1.Effect and Mechanism of Icariin on Improving Spermatogenesis in Exercise-induced Fatigue Model Mice Through Regucalcin
Kunyang TANG ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Xiaoxue TAO ; Yue ZOU ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Zhipeng FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):117-127
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of icariin on spermatogenesis in mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsICR male mice were screened by swimming and randomly divided into normal group, model group, vitamin C group, icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses, and medium-dose icariin+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group, with 10 mice per group. Except for the normal group, all the other groups underwent weighted swimming training to establish an exercise-induced fatigue model. No gavage was administered during the first two weeks of the weighted training. From week three to four, the icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses received 0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 g·kg-1 icariin via gavage, respectively. The vitamin C group received 0.2 g·kg-1 vitamin C. The L-NAME group received 0.06 g·kg-1 icariin and 0.01 g·kg-1 L-NAME via intraperitoneal injection. The normal and model groups received equivalent physiological saline. After the experiment, body weight and the last exhaustive swimming time were recorded. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular testosterone (T), testicular Ca2+/Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (micro-assay), and the levels of testicular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured by using kits. Sperm CD46 levels were detected by flow cytometry. Testicular seminiferous tubules were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the testicular morphometric score (TMS) was used to evaluate the spermatogenic function. Protein expression of regucalcin (RGN, SMP30), cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein (GKAP1) was detected by Western blot. Testicular regucalcin expression was examined by immunofluorescence (IF). The epididymal sperm quality of mice was observed under a microscope. Fluorescence-stained sections of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8), synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3), and transition protein 1(TNP1) in testicular seminiferous tubules were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased body weight and exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), significantly increased fatigue markers (LA, LDH, and BUN) and lipid peroxidation product MDA (P<0.01), reduced testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), decreased sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and downregulated the expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1. Compared with the model group, the icariin group with high dose exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), reduced LA, LDH, BUN, and MDA levels (P<0.01), elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.01), upregulated testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), improved sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and enhanced STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 expression. Compared with the L-NAME group, the icariin group with medium dose showed increased expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 in the testicular tissue (P<0.01) and elevated cGMP and GKAP1 levels (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise-induced fatigue reduces the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1 in mice, thereby causing abnormal spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function in mice. Icariin ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction in exercise-induced fatigue mice by promoting the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1, thereby mitigating the damage of exercise-induced fatigue to the reproductive system.
2.Effect and Mechanism of Icariin on Improving Spermatogenesis in Exercise-induced Fatigue Model Mice Through Regucalcin
Kunyang TANG ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Xiaoxue TAO ; Yue ZOU ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Zhipeng FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):117-127
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of icariin on spermatogenesis in mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsICR male mice were screened by swimming and randomly divided into normal group, model group, vitamin C group, icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses, and medium-dose icariin+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group, with 10 mice per group. Except for the normal group, all the other groups underwent weighted swimming training to establish an exercise-induced fatigue model. No gavage was administered during the first two weeks of the weighted training. From week three to four, the icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses received 0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 g·kg-1 icariin via gavage, respectively. The vitamin C group received 0.2 g·kg-1 vitamin C. The L-NAME group received 0.06 g·kg-1 icariin and 0.01 g·kg-1 L-NAME via intraperitoneal injection. The normal and model groups received equivalent physiological saline. After the experiment, body weight and the last exhaustive swimming time were recorded. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular testosterone (T), testicular Ca2+/Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (micro-assay), and the levels of testicular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured by using kits. Sperm CD46 levels were detected by flow cytometry. Testicular seminiferous tubules were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the testicular morphometric score (TMS) was used to evaluate the spermatogenic function. Protein expression of regucalcin (RGN, SMP30), cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein (GKAP1) was detected by Western blot. Testicular regucalcin expression was examined by immunofluorescence (IF). The epididymal sperm quality of mice was observed under a microscope. Fluorescence-stained sections of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8), synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3), and transition protein 1(TNP1) in testicular seminiferous tubules were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased body weight and exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), significantly increased fatigue markers (LA, LDH, and BUN) and lipid peroxidation product MDA (P<0.01), reduced testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), decreased sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and downregulated the expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1. Compared with the model group, the icariin group with high dose exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), reduced LA, LDH, BUN, and MDA levels (P<0.01), elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.01), upregulated testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), improved sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and enhanced STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 expression. Compared with the L-NAME group, the icariin group with medium dose showed increased expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 in the testicular tissue (P<0.01) and elevated cGMP and GKAP1 levels (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise-induced fatigue reduces the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1 in mice, thereby causing abnormal spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function in mice. Icariin ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction in exercise-induced fatigue mice by promoting the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1, thereby mitigating the damage of exercise-induced fatigue to the reproductive system.
