The ameliorative effect of monotropein, astragalin, and spiraeoside on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial signaling pathway in varicocelized rats

Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Semen cuscutae in treating recurrent spontaneous abortion based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Background: This paper aims to analyse the active components of Semen cuscutae (SC) by network pharmacology and screen the most stable compounds with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by molecular docking to explore the mechanisms of SC treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and provide a theoretical basis for drug development. Methods: The active compounds of SC and the potential inflammatory targets of RSA were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and GeneCards, respectively. The RSA-SC target gene interaction network was obtained and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were obtained from DAVID to further explore the RSA mechanism and therapeutic effects of SC. Interactions between TNF-α and drugs were analysed by molecular docking. Treatment of human trophoblast cells with sesamin and TNF-α was carried out to detect their proliferative and apoptotic abilities, and WB assay was carried out to detect EGFR, PTGS2, and CASP3 protein expression. Results: Ten compounds and 128 target genes were screened from SC, of which 79 overlapped with RSA target inflammatory genes, which were considered potential therapeutic targets. Network pharmacological analysis showed that sesamin, matrine, matrol, and other SC compounds had a good correlation with the inflammatory target genes of RSA. Related genes included PGR, PTGS1, PTGS2, TGFB1, and CHRNA7. Several signalling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of RSA, such as the TNF-α signalling pathway, HIF-1 signalling pathway, oestrogen signalling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer cells, and FoxO signalling pathway. Molecular docking results suggested that sesamin was the most suitable natural tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi). Sesamin can promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in human trophoblasts by downregulating EGFR and CASP3 expression and upregulating PTGS2 expression. Conclusion: Our findings play an important role and basis for further research into the molecular mechanism of SC treatment of RSA and drug development of TNFi.

Impact of Varicocele on Testicular Oxidative Stress and Sperm Parameters in Experimental Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Varicocele has been associated with high seminal oxidative stress (OS), impaired semen quality, and reduced male fertility potential. However, the exact mechanism(s) underlying the development of varicocele-mediated infertility and the cause-effect relationship between varicocele and testicular dysfunction are not fully understood. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) is to investigate the impact of varicocele on testicular OS markers and sperm parameters in experimental animals with varicocele as compared to animals without varicocele.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed using the Scopus and PubMed databases on studies that investigated testicular OS markers and sperm parameters in animals with varicocele. The primary outcomes included malondialdehyde (MDA) (nmol/mg) levels whereas the secondary outcomes included total sperm count (×106), sperm vitality (%), total sperm motility (%), and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) (%). Standardized mean difference (SMD) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was chosen to express the effect size. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cambridge Quality Checklist.

RESULTS

Out of 76 identified articles, 6 studies on rats were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis showed a significant increase of MDA (SMD: 15.61 [1.93, 29.29]; p=0.03) in rats with varicocele vs. controls. We also observed a significant decrease in total sperm count (SMD: -17.45 [-28.97, -5.93]; p<0.01), sperm vitality (SMD: -16.41 [-26.30, -6.52]; p<0.01), total sperm motility (SMD: -17.67 [-24.90, -10.44]; p<0.01), and a significant increase of SDF (SMD: 7.41 [1.23, 13.59]; p=0.02), in rats with varicocele vs. controls. The quality of the included studies was ranked as high.

CONCLUSIONS

This SRMA indicates a significant increase in levels of testicular MDA and SDF and a reduction of sperm quality in experimental animals with varicocele. These findings support the potential role of testicular OS in the development of varicocele-induced testicular damage.

Therapeutic potentials of iridoids derived from Rubiaceae against in vitro and in vivo inflammation: A scoping review

Acute inflammation may develop into chronic, life-threatening inflammation-related diseases if left untreated or if there are persistent triggering factors. Cancer, diabetes mellitus, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders are some of the inflammation-related diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite that, conventional medical therapy such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with serious adverse effects; hence, there is an urgent need for a newer and safer therapeutic alternative from natural sources. Iridoids are naturally occurring heterocyclic monoterpenoids commonly found in Rubiaceae plants. Plant extracts from the Rubiaceae family were demonstrated to have medicinal benefits against neurodegeneration, inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperglycaemia, and cancer. However, the therapeutic effects of natural iridoids derived from Rubiaceae as well as their prospective impacts on inflammation in vitro and in vivo have not been thoroughly explored. The databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for pertinent articles in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 31 pertinent articles from in vitro and in vivo studies on the anti-inflammatory potentials of iridoids from Rubiaceae were identified. According to current research, genipin, geniposide, and monotropein are the most researched iridoids from Rubiaceae that reduce inflammation. These iridoids primarily act by attenuating inflammatory cytokines and mediators via inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway in various disease models. A comprehensive overview of the current research on the anti-inflammatory properties of iridoids from the Rubiaceae family is presented in this review, highlighting the characteristics of the experimental models used as well as the mechanisms of action of these iridoids. To develop an alternative therapeutic agent from iridoids, more studies are needed to elucidate the effects and mechanism of action of iridoids in a wide variety of experimental models as well as in clinical studies pertaining to inflammation-related diseases.

