1.Rectal Administration of Leek and Konjac-derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation
Ya-Ru ZHANG ; Yu-Jia WU ; Cheng-Bang LIANG ; Xin-He YU ; Yan MU ; Yan TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1224-1239
ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.
2.Rectal Administration of Leek and Konjac-derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation
Ya-Ru ZHANG ; Yu-Jia WU ; Cheng-Bang LIANG ; Xin-He YU ; Yan MU ; Yan TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1224-1239
ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.
3.Anti-vitiligo mechanism of blood-absorbed components of Carum carvi L. based on network pharmacology
Yueyue TAN ; Abdullaa RAHIMA ; Deng ZANG ; Shuping LI ; Abulimiti XIAYIDAN ; Xuelei XIN ; Fei HE
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(5):613-623
To investigate the pharmacological substances basis and anti-vitiligo mechanism of Carum carvi L. (caraway) fruits, chemical and blood-absorbed components were identified using mass spectrometry combined with literature study and database analysis. A “blood-absorbed components–target genes–pathways” network was constructed through network pharmacology. The pharmacological effects of Carum carvi L. extract and its key blood-absorbed component, acacetin, were validated in vitro. 72 chemical components were identified in the extract, with 11 prototype blood-absorbed components and 26 metabolites being detected in the plasma of SD rats. 14 key active components and 24 key targets were predicted. In vitro experiments demonstrated that acacetin at 10 μmol/L exhibited melanogenesis-promoting and tyrosinase-activating effects compared with the positive control, significantly upregulating the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (tyrosinase, TYR). This study comprehensively analyzes the chemical and blood-absorbed components of Carum carvi L. and elucidates its pharmacological substances basis, which provides a theoretical foundation for the anti-vitiligo effects of acacetin.
4.Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults (version 2025)
Bobin MI ; Faqi CAO ; Weixian HU ; Wu ZHOU ; Chenchen YAN ; Hui LI ; Yun SUN ; Yuan XIONG ; Jinmi ZHAO ; Qikai HUA ; Xinbao WU ; Xieyuan JIANG ; Dianying ZHANG ; Zhongguo FU ; Dankai WU ; Guangyao LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Tengbo YU ; Jinhai TAN ; Xi CHEN ; Fengfei LIN ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Dongfa LIAO ; Aiguo WANG ; Shiwu DONG ; Gaoxing LUO ; Zhao XIE ; Dong SUN ; Dehao FU ; Yunfeng CHEN ; Changqing ZHANG ; Kun LIU ; Deye SONG ; Yongjun RUI ; Fei WU ; Ximing LIU ; Junwen WANG ; Meng ZHAO ; Biao CHE ; Bing HU ; Chengjian HE ; Guanglin WANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Guandong DAI ; Shiyuan FANG ; Wenchao SONG ; Ming CHEN ; Guanghua GUO ; Yongqing XU ; Lei YANG ; Wenqian ZHANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Xin TANG ; Hua CHEN ; Weiguo XU ; Shuquan GUO ; Yong LIU ; Xiaodong GUO ; Zhewei YE ; Liming XIONG ; Tian XIA ; Hongbin WU ; Qisheng ZHOU ; Mengfei LIU ; Yiqiang HU ; Yanjiu HAN ; Hang XUE ; Kangkang ZHA ; Wei CHEN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Bin YU ; Jiacan SU ; Peifu TANG ; Baoguo JIANG ; Guohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(5):421-432
Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.