3.Mechanisms of Spermatogenic Dysfunction and Sperm Quality Degradation Induced by Propylthiouracil via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Rats and Interventional Effect of Shugan Bushen Yulin Decoction
Yuhao MENG ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min XIAO ; Chaoyang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):79-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms through which Shugan Bushen Yulin decoction ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction and sperm quality degradation caused by propylthiouracil (PTU) via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats. MethodsSixty male rats were randomly assigned into six groups: a control group, a model group, low- (6.75 g·kg-1), medium- (13.5 g·kg-1), and high-dose (27 g·kg-1) Shugan Bushen Yulin decoction groups, and an L-carnitine (0.27 g·kg-1) group, with ten rats in each group. Other groups except the control group were administrated with PTU (10 mg·kg-1) by gavage for 12 consecutive days. After the completion of modeling, rats were administrated with corresponding agents or normal saline (control group) via gavage for 28 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, rats were sacrificed, and the body and organ (testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle) weights were measured to calculate the organ indices. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the testes and epididymis, and the testicular spermatogenic function of rats was scored. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the rat serum. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling was adopted to assess the rate of testicular cell apoptosis. Western blot was conducted to determine the expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase (p-EIF2α), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase (EIF2α), and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in the testicular tissue of rats. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reductions in volumes and indexes of testes, epididymides, and seminal vesicles (P<0.01), pathological damage of testes and epididymides, and declines in spermatogenic function and sperm density and motility (P<0.01). In addition, the model group demonstrated elevated serum levels of TSH and MDA, lowered levels of T3, T4, FSH, LH, T, and E2, decreased activities of SOD and GSH-Px (P<0.05, P<0.01), an increased apoptosis rate of testicular cells (P<0.01), and up-regulated expression of GRP78, CHOP, p-PERK/PERK, p-EIF2α/EIF2α, and ATF4 in the testicular tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Shugan Bushen Yulin decoction at different doses improved the morphology and indexes of testes, epididymides, and seminal vesicles (P<0.05), restored the spermatogenic function (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the sperm density and motility (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the percentage of apoptotic testicular cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, the decoction lowered the serum level of MDA, elevated the serum levels of FSH, LH, T, and E2, and increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the expression levels of GRP78, CHOP, p-PERK/PERK, p-EIF2α/EIF2α, and ATF4 in the testicular tissue were down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShugan Bushen Yulin decoction can ameliorate the spermatogenic dysfunction and sperm quality degradation induced by PTU in a rat model of hypothyroidism by repairing the testicular oxidative damage and regulating the PERK/EIF2α/ATF4 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating spermatogenic cell apoptosis.
4.Effect of Zuoguiwan on Development of Skin Barrier in Neonatal Rat Model of Congenital Kidney Deficiency Based on Intercellular Connections
He YU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min ZHAO ; Yinjuan LYU ; Jian GONG ; Jigang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):11-18
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Zuoguiwan on the development of skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency and unveil the underlying mechanism. MethodsSixty rats were paired in a female-to-male ratio of 2∶1, and the pregnant rats were assigned into control, congenital kidney deficiency, and low- and high-dose (2 and 8 g·kg-1, respectively) Zuoguiwan groups. The pregnant rats in other groups except the control group were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress for the modeling of congenital kidney deficiency. The rats in the control group and congenital kidney deficiency group were administrated with normal saline by gavage, and those in Zuoguiwan groups with Zuoguiwan suspension by gavage from day 1 of pregnancy. The serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the neonatal rats on the day of birth was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The full-thickness skin of neonatal rats on the day of birth was removed from the same position on the back and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for observation of histopathological changes, measurement of skin thickness, and counting of hair follicles. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling was used to detect the apoptosis of skin tissue cells. The expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the expression of occludin, connexin 43 (Cx43), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the neonatal rats in the congenital kidney deficiency group showed a rise in the serum IL-6 level (P<0.01), decreases in stratum corneum thickness, skin thickness, and number of hair follicles (P<0.01), increases in the expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.01) and the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.01), and decreases in the expression of occludin, Cx43, ZO-1 (P<0.05). Compared with the congenital kidney deficiency group, the low- and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed declines in serum IL-6 level (P<0.05). The low-dose group showed increased number of hair follicles (P<0.05), and the high-dose group presented thickened stratum corneum (P<0.01), increased number of hair follicles (P<0.01), and down-regulated expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both Zuoguiwan groups showcased decreased number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the high-dose group showed up-regulated expression of occludin, Cx43, and ZO-1 in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can reduce the levels of IL-6 in the serum and IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue and improve the expression of intercellular junction proteins, thereby ameliorating the abnormal development of the skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency.