Nomograms for Predicting Postoperative Sperm Improvements in Varicocele Patients

Background

Varicocele is a condition that seriously affects male fertility. It can cause pathological changes in the testicles and affect their spermatogenesis and endocrine function.

Objective

To formulate nomograms to predict sperm improvements after microscopic varicocelectomy.

Design setting and participants

A retrospective analysis was conducted on varicocele patients who met the research criteria and were enrolled from March 2020 to June 2022. They were divided into a development and a validation cohort in a 2:1 ratio.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Data on preoperative testicular atrophy index, bilateral testicular elastic modulus, testosterone, pre- and postoperative 6-mo total sperm count, sperm concentration, and sperm vitality were collected. An increase of ≥25% is considered a postoperative improvement in sperm parameters. Predictive nomograms were constructed through forward stepwise LR regression, based on independent risk factors filtered by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were employed to assess the performance of the models.

Results and limitations

The areas under the curve of nomograms for predicting the postoperative improvement of total sperm count, sperm concentration, and sperm vitality were 0.915, 0.986, and 0.924 respectively. The nomogram models demonstrated good predictive performance. The single-center sample size was a limitation of this study.

Conclusions

In this study, we developed effective predictive nomogram models for anticipating postoperative improvements in sperm quality among varicocele patients. These models offer a significant value in providing accurate predictions of surgical outcomes. However, it is crucial to conduct further external validation.

Patient summary

In this study, a predictive nomogram model was constructed for assessing the improvement of sperm quality in varicocele patients after surgery. The model offered satisfactory results.

Insight into inflammation involvement in varicocele: A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Varicocele is one of the main causes of male infertility. Although the pathophysiology mechanism of varicocele is very well described and understood, there are some unanswered questions that remains unknown. Some studies have previously described the state of testicular inflammation and sperm in animal models, especially the mouse model, and the seminal plasma of men with varicocele, with or without changes in semen parameters.

METHODS OF STUDY

This review intended to verify the role of inflammatory mechanism in varicocele, using clinical studies as well as animal model studies on the effect of inflammation caused by varicocele on the function of testicular somatic and germ cells.

RESULTS

In-vivo studies confirmed whether anti-inflammatory molecules could treat the semen of men with varicocele and rats with varicocele. The use of different anti-inflammatory agents in mouse model studies provided a new perspective for future clinical studies to investigate the effect of concurrent treatment with surgery to improve surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Similar to animal model studies, previously conducted clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy in varicocele patients. However, clinical trials using anti-inflammatory are needed to be conducted agents to evaluate different aspects of this therapeutical approach in varicocele patients.

Astragalin: a food-origin flavonoid with therapeutic effect for multiple diseases

Naturally occurring flavonoids have long been utilized as essential templates for the development of novel drugs and as critical ingredients for functional foods. Astragalin (AG) is a natural flavonoid that can be isolated from a variety of familiar edible plants, such as the seeds of green tea, Morus alba L., and Cuscuta chinensis. It is noteworthy that AG has a wide range of pharmacological activities and possesses therapeutic effects against a variety of diseases, covering cancers, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, ulcerative colitis, mastitis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, diabetic complications, ischemia/reperfusion injury, neuropathy, respiratory diseases, and reproductive system diseases. This article reviewed the natural source and pharmacokinetics of AG and systematically summarized the pharmacological activities and potential mechanisms of AG in treating diverse diseases in order to promote the development of AG as a functional food, in doing so providing references for its clinical application in disease therapy.