5.Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury (version 2025)
Aijun XU ; Shuixia LI ; Bo CHEN ; Mengyuan YE ; Lejiao LANG ; Ning NING ; Lin ZHANG ; Changqing LIU ; Zhonglan CHEN ; Weihu MA ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoning WANG ; Dongmei BIAN ; Jiancheng ZENG ; Xin WANG ; Yuan GAO ; Yaping CHEN ; Jiali CHEN ; Yun HAN ; Xiuting LI ; Yang ZHOU ; Xiaojing SU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Tianwen HUANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Hua LIN ; Xingling XIAO ; Ruifeng XU ; Fanghui DONG ; Bing HAN ; Luo FAN ; Yanling PEI ; Suyun LI ; Xiaoju TAN ; Rongchen GUO ; Yefang ZOU ; Xiaoyun HAN ; Junqin DING ; Yi WANG ; Shuhua DENG ; Jinli GUO ; Yinhua LIANG ; Yuan CEN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Junru CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Lunlan LI ; Ying REN ; Yunxia LI ; Jianli LU ; Ying YING ; Lan WEI ; Yin WANG ; Qinhong XU ; Yanqin ZHANG ; Yang LYU ; Shijun ZHANG ; Sui WENJIE ; Sanlian HU ; Shuhong YANG ; Guoqing LI ; Jingjing AN ; Baorong HE ; Leling FENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):530-541
Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.
6.Reconstruction of lacunar bone defect caused by giant cell tumor of the distal femur with a 3D printed modular supporting prosthesis
Minxun LU ; Linyun TAN ; Xin HU ; Zihan PENG ; Zhuangzhuang LI ; Wacili DA ; Xuanhong HE ; Weiyi WANG ; Yitian WANG ; Yi LUO ; Chongqi TU ; Li MIN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(10):686-692
Objective:To observe the early clinical efficacy of 3D-printed modular supporting prosthesis for reconstruction of lacunar bone defect caused by giant cell tumor of the distal femur.Methods:From May 2018 to July 2023, a total of 9 patients with giant cell tumor of the distal femur were treated with 3D-printed modular supporting prosthesis to reconstruct lacunar bone defects in the Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. There were 4 males and 5 females, aged 30.8±6.1 years (range, 24-44 years), 5 cases on the left side, 4 cases on the right side, 2 cases of Campanacci grade I, 7 cases of Campanacci grade II. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and T-SMART tomosynthesis imaging of the knee joint were taken to observe the bone graft healing and osseointegration after operation. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS)-93 was used to evaluate knee function, and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate knee pain.Results:All patients were successfully operated and followed up for an average of 30.8±7.5 months (range, 18-42 months). The operation time was 124.2±23.6 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 105.6±17.4 ml. All autografts showed bony union at the graft-host junction, and the healing time was 3.3±0.4 months (range, 3.0-4.0 months). At 6 months after surgery, T-SMART tomosynthesis imaging showed that the gap between the prosthesis-bone interface was less than 1 mm in all patients. At the last follow-up, the thickness of residual subchondral bone was 5.7±1.3 mm, which was greater than that before operation 2.2±0.8 mm, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.823, P<0.001). At the last follow-up, the score of MSTS-93 was 26.7±2.4, which was higher than that before operation 18.8±3.7, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=5.367, P<0.001). At the last follow-up, the range of motion of the knee joint was 122.8°±9.1°, which was higher than that before operation 108.3°±6.1°, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.970, P<0.001). All patients were able to walk normally, go up and down stairs and other daily activities, and 7 patients were able to complete squats. At the last follow-up, there was no local tumor recurrence, distant metastasis, death, joint infection, pain (VAS score was 0), delayed wound healing, joint degeneration, prosthesis loosening or articular surface collapse. Conclusion:Reconstruction of lacunar bone defect caused by giant cell tumor of distal femur with 3D-printed modular supporting prosthesis can effectively improve knee joint function and osseointegration, and the short-term clinical results are satisfactory.
7.Function of flavoprotein monooxygenases in natural product biosynthesis.