5.Effect of Zuoguiwan on Development of Skin Barrier in Neonatal Rat Model of Congenital Kidney Deficiency Based on Intercellular Connections
He YU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min ZHAO ; Yinjuan LYU ; Jian GONG ; Jigang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):11-18
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Zuoguiwan on the development of skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency and unveil the underlying mechanism. MethodsSixty rats were paired in a female-to-male ratio of 2∶1, and the pregnant rats were assigned into control, congenital kidney deficiency, and low- and high-dose (2 and 8 g·kg-1, respectively) Zuoguiwan groups. The pregnant rats in other groups except the control group were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress for the modeling of congenital kidney deficiency. The rats in the control group and congenital kidney deficiency group were administrated with normal saline by gavage, and those in Zuoguiwan groups with Zuoguiwan suspension by gavage from day 1 of pregnancy. The serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the neonatal rats on the day of birth was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The full-thickness skin of neonatal rats on the day of birth was removed from the same position on the back and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for observation of histopathological changes, measurement of skin thickness, and counting of hair follicles. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling was used to detect the apoptosis of skin tissue cells. The expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the expression of occludin, connexin 43 (Cx43), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the neonatal rats in the congenital kidney deficiency group showed a rise in the serum IL-6 level (P<0.01), decreases in stratum corneum thickness, skin thickness, and number of hair follicles (P<0.01), increases in the expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.01) and the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.01), and decreases in the expression of occludin, Cx43, ZO-1 (P<0.05). Compared with the congenital kidney deficiency group, the low- and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed declines in serum IL-6 level (P<0.05). The low-dose group showed increased number of hair follicles (P<0.05), and the high-dose group presented thickened stratum corneum (P<0.01), increased number of hair follicles (P<0.01), and down-regulated expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both Zuoguiwan groups showcased decreased number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the high-dose group showed up-regulated expression of occludin, Cx43, and ZO-1 in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can reduce the levels of IL-6 in the serum and IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue and improve the expression of intercellular junction proteins, thereby ameliorating the abnormal development of the skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency.
6.Effect and Mechanism of Action of Epimedii Folium Polysaccharides on Mice with Exercise-induced Fatigue Based on p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yue ZOU ; Min XIAO ; Yuhao MENG ; Kunyang TANG ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Zhipeng FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):20-28
ObjectiveTo study the effects of Epimedii Folium polysaccharides on mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore its possible mechanism of action. MethodICR male mice screened by swimming training were randomly divided into a control group, model group, vitamin C group, and low, medium, and high dose groups of Epimedii Folium polysaccharides, with eight mice in each group. The exercise-induced fatigue model was established by weight-bearing swimming training in each group except for the control group. After two weeks of weight-bearing swimming, the Epimedii Folium polysaccharide groups were given 100, 200, 400 mg∙kg-1 of Epimedii Folium polysaccharides by gavage, and the vitamin C group was given 200 mg∙kg-1 of vitamin C by gavage. The control group and the model group were given equal amounts of saline for 14 d. At the end of the experimental period, the body mass of the mice in each group and the time of last swimming due to exhaustion were recorded. Serum urea nitrogen (BUN), lactic acid (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidation (GSH-Px), myoglycogen (MG) in skeletal muscle, hepatic glycogen (HG) in the liver were detected by kits. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in muscle tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), phosphorylation (p)-p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), p-NF-κB, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in muscle tissue. The immunofluorescence (IF) method was used to detect the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in skeletal muscle tissue of mice in each group. ResultCompared with the control group, the body mass of mice in the model group decreased, and the time of last swimming due to exhaustion decreased (P<0.01). In addition, there were significantly higher serum levels of the fatigue metabolites LA, LDH, BUN, and lipid peroxidation product MDA (P<0.01) and decreased levels of MG, HG, SOD, and GSH-Px (P<0.01). The protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, p-NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in skeletal muscle tissue were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body mass and time of last swimming due to exhaustion of the mice in the low, medium, and high dose groups of Epimedii Folium polysaccharides and the vitamin C group were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the contents of LA, LDH, BUN, and MDA were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of MG, HG, SOD, and GSH-Px increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, ERK, p-NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in skeletal muscle tissue decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionEpimedii Folium polysaccharides can play a role in alleviating exercise-induced fatigue by inhibiting the p38 MARK/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the accumulation of metabolites, improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes, increasing the glycogen content of the body, and reducing inflammation in skeletal muscle.