Potential antioxidant, anticholinergic, antidiabetic and antiglaucoma activities and molecular docking of spiraeoside as a secondary metabolite of onion (Allium cepa)

Onion contains many dietary and bioactive components including phenolics and flavonoids. Spiraeoside (quercetin-4-O-β-D-glucoside) is one of the most putative flavonoids in onion. Several antioxidant techniques were used in this investigation to assess the antioxidant capabilities of spiraeoside, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·) scavenging, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine radical (DMPD•+) scavenging, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical (ABTS•+) scavenging activities, cupric ions (Cu2+) reducing and potassium ferric cyanide reduction abilities. In contrast, the water-soluble α-tocopherol analogue trolox and the conventional antioxidants butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and α-tocopherol were utilized as the standards for evaluation. Spiraeoside scavenged the DPPH radicals an IC50 of 28.51 μg/mL (r2: 0.9705) meanwhile BHA, BHT, trolox, and α-tocopherol displayed IC50 of 10.10 μg/mL (r2: 0.9015), 25.95 μg/mL (r2: 0.9221), 7.059 μg/mL (r2: 0.9614) and 11.31 μg/mL (r2: 0.9642), accordingly. The results exhibited that spiraeoside had effects similar to BHT, but less potent than α-tocopherol, trolox and BHA. Also, inhibitory effects of spiraeoside were evaluated toward some metabolic enzymes including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) and α-glycosidase, which are related to a number of illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), diabetes mellitus and glaucoma disorder. Spiraeoside exhibited IC50 values of 4.44 nM (r2: 0.9610), 7.88 nM (r2: 0.9784), 19.42 nM (r2: 0.9673) and 29.17 mM (r2: 0.9209), respectively against these enzymes. Enzyme inhibition abilities were compared to clinical used inhibitors including acetazolamide (for CA II), tacrine (for AChE and BChE) and acarbose (for α-glycosidase). Spiraeoside demonstrated effective antioxidant, anticholinergic, antidiabetic and antiglaucoma activities. With these properties, it has shown that Spiraeoside has the potential to be a medicine for some metabolic diseases.

Natural anti-inflammatory products for osteoarthritis: From molecular mechanism to drug delivery systems and clinical trials

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions globally. The present nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatments have different side effects, leading researchers to focus on natural anti-inflammatory products (NAIPs). To review the effectiveness and mechanisms of NAIPs in the cellular microenvironment, examining their impact on OA cell phenotype and organelles levels. Additionally, we summarize relevant research on drug delivery systems and clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to promote clinical studies and explore natural product delivery options. English-language articles were searched on PubMed using the search terms "natural products," "OA," and so forth. We categorized search results based on PubChem and excluded "natural products" which are mix of ingredients or compounds without the structure message. Then further review was separately conducted for molecular mechanisms, drug delivery systems, and RCTs later. At present, it cannot be considered that NAIPs can thoroughly prevent or cure OA. Further high-quality studies on the anti-inflammatory mechanism and drug delivery systems of NAIPs are needed, to determine the appropriate drug types and regimens for clinical application, and to explore the combined effects of different NAIPs to prevent and treat OA.

Monotropein alleviates sepsis-elicited acute lung injury via the NF-κB pathway

OBJECTIVES

To address the effect and mechanism of Monotropein (Mon) on sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

METHODS

ALI model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse lung epithelial cell lines (MLE-12) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-treated mice, respectively. The function of Mon was examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), pathological staining, the pulmonary function examination, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labellingand western blot.

RESULTS

Mon increased the LPS-reduced viability but decreased the LPS-evoked apoptosis rate in MLE-12 cells. Mon suppressed the concentrations and protein expressions of proinflammatory factors, and the expressions of fibrosis-related proteins in LPS-challenged MLE-12 cells compared with LPS treatment alone. Mechanically, Mon downregulated the levels of NF-κB pathway, which was confirmed with the application of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Correspondingly, RANKL reversed the ameliorative effect of Mon on the proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, Mon improved the pathological manifestations, apoptosis, the W/D ratio and pulmonary function indicators in CLP-treated mice. Consistently, Mon attenuated inflammation, fibrosis and NF-κB pathway in CLP-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Mon inhibited apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis to alleviate sepsis-evoked ALI via the NF-κB pathway.

