) U/L], testosterone [(1.37±0.23) μg/L] and the ratio of FSH/LH (1.61±0.41) compared with those in solvent control group [(1.00±0.67) U/L, P=0.024; (1.00±0.27) U/L, P=0.014; (1.00±0.18) μg/L, P=0.011; 1.00±0.49, P=0.042], respectively. Additionally, the serum levels of estradiol [(0.49±0.15) μg/L] and AMH [(0.79±0.15) μg/L] were significantly lower than those in solvent control group [(1.00±0.37) μg/L, P=0.011; (1.00±0.10) μg/L, P=0.016]. In addition, the number of primordial follicles in rats of LNG-ECPs group (6.25±5.06) were obviously less than that in solvent control group (12.00±5.56, P=0.048). Furthermore, the total distance in open field [(89.85±36.98) m] and the swimming time in WLS [(112.00±29.52) s] in rats treated with LNG-ECPs both decreased distinctly compared with those in solvent control group [(147.55±23.13) m, P<0.001; (137.69±25.85) s, P=0.014]. 3) According to transcriptomic analysis, Cd5, Cxcr1, Lexm, Fga, Mybphl and Gstm5 were the significant differential expressed genes (DEGs) in the ovarian tissues of rats. These DEGs were involved in pathways related to steroid hormone biosynthesis, including terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, ovarian steroidogenesis, cortisol synthesis and secretion. Additionally, these genes were involved in metabolic processes, such as carbon metabolism, butanoate metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism. And the genes were also involved in immunoregulatory processes including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptors. Conclusion:Consecutively repeated administering LNG-ECPs to the female rats in a short-term period (<12 cycles) did not demonstrate significant adverse effects on female fertility and the growth and development and the behaviors of their F1 generation cubs. However, long-term repeated treatment with LNG-ECPs (12 cycles) caused ovarian injury on female rats and showed negative impacts on the health of the F1 generation cubs, and no significant improvement was observed after recovering for 3 estrous cycles.

Objective:To explore the effects of consecutively repeated application of emergency contraception pills (ECPs) containing levonorgestrel (LNG) on the female fertility and the health outcomes of F1 generation rats.Methods:Female SPF rats were intragastric administered with LNG-ECPs consecutively for 3 (P-3), 6 (P-6) and 12 (P-12) estrous cycles (three times in each estrous cycle), respectively. Under each administration schedule, rats were randomly divided into 2 groups according to body weight stratification using random numbers generated in Excel, i.e. LNG-ECPs group and solvent control group, administered with 0.12 mg/kg LNG-ECPs and corresponding volumes of 0.5% CMC-Na, respectively. Four hours after the last dosing, half of the animals (12-18) in each group were allotted randomly for dissection (6-9) and mating (6-9), respectively. The remaining half (12-18) were recovered for 3 estrous cycles, and then were randomly allocated for dissection (6-9) and mating (6-9). Organ coefficients were calculated. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and free thyroid hormone 3 (fT3) were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ovarian tissues were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for follicle counting. In addition, the pregnancy rate and litter size of the female rats were recorded, and the growth indexes and behavioral parameters of the cubs were measured. Moreover, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of the ovarian tissues was performed to establish the differential expression gene profile of ovarian injury induced by LNG-ECPs. Then gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were analyzed.Results:1) After consecutive administration for 3 and 6 estrous cycles, LNG-ECPs showed no significant impact on the serum hormone levels and female fertility (all P>0.05), and the growth indexes and behavioral parameters of the F1 generation (all P>0.05). 2) After consecutive administration for 12 estrous cycles, the serum levels of FSH [(0.21±0.17) U/L], LH [(0.27±0.08) U/L] and progesterone [(0.68±0.23) μg/L] in LNG-ECPs group decreased significantly compared with those in solvent control group [(1.00±0.82) U/L, P=0.043; (1.00±0.50) U/L, P=0.006; (1.00±0.20) μg/L, P=0.027], while the level of estradiol [(2.24±1.03) μg/L] and testosterone [(1.25±0.25) μg/L] increased noticeably compared with those in solvent control group [(1.00±0.35) μg/L, P=0.019; (1.00±0.07) μg/L, P=0.044]. The number of primordial follicles (4.88±2.36) lost distinctly, while the number of atretic follicles (24.38±5.01) increased markedly in LNG-ECPs group compared with those in solvent control group (16.13±9.36, P=0.005; 19.13±2.30, P=0.018). In addition, the weight-loaded swimming (WLS) time of the F1 generation rats from the LNG-ECPs group [(157.13±32.29) s] reduced obviously compared with those from the solvent control group [(198.06±40.01) s, P=0.003]. Moreover, after recovering for 3 estrous cycles, LNG-ECPs significantly increased the levels of FSH [(2.48±1.18) U/L], LH [(1.60±0.41) U/L], testosterone [(1.37±0.23) μg/L] and the ratio of FSH/LH (1.61±0.41) compared with those in solvent control group [(1.00±0.67) U/L, P=0.024; (1.00±0.27) U/L, P=0.014; (1.00±0.18) μg/L, P=0.011; 1.00±0.49, P=0.042], respectively. Additionally, the serum levels of estradiol [(0.49±0.15) μg/L] and AMH [(0.79±0.15) μg/L] were significantly lower than those in solvent control group [(1.00±0.37) μg/L, P=0.011; (1.00±0.10) μg/L, P=0.016]. In addition, the number of primordial follicles in rats of LNG-ECPs group (6.25±5.06) were obviously less than that in solvent control group (12.00±5.56, P=0.048). Furthermore, the total distance in open field [(89.85±36.98) m] and the swimming time in WLS [(112.00±29.52) s] in rats treated with LNG-ECPs both decreased distinctly compared with those in solvent control group [(147.55±23.13) m, P<0.001; (137.69±25.85) s, P=0.014]. 3) According to transcriptomic analysis, Cd5, Cxcr1, Lexm, Fga, Mybphl and Gstm5 were the significant differential expressed genes (DEGs) in the ovarian tissues of rats. These DEGs were involved in pathways related to steroid hormone biosynthesis, including terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, ovarian steroidogenesis, cortisol synthesis and secretion. Additionally, these genes were involved in metabolic processes, such as carbon metabolism, butanoate metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism. And the genes were also involved in immunoregulatory processes including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptors. Conclusion:Consecutively repeated administering LNG-ECPs to the female rats in a short-term period (<12 cycles) did not demonstrate significant adverse effects on female fertility and the growth and development and the behaviors of their F1 generation cubs. However, long-term repeated treatment with LNG-ECPs (12 cycles) caused ovarian injury on female rats and showed negative impacts on the health of the F1 generation cubs, and no significant improvement was observed after recovering for 3 estrous cycles.

