Therapeutic Effects of Xianlu Oral Solution on Rats with Oligoasthenozoospermia through Alleviating Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress

Semen Quality, Testicular Cell Apoptosis, and Transcriptome Analysis Following Mild Scrotal Heat Stress in Wugu-Hu Crossbred and Hu Rams

Hu and Wugu × Hu rams underwent scrotal insulation to simulate mild heat stress, resulting in a 3.0 ± 0.1 °C increase in scrotal surface temperature. Semen samples were collected every five days from day 11 to 56, and testis samples immediately after insulation. Both breeds experienced similar semen quality reductions and recovery trends, including reduced motility, concentration and the percentage of morphologically normal, but on days 41 and 46, Wugu-Hu rams exhibited significantly lower sperm motility than Hu rams (p < 0.05). Wugu-Hu rams demonstrate more transcriptomic changes. Further GO analysis revealed enrichment in spermatogenesis-related processes, while KEGG analysis identified Oocyte meiosis and cell cycle pathways, with a downregulation of key genes (CDK1, CDK2, CDC20, and PLK1) indicating impaired meiosis in Wugu-Hu rams. In contrast, Hu rams showed minimal transcriptional changes, contrary to the transcriptomic results. The significantly increased apoptosis rate of Wugu-Hu sheep testicular cells (p < 0.05) suggests compensatory or post-transcriptional mechanisms mitigating functional impacts caused by transcriptomic changes. The conclusion is that mild scrotal heat stress affects sperm quality and testicular gene expression. Wugu-Hu rams demonstrate greater transcriptomic sensitivity, but this does not show significant differences in semen quality recovery due to the compensatory mechanism of cell apoptosis.

The protective effects of active ingredients from acrorus tatarinowii on sperm and their molecular mechanisms

PURPOSE

To investigate the therapeutic potential of Acrorus tatarinowii in oligoasthenozoospermia and its related mechanism through modulation of the BCL2/Bax/Caspase3 signaling pathway.

METHODS

Initially, using the TCMSP and Disgenet databases, active ingredients of Acrorus tatarinowii were identified and their target genes associated with sperm-related diseases were elucidated.Subsequently, an oligoasthenozoospermia mouse model was induced and treated with Acrorus tatarinowii. Serum hormone levels were assessed by ELISA, testicular histopathology by HE staining, and target gene expression by qPCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Acrorus tatarinowii treatment significantly upregulated BCL2 expression in the testes of oligoasthenozoospermic rat. This was accompanied by improved histopathological features in testicular tissues, reduced LH and FSH levels in serum.

CONCLUSION

Acrorus tatarinowii exerts therapeutic effects in oligoasthenozoospermia by regulating the BCL2/Bax/Caspase3 pathway, maybe by inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting germ cell proliferation. These findings highlight its potential as a natural remedy for male infertility associated with sperm function disorders.

Moxibustion prevents tripterygium glycoside-induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in rats via reduced oxidative stress and modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) decreases male fertility, seriously affecting the production of offspring. This study clarified the preventive impact of different moxibustion frequencies on OAT and selected the optimal frequency to elucidate the underlying mechanism. An OAT rat model was constructed by gavage of tripterygium glycosides (TGS) suspension. Daily moxibustion (DM) or alternate-day moxibustion (ADM) was administered on the day of TGS suspension administration. Finally, we selected DM for further study based on sperm quality and DNA fragmentation index, testicular and epididymal morphology, and reproductive hormone level results. Subsequently, the oxidative stress (OS) status was evaluated by observing the OS indices levels; malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in testicular tissue using colorimetry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythropoietin-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were evaluated using Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was employed to locate and assess the expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein, while quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect their mRNA expression. MDA and 8-OHdG levels decreased following DM treatment, while T-SOD and T-AOC increased, suggesting that DM may prevent TGS-induced OAT in rats by decreasing OS in the testis. Furthermore, protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the testis were elevated, indicating that DM may reduce OS by activating the signaling pathway of Nrf2/HO-1. Therefore, DM could prevent OAT in rats via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thereby presenting a promising therapeutic approach against OAT.

A comprehensive review of Tripterygium wilfordii hook. f. in the treatment of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases: Bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and future directions

Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases are a group of immune system-related disorders wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the body's tissues and organs. This excessive immune response leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and functional impairment. Therapeutic approaches typically involve medications that regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and target specific damaged organs. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has been widely studied in recent years for its application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. Numerous studies have shown that preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and immunosuppressive effects, which effectively improve the symptoms and quality of life of patients with autoimmune diseases, whereas the active metabolites of T. wilfordii have been demonstrated to inhibit immune cell activation, regulate the production of inflammatory factors, and modulate the immune system. However, although these effects contribute to reductions in inflammatory responses and the suppression of autoimmune reactions, as well as minimize tissue and organ damage, the underlying mechanisms of action require further investigation. Moreover, despite the efficacy of T. wilfordii in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, its toxicity and side effects, including its potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, warrant a thorough assessment. Furthermore, to maximize the therapeutic benefits of this plant in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and enable more patients to utilize these benefits, efforts should be made to strengthen the regulation and standardized use of T. wilfordii.