Positive Effects of the Nutraceutical Association of Lycopene and Selenium in Experimental Varicocele

Many natural substances commonly found in healthy diets have been studied for their potential to reduce male infertility associated with varicocele. A positive role of selenium (Se) or lycopene alone was demonstrated in experimental varicocele, while no data are available on their association. One group of male Sprague-Dawley rats was sham operated and daily treated with Se (3 mg/kg, i.p.), lycopene (1 mg/kg, i.p.), or their association. A second group underwent surgery to induce varicocele. Sham and half of the varicocele animals were sacrificed after twenty-eight days, while the residual animals were treated for one more month and then sacrificed. In varicocele animals, testosterone levels and testes weight were reduced, Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression was absent in the tubules and increased in Leydig cells, caspare-3 was increased, seminiferous epithelium showed evident structural changes, and many apoptotic germ cells were demonstrated with TUNEL assay. The treatment with lycopene or Se alone significantly increased testis weight and testosterone levels, reduced apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, improved the tubular organization, decreased HIF-1α positivity of Leydig cells, and restored its tubular positivity. Lycopene or Se association showed a better influence on all biochemical and morphological parameters. Therefore, the nutraceutical association of lycopene plus Se might be considered a possible therapeutic tool, together with surgery, in the treatment of male infertility. However, long-term experimental and clinical studies are necessary to evaluate sperm quantity and quality.

Transcriptome-based identification and functional characterization of iridoid synthase involved in monotropein biosynthesis in blueberry

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are well known for their nutritional quality, and recent work has shown that Vaccinium spp. also produce iridoids, which are specialized metabolites with potent health-promoting benefits. The iridoid glycoside monotropein, which has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, has been detected in several wild blueberry species but in only a few cultivated highbush blueberry cultivars. How monotropein is produced in blueberry and the genes involved in its biosynthesis remain to be elucidated. Using a monotropein-positive (M+) and monotropein-negative (M-) cultivar of blueberry, we employed transcriptomics and comparative genomics to identify candidate genes in the blueberry iridoid biosynthetic pathway. Orthology analysis was completed using de novo transcript assemblies for both the M+ and M- blueberry cultivars along with the known iridoid-producing plant species Catharanthus roseus to identify putative genes involved in key steps in the early iridoid biosynthetic pathway. From the identified orthologs, we functionally characterized iridoid synthase (ISY), a key enzyme involved in formation of the iridoid scaffold, from both the M+ and M- cultivars. Detection of nepetalactol suggests that ISY from both the M+ and M- cultivars produce functional enzymes that catalyze the formation of iridoids. Transcript accumulation of the putative ISY gene did not correlate with monotropein production, suggesting other genes in the monotropein biosynthetic pathway may be more directly responsible for differential accumulation of the metabolite in blueberry. Mutual rank analysis revealed that ISY is co-expressed with UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, which encodes an enzyme downstream of the ISY step. Results from this study contribute new knowledge in our understanding of iridoid biosynthesis in blueberry and could lead to development of new cultivars with increased human health benefits.

Assessment of Antioxidant Stability of Meat Pâté with Allium cepa Husk Extract

Antioxidants play a very important role in the food industry. Recently, both science and industry have shown substantial preference for natural antioxidants, including searching for antioxidant substances from natural sources without undesirable side effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding Allium cepa husk extract at a volume of 68 or 34 μL/g of unsalted blanched materials to replace 34% and 17% of the beef broth, respectively, which corresponded to a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 44.4 or 22.2 μmol-equiv. Q/100 g meat pté (i.e., 13.42 or 6.71 mg of quercetin/100 g meat pté), on the quality and safety indicators of the developed meat pté. The TAC according to a ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and physicochemical and microbiological characteristics were determined during the storage of the meat pté. Proximal and UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analyses were also performed. The addition of yellow onion husk ethanolic extract to the meat pté at both volumes allowed the maintenance of an increased content of antioxidants, which contributed to a decrease in the generation of secondary products of lipid peroxidation for 14 days of storage at 4 ∘C. The results of the microbiological analyses showed that the developed meat ptés were safe according to all indicators of microbial spoilage within 10 days of production. The results supported the use of yellow onion husk extract in the food industry to contribute to improving the functionality of meat products, developing products for a healthy lifestyle, and providing clean-label foods without or with a minimal content of synthetic additives.

