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.Disease-syndrome Combination Animal Models in Andrology of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review and Prospects
Jigang CAO ; Jianxiong LIU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Aidi LIANG ; Xingyu JIANG ; Yanyan ZHOU ; Xiaoming YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):303-314
The disease-syndrome combination animal model in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) andrology serves as an important bridge linking TCM theory with modern medical research, providing a key experimental platform for elucidating the 'syndrome-disease' correlation mechanism in male-specific diseases and for screening effective prescriptions. This article reviews recent progress in animal model research on common TCM andrological diseases, including prostatic diseases, sexual dysfunction, and male infertility, with a focus on analyzing the application, advantages, and disadvantages of various modeling strategies, such as immune induction, hormonal intervention, and multi-factor combination across different syndrome types. However, despite breakthroughs in model construction techniques, current research still faces several challenges, including insufficient standardization of syndrome differentiation and difficulties in quantifying TCM-specific indicators. Future studies need to optimize model evaluation systems by integrating modern technologies, in order to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM andrology research.
4.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.
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 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.
7.Treatment of Asthenospermia and Infertility with Liver Constraint and Kidney Deficiency in 45 Cases by Shugan Bushen Yulin Decoction (疏肝补肾毓麟汤) and Vitamin E Soft Capsules: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Wang WANG ; Jigang CAO ; Min XIAO ; Yangyang ZHU ; Mengjie GAO ; Qikai WANG ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Heng HAO ; Siyi CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(18):1909-1914
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Shugan Bushen Yulin Decoction (疏肝补肾毓麟汤, SBYD) in the treatment of asthenospermia and infertility with liver constraint and kidney deficiency. MethodsA multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted in three hospitals in central China. Totally 95 patients with asthenospermia and infertility were controlled. According to random number table, the patients were divided into treatment group (47 cases) and control group (48 cases). The control group was given vitamin E soft capsules (100 mg per time, twice daily) orally, and the treatment group was given SBYD (one dose daily, 30 min after breakfast and dinner, about 200 ml each time) orally. The course of treatment was 12 weeks in both groups. After the treatment, the sperm concentration, percentage of forward motile sperm (PR), and percentage of total sperm activity, that is PR + percentage of non-progressively motile sperm (NP) were compared between groups, and the clinical efficacy was judged. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score (inlcuding 6 single symptom scores and total symptoms score) and 21-item depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) scores (including depression, anxiety and stress scores) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The patients were followed up for 6 months, and the pregnancy status of spouse between groups was compared. The occurrence of adverse events and vital signs during the trial were recorded for safety assessment. ResultsTwo cases in the treatment group and three cases in the control group dropped out. Finally, 45 cases in each group were included in the statistical analysis. The total effective rate was 86.67% (39/45) in the treatment group, significantly higher than 73.74% (33/45) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, PR and PR + NP significantly increased in both groups, and were much higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of lumbar and knee soreness, emotional disturbance, cold sperm, chest and rib-side and lesser abdomen distension and pain, frequent sighing, and the total TCM syndrome score in the treatment group decreased after treatment (P<0.05); and except for cold sperm, the scores of other symptoms mentioned above as well as the total TCM syndrome score in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of depression, anxiety and stress of DASS-21 in the treatment group decreased after treatment, and were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, the spouses of 5 patients in the treatment group and 3 patients in the control group got pregnant (P>0.05). No adverse events occurred in both groups during the treatment, and their vital signs were stable. ConclusionSBYD can obviously improve sperm vitality and effectively improve the clinical symptoms, anxiety and depression, and is safe in treating asthenospermia and infertility with liver constraint and kidney deficiency.
8.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.
9.Sishenwan Ameliorates Visceral Sensitivity in Rat Model of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency) by Regulating p38 MAPK/JNK/TRPV1 Pathway
Siqi LI ; Yunlian HU ; Chengxia SU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Na WEN ; Qian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):10-18
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and possible mechanism of Sishenwan in ameliorating visceral sensitivity in the rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. MethodForty male SPF-grade rats were randomly assigned into five groups: blank control, model, low- (3.51 g·kg-1) and high-dose (7.02 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, and Peifikang (0.54 g·kg-1) groups. Except the blank control group, the other groups underwent maternal separation stress and Sennae Folium decoction gavage for the modeling of IBS-D due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. After corresponding drug interventions, the general conditions of the rats were observed, and the number of defecation pellets within 6 h and the minimum threshold of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) were measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, gastrin (GAS), corticosterone (CORT), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe pathological changes in the colon tissue. Toluidine blue staining was used to assess mast cell degranulation in the colon tissue. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in the colon tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to measure the protein level of TRPV1 in the colon tissue, and immunofluorescence was used to detect the positive expression of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the colon tissue. ResultCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased number of defecation pellets within 6 h (P<0.01), decreased minimum threshold of AWR (P<0.01), elevated serum TNF-α level (P<0.01), lowered levels of GAS, CORT, and ACTH (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased mast cell degranulation rate (P<0.01), increased positive expression of TRPV1, SP, and CGRP (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated protein levels of p38 MAPK, JNK, TRPV1, and PAR2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose Sishenwan group showed increased minimum threshold of AWR (P<0.01), reduced defecation frequency in both the high-dose Sishenwan and Peifikang groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered TNF-α level (P<0.05, P<0.01), elevated levels of GAS, CORT, and ACTH (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased mast cell degranulation rate (P<0.01), reduced positive expression of TRPV1, SP, and CGRP (P<0.05, P<0.01), and downregulated protein levels of p38 MAPK, JNK, TRPV1, and PAR2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSishenwan can ameliorate visceral sensitivity in the rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency by regulating the p38 MAPK/JNK/TRPV1 signaling pathway.
10.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.

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