7.Zuoguiwan Prevent Decreased Ovarian Reserve in Prenatal Stressed Offspring Rats via TLR4/NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway
Yinjuan LYU ; Weiheng ZHANG ; Siyi CHEN ; Wenjing TIAN ; Jian GONG ; Yuhao MENG ; Huan HE ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min ZHAO ; Min XIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):67-76
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Zuoguiwan on ovarian reserve in the female offspring rat model of prenatal stress (PS) and explore the mechanism based on Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB p65 (TLR4/NF-κB p65) signaling pathway. MethodThirty-two pregnant rats were prepared and randomized into four groups (n=8): control, model, Zuoguiwan (18.9 mg·kg-1), and vitamin E (1.44 mg·kg-1). Except the control group, the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) from day 11 of pregnancy, and the modeling was accompanied by gavage with corresponding drugs until delivery. The PS model was evaluated by the sucrose preference test, open field test, and serum corticosterone (CORT) level. The estrous cycle was monitored and the morphological changes in the ovarian tissue were observed. The serum levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the 75-day-old offspring rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate the ovarian reserve. The ovary and uterus indices were calculated. The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The morphology of the ovarian tissue in the offspring on the day of birth and day 75 after birth was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The transport of NF-κB p65 to the nucleus in the ovaries of the 75-day-old offspring was detected by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and other related proteins in the ovarian tissue was determined by Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group showed reduced primordial follicles in the offspring on the day of birth (P<0.01) as well as disturbed estrous cycle, decreased ovary index and uterus index (P<0.01), reduced corpus luteum, increased atretic follicles (P<0.01), lowered serum levels of AMH and E2 (P<0.01), elevated serum levels of LH, FSH, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, recombinant myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor (p-IκBα) (P<0.01) in the 75-day-old offspring rats. Compared with the model group, Zuoguiwan and vitamin E increased the primordial follicles in the offspring on the day of birth (P<0.01). Moreover, they resumed the estrous cycle, increased the ovary and uterine indices (P<0.05, P<0.01) and corpus luteum (P<0.01), reduced atretic follicles (P<0.01), elevated the serum levels of AMH and E2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of LH, FSH, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65, MyD88, and p-IκB-α (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the 75-day-old offspring. ConclusionZuoguiwan can improve the ovarian reserve in the offspring rat model of congenital kidney deficiency by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway.
8.A meta-analysis of related factors of depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in China
Xiaocui ZOU ; Xiaorong MAO ; Xuemei CHEN ; Qinghua JIANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(2):186-192
Objective:To systematically review the related factors of depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men(MSM)in China.Methods:CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,CBM,EMbase,Pubmed,CINAHL,Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 17,2023.After literature screening and data extraction,two researchers independently assessed the quality of included studies according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Results:A total of 21 articles with 11 822 participants were includ-ed.The results of meta-analysis showed that month income ≥3 000 yuan(OR=0.59),college degree or above(OR=0.59)and high self-esteem(OR=0.83)were protective factors,sexual role as the recipient(OR=1.68),dual sexual role(OR=1.41),multiple sexual partners(OR=1.65),sexual violence experience(OR=3.44),self-rated poor health status(OR=3.93),HIV/AIDS related discrimination(OR=1.13),HIV/AIDS related stress(OR=1.11)and suicidal tendency(OR=2.86)were risk factors for depressive symptoms.Conclusion:There are many related factors to the depressive symptoms of MSM.It is necessary to carry out early intervention on the basis of personalized assessment to reduce the occurrence of depressive symptoms among MSM.