Engineered production of bioactive polyphenolic O-glycosides

Polyphenolic compounds (such as quercetin and resveratrol) possess potential medicinal values due to their various bioactivities, but poor water solubility hinders their health benefits to humankind. Glycosylation is a well-known post-modification method to biosynthesize natural product glycosides with improved hydrophilicity. Glycosylation has profound effects on decreasing toxicity, increasing bioavailability and stability, together with changing bioactivity of polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, polyphenolic glycosides can be used as food additives, therapeutics, and nutraceuticals. Engineered biosynthesis provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach to generate polyphenolic glycosides through the use of various glycosyltransferases (GTs) and sugar biosynthetic enzymes. GTs transfer the sugar moieties from nucleotide-activated diphosphate sugar (NDP-sugar) donors to sugar acceptors such as polyphenolic compounds. In this review, we systematically review and summarize the representative polyphenolic O-glycosides with various bioactivities and their engineered biosynthesis in microbes with different biotechnological strategies. We also review the major routes towards NDP-sugar formation in microbes, which is significant for producing unusual or novel glycosides. Finally, we discuss the trends in NDP-sugar based glycosylation research to promote the development of prodrugs that positively impact human health and wellness.

Investigation of the chemical profile and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of flavonoids from Artemisia vestita Wall. ex Besser via targeted metabolomics, zebrafish model, and network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Artemisia vestita Wall. ex Besser is wildly distributed in the western high-altitude area of China and has been used as a Tibetan medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. We previously demonstrated the total flavonoids of Artemisia vestita Wall. ex Besser (TFA) showed obvious anti-inflammatory effects and its content was 276.62 mg/g. However, the chemical profile, active ingredients, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of TFA are not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to study the components of TFA, evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of TFA, and preliminarily predict the anti-inflammatory mechanism of TFA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TFA was prepared by the semi-biomimetic extraction method and purified by macroporous resin. The components of TFA were analyzed based on LC-MS combined with the targeted metabolomics method. The anti-inflammatory activity of TFA was evaluated using CuSO₄-induced and tail cutting-induced zebrafish inflammation models. Based on the network pharmacology method, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the main components of TFA was preliminarily predicted.

RESULTS

A total of 185 components were identified in TFA. TFA showed significant anti-inflammatory effects on CuSO₄-induced and tail cutting-induced zebrafish inflammation models. According to network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification, 10 compounds were identified as the main active ingredients, including 3,7-di-O-methylquercetin, Hesperetin 5-O-glucoside, Myricitrin, et al. Twenty key targets were recognized, such as TNF, AKT1, VEGFA, MMP9, EGFR, PTGS2 et al. Moreover, the TNF signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway were identified to play vital roles in the anti-inflammatory effects of TFA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the chemical profile of TFA and identified the main active ingredients, key targets, and pathways of TFA in anti-inflammatory effects, which is helpful to elucidate the pharmacodynamic substances and action mechanisms of Artemisia vestita Wall. ex Besser, to promote its clinical rational application.

The Potential Value of Debarking Water as a Source of Polyphenolic Compounds for the Specialty Chemicals Sector

Forest-based industries produce huge quantities of bark during their primary processing activities. In Nordic pulp and paper industries, where a wet debarking process is used for bark removal, toxic debarking water and bark press water are produced as a by-product. However, polyphenols represent an important fraction of the debarking water and bark press water. These polyphenolic compounds are of commercial interest in chemical specialty sectors since polyphenols have been proven to have diverse health benefits, and after collecting them from waste sources, they can act as alternatives to oil-based chemicals. Determining the economic potential of polyphenolic compounds, identifying their molecular structure, and determining the antioxidant capacity of these compounds present in debarking water and bark can support the identification of their potential applications. The results show that water extractions from bark have a lower efficiency than (partial) alcoholic extractions. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of low-molecular polyphenolic compounds, which are of interest for high-end applications, was found in all extracts. Bark press water has a highly versatile range of polyphenolic compounds and showed some antioxidant activity, making it a great source for the collection of polyphenolic compounds, in contrast to debarking water, which had a much lower polyphenolic content and low antioxidant activity.

Monotropein: A comprehensive review of biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology

Monotropein, a principal natural compound in iridoid glycosides extracted from Morindae officinalis radix, has potent pharmacological activities. To understand and utilize monotropein, we systematically summarized the studies on monotropein, including its biosynthetic pathway, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology. Interestingly, we found that the multiple bioactivities of monotropein, such as anti-osteoporosis, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-nociception, and hepatic or renal protection, are closely associated with its capability of downregulating the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway, inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, attenuating the activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway, and regulating the mammalian target of rapamycin/autophagy signaling pathway. However, the clinically therapeutic effects and the potential problems need to be addressed. This review highlights the current research progress on monotropein, which provides a reference for further investigation of monotropein.

