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.Path analysis of the influencing factors on subjective well-being in stroke patients based on structural equation modeling
Shiqing ZHANG ; Xuejun XU ; Man DENG ; Yue YANG ; Xiaocui DUAN ; Yujiao SHAO ; Min LI ; Xiumu YANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(29):2293-2300
Objective:To investigate the current status of subjective well-being among stroke patients, and to explore the pathways and effects of influencing factors using structural equation model, so as to provide reference for improving subjective well-being among stroke patients.Methods:From July to November 2024, the stroke patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Hefei First People′s Hospital were selected by convenience sampling method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general demographic questionnaire, General Well-Being Scale, Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale, Stroke Symptom Cluster Scale, and FRAIL Scale, and AMOS 26.0 was used to analyse the pathways and effects of influencing factors of subjective well-being.Results:A total of 435 questionnaires were collected, 410 were valid.Among 410 cases, 266 case were males, 144 were females, with an age of (65.96 ± 12.15) years. The subjective well-being scores of stroke patients were (72.58 ± 11.66) points. Cognitive reserve and social support were positively correlated with subjective well-being ( r = 0.517, 0.554, both P<0.01), while symptom burden and frailty were negatively correlated with subjective well-being ( r = -0.687, -0.670, both P<0.01). Path analysis showed that symptom burden, frailty, cognitive reserve, and social support had a direct impact on subjective well-being (path coefficients were -0.500, -0.266, 0.148, and 0.144, respectively, all P<0.05), while cognitive reserve, social support, and symptom burden had an indirect impact on subjective well-being (path coefficients were 0.287, 0.249, and 0.108, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The subjective well-being of stroke patients is influenced by multiple factors, with symptom burden being an important factor affecting subjective well-being. Intervention strategies such as improving cognitive reserve, strengthening social support systems, and preventing frailty can improve the subjective well-being of patients.
8.Path analysis of the influencing factors on subjective well-being in stroke patients based on structural equation modeling
Shiqing ZHANG ; Xuejun XU ; Man DENG ; Yue YANG ; Xiaocui DUAN ; Yujiao SHAO ; Min LI ; Xiumu YANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(29):2293-2300
Objective:To investigate the current status of subjective well-being among stroke patients, and to explore the pathways and effects of influencing factors using structural equation model, so as to provide reference for improving subjective well-being among stroke patients.Methods:From July to November 2024, the stroke patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Hefei First People′s Hospital were selected by convenience sampling method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general demographic questionnaire, General Well-Being Scale, Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale, Stroke Symptom Cluster Scale, and FRAIL Scale, and AMOS 26.0 was used to analyse the pathways and effects of influencing factors of subjective well-being.Results:A total of 435 questionnaires were collected, 410 were valid.Among 410 cases, 266 case were males, 144 were females, with an age of (65.96 ± 12.15) years. The subjective well-being scores of stroke patients were (72.58 ± 11.66) points. Cognitive reserve and social support were positively correlated with subjective well-being ( r = 0.517, 0.554, both P<0.01), while symptom burden and frailty were negatively correlated with subjective well-being ( r = -0.687, -0.670, both P<0.01). Path analysis showed that symptom burden, frailty, cognitive reserve, and social support had a direct impact on subjective well-being (path coefficients were -0.500, -0.266, 0.148, and 0.144, respectively, all P<0.05), while cognitive reserve, social support, and symptom burden had an indirect impact on subjective well-being (path coefficients were 0.287, 0.249, and 0.108, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The subjective well-being of stroke patients is influenced by multiple factors, with symptom burden being an important factor affecting subjective well-being. Intervention strategies such as improving cognitive reserve, strengthening social support systems, and preventing frailty can improve the subjective well-being of patients.
9.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.
10.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.

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