Meng-Ya CHENG ; Chang LIU ; He-Xin TAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):71-77
Flavoprotein monooxygenases(FPMOs) and cytochrome P450(CYP450) oxygenases are pivotal monooxygenases in nature, catalyzing crucial redox reactions in diverse biological processes and contributing to the synthesis of highly complex natural products. While CYP450 enzymes have been extensively reported and studied, numerous FPMOs have also been discovered in past research endeavors, yet their classification, catalytic reactions, and catalytic mechanisms remain to be systematically analyzed. This paper comprehensively reviews the latest advancements in FPMOs research, initiating with a classification based on sequence similarities and distinct structural features. It delves into the catalytic characteristics of three subfamilies(FMO, BVMO, and NMO) within Class B FPMOs of plants, which are integral to biosynthetic pathways of natural products. Class B FPMOs encompass two canonical Rossmann fold motifs(FAD-binding GxGxxG and NADPH-binding GxGxxA), along with a central FMO recognition motif FxGxxxHxxxF/Y/W. These enzymes play a key role in regulating various metabolic routes and precisely modulate plant growth and development. Furthermore, the review summarizes the applications of Class B FPMOs of plants, showcasing through concrete examples their potential in synthesizing natural products such as auxins, indigo, and cyanogenic glycosides. These insights will broaden and deepen our understanding of FPMOs, fostering their transition from fundamental research to practical applications. More optimized biosynthetic pathways can be devised by leveraging FPMOs, conducive to the development of novel strategies and tools for agriculture, plant protection, natural product biosynthesis, and synthetic biology.
Biological Products/metabolism*
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Mixed Function Oxygenases/chemistry*
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Flavoproteins/chemistry*
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Plants/metabolism*
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Plant Proteins/chemistry*
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Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics*
8.Polygonatum Sibiricum Polysaccharides Improve Colonic Injury in a Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism in the Colon
Wanrong LI ; Mengting TAO ; Yuanfeng ZOU ; Dan HE ; Nengyuan TANG ; Xin TAN ; Lixia LI ; Dandan CHEN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):431-443
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Polygonatum neutral polysaccharides from sibiricum (PSP-NP) on colon injury in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a COPD model group, and a PSP-NP group. The COPD model was established using smoke exposure combined with intranasal LPS administration. The PSP-NP group was simultaneously treated daily with 200 mg/kg of PSP-NP via intragastric gavage, while the other groups received an equal volume of saline. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the colon. ELISA was employed to detect the levels of LPS in serum and the expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, IL-6, and TNF-α in colon tissue. UPLC-MS was used to detect the types and contents of bile acids in colonic content, and to screen for differential bile acids. Differential microbial flora were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and correlation analysis was conducted with differential bile acids. PSP-NP was combined with the differential bile acids cholic acid (CA), and deoxycholic acid (DCA) in vitro to analyze the binding capacity of PSP-NP for CA and DCA. PSP-NP was applied to NCM460 normal colonic epithelial cells cultured in CA and DCA. Cell migration ability was assessed using the scratch assay, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB were measured by RT-qPCR. ResultsPSP-NP effectively improved colonic damage in COPD model mice, enhanced mechanical barrier function, alleviated inflammatory response, and regulated abnormal changes in colonic flora and bile acid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed that PSP-NP regulated colonic bile acid metabolism and reduced the redundancy of secondary bile acids by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia, while decreasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Notably, in vitro binding assays demonstrated that PSP-NP bound to differential bile acids DCA and CA, with the strongest binding capacity for DCA at 58.2%. In cellular functional studies, DCA inhibited the migration ability of colonic epithelial cells NCM460 and significantly increased the relative mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB. Importantly, co-treatment with PSP-NP significantly ameliorated the impact of DCA on NCM460 cells. ConclusionsPSP-NP may significantly improve colonic damage in COPD model mice. The mechanism may involve the regulation of colonic bile acid metabolism and bile acid profiles through both microbial modulation and direct binding, thereby reducing the damage caused by secondary bile acids such as DCA to colonic epithelial cells.