Varicocele, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: From Mechanisms of Action in Animal Models to Therapeutic Application

Varicocele is one of the main causes of infertility in men, thus representing an important clinical problem worldwide. Inflammation contributes mainly to its pathogenesis, even if the exact pathophysiological mechanisms that correlate varicocele and infertility are still unknown. In addition, oxidative stress, apoptosis, hypoxia, and scrotal hyperthermia seem to play important roles. So far, the treatment of varicocele and the care of the fertility-associated problems still represent an area of interest for researchers, although many advances have occurred over the past few years. Recent experimental animal studies, as well as the current epidemiological evidence in humans, demonstrated that many functional foods of natural origin and nutraceuticals that are particularly abundant in the Mediterranean diet showed anti-inflammatory effects in varicocele. The aim of the present narrative review is to mainly evaluate recent experimental animal studies regarding the molecular mechanisms of varicocele and the state of the art about possible therapeutic approaches. As the current literature demonstrates convincing associations between diet, food components and fertility, the rational intake of nutraceuticals, which are particularly abundant in foods typical of plant-based eating patterns, may be a reliable therapeutic supportive care against varicocele and, consequently, could be very useful in the cure of fertility-associated problems in patients.

Mailuoshutong pill for varicocele-associated male infertility—Phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism

Background: Varicocele (VC) is a relatively common and treatable cause of male infertility. Mailuoshutong pill (MLST), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, is widely used for treating varicose vein disease, but the underlying mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility is unclear.

Objective: To reveal the phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility.

Methods: The components in MLST were determined using UHPLC-MS/MS. Through network analysis, we constructed the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network and predicted the potential biological functions and signaling pathways of MLST. Finally, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of MLST were discovered by pharmacological experiments.

Results: By network analysis, the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network was constructed, 62 components such as apigenin, limonin, kaempferol, and obacunoic acid may be the main active components of MLST for varicocele-associated male infertility, 28 targets such as VEGFA, PIK3CA, AKT1, and MTOR are considered as hub targets, signaling pathways such as HIF-1, Estrogen, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR may be key pathways for MLST against varicocele-associated male infertility. Through pharmacological experiments, we found that MLST ameliorated VC-induced testicular atrophy. Further histomorphology showed that MLST reduced VC-induced damage to testicular spermatogonia and seminiferous tubule, while MLST reduced ROS and MDA levels and increased antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT) levels. TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence showed that MLST reduced VC-induced apoptosis in testicular tissue, decreased BAX, and increased BCL2. Western blot results showed that MLST decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins, and decreased the expression of HIF1α.

Conclusion: The phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility were discovered using network analysis and pharmacological experiments. We verified that MLST can inhibit the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the expression of HIF1α, and further attenuate VC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testis. These findings provide evidence for the therapeutic role of MLST in varicocele-associated male infertility.

An UPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of spiraeoside in mouse blood and its application to a pharmacokinetic and bioavailability study

A simple, rapid, and sensitive method based on UPLC-MS/MS was developed to determine spiraeoside in mouse blood, and was applied to the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of spiraeoside after mice after intravenous (a dose of 5 mg kg−1) and oral (a dose of 20 mg kg−1) administration. On HSS T3 column set at 40 °C, chromatographic separation was obtained with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid using the gradient elution. Spiraeoside and internal standard (IS) were quantitatively analyzed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode in electrospray (ESI) positive interface. The MRM mode was monitoring the fragmentation of m/z 465.4→303.1 and m/z 451.3→ 289.2 for spironoside and IS, respectively. The results showed a good linear relationship was in the concentration range of 1–200 ng mL−1 (r > 0.998) and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 1.0 ng mL−1. The intra- and the inter-day precision (RSD%) of the method was within 14.0%, and the accuracy ranged from 90.0% to 115.0%. The extraction recovery of spriaeoside was better than 63.0%, and the matrix effects were in the range of 86%–98%. It also showed the half-life was short, and the absolute bioavailability was 4.0% in mice. Therefore, the established UPLC-MS/MS method was suitable for the pharmacokinetic and bioavailability study of spiraeoside in mice.