9.Mechanism of Cuscutae Semen to Control Premature Ovarian Failure Based on Lipid and Atherosclerosis Pathways
Ying XIE ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Ruoyi SHI ; Jiawei ZHANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):109-118
ObjectiveThe active ingredients, action targets, and signaling pathways of Cuscutae Semen to control premature ovarian failure were initially predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, and an animal model of premature ovarian failure was constructed to explore the mechanism of Cuscutae Semen based on lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathways. MethodThe effective components and corresponding targets of drugs were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP), Swiss Target Prediction, Pharmmapper, and other databases. GeneCards database was used to collect disease-related targets. Venny2.1.0 online tool was used to screen out the intersection targets of drugs and diseases, and STRING database and Cytoscape v3.7.2 software were used to construct the network diagram of "drug-component-target" and protein-protein interaction (PPI). The gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the intersection targets were performed by running the R language script. The molecular docking technology was utilized to dock drug components with targets and visualize some of the docking results. The mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Cuscutae Semen group, and an estradiol valerate group, and the ovarian premature failure model was prepared by chronic stress. The blank group and the model group were gavaged with the same amount of normal saline, and the Cuscutae Semen group was given a Cuscutae Semen decoction of 2.6 g·kg-1·d-1. The estradiol valerate group was given an estradiol valerate solution of 0.13 mg·kg-1·d-1. After four weeks, samples were collected, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ovary. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), Muller's tube inhibitor/anti-Muller's tube hormone (AMH), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of extracellular regulatory protein kinase (ERK), nuclear transcription factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), nuclear transcription factor-κB suppressor α (IκBα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by Western blot. ResultA total of 171 targets of Cuscutae Semen for the prevention and treatment of premature ovarian failure were screened, mainly including tumor protein p53 (TP53), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), sarcoma (SRC), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), etc. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis predicts that Cuscutae Semen is mainly involved in lipid and atherosclerosis, TNF signaling pathway, and TP53 signaling pathway to control premature ovarian failure. The animal experiments show that compared with the premature ovarian failure model group, the Cuscutae Semen group can significantly upregulate AMH, E2, and HDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly downregulate LH, TC, and LDL-C (P<0.01), greatly reduce IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α protein levels, as well as ERK, NF-κB p65, and their phosphorylation levels (P<0.01). ConclusionCuscutae Semen can regulate hormone levels and improve ovarian function through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathways.
10.Youguiwan Reduces Airway Inflammation in COPD Rats with Syndrome of Kidney-Yang Deficiency by Inhibiting Leptin/JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Lan ZHENG ; Zeyuan LUO ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Yuhao MENG ; Siyi CHEN ; Jing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):17-26
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Youguiwan on the leptin/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in the lung tissue of the rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to kidney-Yang deficiency. MethodForty rats were modeled for COPD with the syndrome of kidney-Yang deficiency by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide on day 1 and day 14 and continuous fumigation for 6 weeks, during which hydrocortisone was injected intramuscularly at an interval of 3 days. The modeled rats were randomized into model, high- (11.7 g·kg-1), medium- (5.85 g·kg-1), and low-dose (2.93 g·kg-1) Youguiwan, and aminophylline (0.054 g·kg-1) group. In addition, 8 SD rats were set as the blank group. After the completion of modeling, the rats in each group were administrated with the corresponding drug by gavage for 28 consecutive days. After the last administration, samples were collected. A lung function analyzer was used to evaluate the lung function of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the lung tissue, and Masson staining was employed to observe the deposition of blue collagen fibers around bronchi in the lung tissue and calculate the inflammation score. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to measure the protein content of collagen type Ⅰ (ColⅠ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the bronchi. The protein and mRNA levels of leptin, IL-17A, JAK2, and STAT3 in the lung tissue were determined by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased lung function (P<0.01), elevated levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α in the BALF (P<0.01), and increased lung inflammation score, deposition of subcutaneous collagen fibers in the airway, and ColⅠ and α-SMA proteins (P<0.01). Furthermore, the modeling up-regulated the proteins and mRNA levels of leptin, IL-17A, JAK2, and STAT3 in the lung tissue (P<0.01) and enhanced the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Youguiwan improved the lung function, decreased the inflammation score, reduced collagen fiber deposition and ColⅠ and α-SMA proteins, lowered the levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α in the BALF, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of leptin, JAK2, STAT3, and IL-17A, and weakened the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The aminophylline group had higher IL-17A and TNF-α levels than the high-dose Youguiwan group, lower IL-17A level than the medium and low-dose Youguiwan groups, and lower TNF-α level than the low-dose Youguiwan group. Compared with the aminophylline group, the high- and medium-dose Youguiwan groups showed reduced deposition of collagen fibers and protein levels of ColⅠ and α-SMA around the bronchi in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased inflammation score, and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of leptin, JAK2, STAT3, and IL-17A in the lung tissue. ConclusionYouguiwan can prevent airway remodeling by inhibiting IL-17A to reduce inflammation and collagen deposition in COPD rats, which may be related to the inhibition of the leptin/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

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