9.Resveratrol protects against oxidative stress damage during sperm cryopreservation by mediating the NRF2 signaling pathway
Lei XIN ; Yutong ZHANG ; Liting LIU ; Jing TAN ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Zongliu DUAN ; Yang GAO ; Jun YANG ; Biao YU ; Qunshan SHEN ; Xiaojin HE
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(10):1038-1046
Objective:To investigate the protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) on human sperm cryopreservation and explore its underlying protective mechanisms.Methods:A total of 165 normal fresh semen samples were collected from the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Human Sperm Bank of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between December 2022 and December 2024. Among them, 65 samples were used to obtain semen parameters before and after conventional freezing. Each sample of the other 104 samples was mixed at a 2∶1 volume ratio with cryoprotectant containing 0, 10 -?, 10 -?, or 10 -? mol/L RSV, followed by cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. Post-thaw assessments included routine sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) evaluated by sperm chromatin dispersion assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels measured via flow cytometry, RSV and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) interactions examined by molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), NRF2 protein contents analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, mRNA levels of NRF2 and downstream antioxidant proteins Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) quantified by qRT-PCR and effects of NRF2 inhibitor ML385 on sperm parameters. Results:Compared with fresh samples, conventional cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm motility (all P<0.001). The addition of 10 -? mol/L RSV significantly improved the percentage of forward motile sperm after freezing (26.98%±8.98% vs. 19.61%±8.03%, P<0.001) while reducing DFI (9.84%±3.81% vs. 15.06%±4.22%, P<0.001) and ROS levels ( P<0.001) compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV. Both molecular docking analysis and CETSA confirmed that RSV interacted with NRF2. Notably, sperm cryopreserved with 10 -? mol/L RSV exhibited significantly higher contents of NRF2 and its downstream effectors HO-1 and NQO1 compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV (all P<0.001). This protective effect was markedly attenuated by co-treatment with the NRF2 inhibitor ML385, as evidenced by a significant decline in sperm motility ( P<0.001). Conclusion:RSV exerts cryoprotective effects likely through NRF2-mediated antioxidant pathways, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing post-thaw sperm quality.
10.Resveratrol protects against oxidative stress damage during sperm cryopreservation by mediating the NRF2 signaling pathway
Lei XIN ; Yutong ZHANG ; Liting LIU ; Jing TAN ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Zongliu DUAN ; Yang GAO ; Jun YANG ; Biao YU ; Qunshan SHEN ; Xiaojin HE
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(10):1038-1046
Objective:To investigate the protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) on human sperm cryopreservation and explore its underlying protective mechanisms.Methods:A total of 165 normal fresh semen samples were collected from the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Human Sperm Bank of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between December 2022 and December 2024. Among them, 65 samples were used to obtain semen parameters before and after conventional freezing. Each sample of the other 104 samples was mixed at a 2∶1 volume ratio with cryoprotectant containing 0, 10 -?, 10 -?, or 10 -? mol/L RSV, followed by cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. Post-thaw assessments included routine sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) evaluated by sperm chromatin dispersion assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels measured via flow cytometry, RSV and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) interactions examined by molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), NRF2 protein contents analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, mRNA levels of NRF2 and downstream antioxidant proteins Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) quantified by qRT-PCR and effects of NRF2 inhibitor ML385 on sperm parameters. Results:Compared with fresh samples, conventional cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm motility (all P<0.001). The addition of 10 -? mol/L RSV significantly improved the percentage of forward motile sperm after freezing (26.98%±8.98% vs. 19.61%±8.03%, P<0.001) while reducing DFI (9.84%±3.81% vs. 15.06%±4.22%, P<0.001) and ROS levels ( P<0.001) compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV. Both molecular docking analysis and CETSA confirmed that RSV interacted with NRF2. Notably, sperm cryopreserved with 10 -? mol/L RSV exhibited significantly higher contents of NRF2 and its downstream effectors HO-1 and NQO1 compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV (all P<0.001). This protective effect was markedly attenuated by co-treatment with the NRF2 inhibitor ML385, as evidenced by a significant decline in sperm motility ( P<0.001). Conclusion:RSV exerts cryoprotective effects likely through NRF2-mediated antioxidant pathways, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing post-thaw sperm quality.

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