Toxicological outcome of phthalate exposure on male fertility: Ameliorative impacts of the co-administration of N-acetylcysteine and zinc sulfate in rats

Background

Reports have shown that humans are consistently exposed to environmental toxicants such as phthalate (PHT) during their daily activities. This results in reproductive dysfunction and infertility-related issues as already noted in human and experimental animals. We therefore designed this study to investigate fertility outcome in phthalate-exposed male rats treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) with the view of providing a therapeutic alternative to reproductive toxicity caused by phthalate. The research was done in two phases. In phase 1, thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of five (n = 7) groups given the following treatments for 21 days: group A was given distilled water as a control, while groups B, C, D, and E were given phthalate (750 mg/kg/day). Animals in groups C to E were also given ZnSO4 (0.5 mg/kg/day), N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg/day), and ZnSO4 (0.5 mg/kg/day) + N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg/day) in addition to phthalate. In phase 2, animals from groups in phase 1 were mated with females for fecundity testing.

Results

The result shows alteration in testicular and epididymis weight and testis/epididymis ratio, semen parameters, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, sperm DNA, serum Zn and Mg, testicular mitochondria apoptosis mechanisms (TNF-α and BCL-2), and testicular Ca2+-ATPase as well as fecundity outcome in the phthalate-treated group. However, ZnSO4 and NAC successfully ameliorated the deleterious effects of phthalate on semen parameters, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, serum electrolyte and mitochondria apoptosis mechanisms, and testicular electrogenic Ca2+-ATPase in phthalate-induced male rats with a better outcome in the combined therapy. Pregnancy outcome and litter sizes were also higher in the combined therapy when also compared with the phthalate-treated groups.

Conclusion

According to the result, ZnSO4 and NAC increased fertility outcome in phthalate-treated male rats through enhancement of testicular BCL-2, serum electrolyte, testicular Ca2+ATPase pumps, and cytoprotection.

A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents

CONTEXT

Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae), known as onion, is consumed throughout the world. Onion and its derivatives including saponins, aglycones, quercetin, cepaenes, flavonoids, organosulfurs, and phenolic compounds, showed various pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects.

OBJECTIVE

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of A. cepa and its main constituents, along with the underlying molecular mechanisms are presented.

METHODS

Databases including, Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were checked for articles published between 1996 and the end of July 2020, using the key-words Allium cepa, quercetin, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory.

RESULTS

A. cepa and its constituents mainly quercetin showed anti-inflammatory effects mediated via reduction of total and differential WBC counts, inhibition of chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, COX, and LOX pathways and prevented formation of leukotrienes and thromboxanes, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as onVCAM-1, NF-κB, MARK,d STAT-1, JNK, p38 and osteoclastogenesis. A. cepa and its derivatives showed antioxidant effect by decreasing lipid peroxidation, NAD(P)H, MDA, NO, LPO and eNOS but enhancing antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, GSPO, TrxR, SDH, GST and GR activities and thiol level. Immunomodulatory effects of the plant and quercetin was also shown by reduction of Th2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 as well as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β and TNF-α and IgE levels, but increased CD4 cells, IFN-γ level and IFN-γ/IL4 ratio (Th1/Th2 balance).

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of onion and its constituents on oxidative stress, inflammatory and immune system were shown indicating their therapeutic value in treatment of various diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune-dysregulation.

Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan protects mouse blood-testis barrier from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. multiglycoside-induced disruption by regulating proinflammatory cytokines

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan (WZYZW) is a classical traditonal Chinese herbal formula and a Chinese patent medicine used to treat male infertility. However, the chemical components of WZYZW and its mechanism are not yet fully clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to observe the effect and underlying mechanism of WZYZW on ameliorating blood-testis barrier (BTB) dysfunction in mice with spermatogenic dysfunction induced by administration of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. multiglycosides (GTW).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

WZYZW was administered by gavage to mice with GTW-induced spermatogenic dysfunction (kidney essence deficiency pattern) for 40 days. Testis tissues were obtained for subsequent histopathological analysis. Biotin tracing was used to evaluate the permeability of Sertoli cell tight junctions. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, IL-1α and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were analyzed by ELISA. The expression levels of proteins related to tight junction including ZO-1, JAM-A and occludin were analyzed by western blotting. The ultrastructures of tight junctions were observed by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

WZYZW ameliorated GTW-induced testicular spermatogenic dysfunction. Levels of IL-6, IL-17A, IL-1α, and TNF-α in the groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of WZYZW decreased in a dose-dependent manner. WZYZW impeded a biotin tracer from permeating the BTB, protecting its integrity in GTW-treated mice. In addition, our results showed no significant changes in the protein expressions of ZO-1, JAM-A, and occludin after WZYZW administration compared with the GTW group. Meanwhile, WZYZW exhibited a linear arrangement and restored the typical "sandwich" structure of BTB. No acute poisoning incidences were observed in all groups during the experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that WZYZW may ameliorate some GTW-induced BTB dysfunction, possibly by regulating proinflammatory cytokine levels. In vitro studies on the regulation of BTB permeability by WZYZW and its active components are further required.