Objective To evaluate the sleep quality of the Chinese scientific expedition team members during circumnavigation of the Arctic and Antarctica.Methods The team members that participated in the 33th circumnavigation of Antarctica and the 8th circumnavigation of the Arctic were enrolled for the study.During deployment,their sleep quality was evaluated by Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and intelligent bracelet.Then,the obtained data of sleep quality were compared between the shipcrew,scientific personnel and other comprhensive personnel.Results After circumnavigation,the PSQI scores of the expedition team members increased to various extents,as compared with those before circumnavigation,and this was particularly the case with the scientific personnel and other comprhensive personnel (P ＜ 0.05).The elevated scores of sleep disorder after circumnavigation were as follows:(2.05 ± 0.63) scores for the shipcrew,(2.25 ± 0.53) scores for the scientific personnel and (1.89 ± 0.70) for the comprhensive personnel,while the scores of sleep disorder before circumnavigation were respectively (1.32 ±0.41),(1.15 ±0.53) and (0.41 ±0.42) in sequence order.Statistical signficance could be seen,when comparisons were made between them(P ＜0.05).Intelligent bracelet detection revealed that the time of deep sleep was significantly shortened,especially among the comprhensive personnel [(61 ± 10)min vs (80 ± 15)min)],and statistical signficance could be noted,when comparisons were made (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The sleep quality of the scientific expedition team members during circumnavigation of the Arctic and Antarctica was relatively poor,for which measures should be taken to improve their sleep quality.

Objective To evaluate the sleep quality of the Chinese scientific expedition team members during circumnavigation of the Arctic and Antarctica.Methods The team members that participated in the 33th circumnavigation of Antarctica and the 8th circumnavigation of the Arctic were enrolled for the study.During deployment,their sleep quality was evaluated by Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and intelligent bracelet.Then,the obtained data of sleep quality were compared between the shipcrew,scientific personnel and other comprhensive personnel.Results After circumnavigation,the PSQI scores of the expedition team members increased to various extents,as compared with those before circumnavigation,and this was particularly the case with the scientific personnel and other comprhensive personnel (P ＜ 0.05).The elevated scores of sleep disorder after circumnavigation were as follows:(2.05 ± 0.63) scores for the shipcrew,(2.25 ± 0.53) scores for the scientific personnel and (1.89 ± 0.70) for the comprhensive personnel,while the scores of sleep disorder before circumnavigation were respectively (1.32 ±0.41),(1.15 ±0.53) and (0.41 ±0.42) in sequence order.Statistical signficance could be seen,when comparisons were made between them(P ＜0.05).Intelligent bracelet detection revealed that the time of deep sleep was significantly shortened,especially among the comprhensive personnel [(61 ± 10)min vs (80 ± 15)min)],and statistical signficance could be noted,when comparisons were made (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The sleep quality of the scientific expedition team members during circumnavigation of the Arctic and Antarctica was relatively poor,for which measures should be taken to improve their sleep quality.

Aim To investigate the proliferative effect and the apoptosis of rat epididymal epithelial cells induced by podophyllotoxin and its underlying mechanisms.Methods Primary epididymal epithelial cells were cultured in vitro.CCK-8 assay was used to analyze proliferation of epididymal epithelial cells induced by podophyllotoxin on 24, 48 and 72 h.The ultra structural changes of the epididymal epithelial cells were observed by transmission electron microscope.AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining was used to quantify the percentages of apoptosis in the total cell population.The TdTmediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) technique was applied to observe the morphological changes of apoptotic cells.The expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) mRNA was investigated by real-time RT-PCR.The level of TNF-α in cell culture supernatant was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) technology.Western blot was per-formed to determine the protein expression of cytochrome C, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9.Results Podophyllotoxin significantly inhibited the activity of proliferation and induced apoptosis of epididymal epithelial cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner(P<0.05), with a 50％ inhibitory concentration(IC50) value and corresponding 95％ confidence intervals(CI) of 59.36(15.50～227.41), 0.37(0.080～1.70), 0.077(0.017～0.35) μmol·L-1 at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively.Podophyllotoxin induced cell volume turned round and cell nuclear fragmentation and mitochondrial vacuolation.RT-PCR and ELISA results showed that podophyllotoxin improved the expression of TNF-α mRNA and protein.Western blot results demonstrated that podophyllotoxin activated the protein expression of cytochrome C, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9.Conclusion Podophyllotoxin can induce rat epididymal epithelial cell apoptosis through both the mitochondria-regulated intrinsic pathway and the TNF receptor-mediated extrinsic pathway.