The Potential Antioxidant Activity and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds of Stahlianthus involucratus

Stahlianthus involucratus (S. involucratus) has anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities; however, there are no literature reports on its antioxidant capacity. This study presents a comparative assessment of the polyphenols contents, flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activity of the aqueous and methanol extracts of S. involucratus (ASI and MSI). Moreover, the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in H₂O₂-induced H9c2 cells pretreated with the MSI was measured by RT-qPCR, and furthermore, MSI were characterized by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. The results indicated that the MSI had higher antioxidant contents and antioxidant capacity, and MSI could inhibit H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS characterized 15 phenolic compounds from the MSI. In conclusion, S. involucratus has the potential antioxidant capacity.

Inositol-Requiring Kinase 1 Regulates Apoptosis via Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Colitis Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has been studied as critical factor during occurrence and development of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the role of ERS in inflamed UC remains unclear.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of inositol-requiring kinase 1 (IRE-1), a major regulator of ER, in regulating ERS and cell viability.

METHODS

In UC mucosa tissue, IRE-1, BiP, XBP-1s, CHOP caspase-12 and GADD34 mRNA were assayed by qRT-PCR. Then, human normal colon epithelial cell line (NCM-460) and colon fibroblast cell line (CCD-33Co) were cultured, and downregulated or upregulated IRE-1 expression. ERS was induced with 100 ng/mL of Interleukin 6 (IL-6). CCK8 assay was performed to analyze cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to detect the apoptosis. Western blot assay was used to examine ERS markers.

RESULTS

IRE-1, BiP, XBP-1s, caspase-12 and CHOP mRNA were highly expressed in UC mucosa tissue, and the expression of GADD34 mRNA significantly decreased. These results show that ERS-induced unfolded protein response was enhanced in UC mucosa tissue. In cells, silencing the expression of IRE-1 could suppress cell proliferation and promote apoptosis through activating unfolded protein response, while the over-expression of IRE-1 had the opposite effect. IL-6 could induce ERS and cells apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that shRNA IRE-1 could enhance the inhibition of IL-6 on cells viability.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of IRE-1 enhanced unfolded protein response and cells apoptosis and IL-6-induced ERS and suggested that IRE-1 might be a potential target of UC.

Hepatoprotective effect of kaempferol glycosides isolated from Cedrela odorata L. leaves in albino mice: involvement of Raf/MAPK pathway

Background and purpose:

Paracetamol is the most implicated xenobiotic in inducing hepatotoxicity. Our study aimed to determine the impact of some kaempferol glycosides isolated from the leaves of Cedrela odorata L. on paracetamol hepatotoxicity.

Experimental approach:

The methanolic extract of dried leaves of C. odorata L. was subjected to the combination of spectroscopic methods (¹H and ¹³CNMR). Six kaempferol glycosides were isolated: kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glycopyranoside (astragalin), kaempferol-3-O-β-L-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-rutinoside, kaempferide-3-O-β-D-rutinoside, kaempferide-3-O-β-Drutinosyl-7-O-β-D-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol-3-O-β-D- rutinosyl-7-O-a-D-arabinopyranoside. Fifty-four female Swiss Albino mice were divided randomly into 9 groups including (1) control negative (1 mL/kg saline; IP), (2) control positive (paracetamol 300 mg/kg; IP), (3) silymarin 50 mg/kg (IP). Animals of groups 4-9 were injected with 6 different samples of isolated compounds at 100 mg/kg (IP). One h later, groups 3-9 were injected with paracetamol (300 mg/kg IP). Two h later, tissue samples were taken from all animals to assess nitrotyrosine, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (c-JNK), Raf -1kinase, and oxidative stress biomarkers viz. reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

Findings/Results:

Isolated glycosides had a prominent anti-apoptotic effect via inhibition of c-JNK and Raf-1 kinase. They also exerted a powerful antioxidant effect by modulating the oxidative stress induced by paracetamol via increasing GSH, reducing MDA and nitrotyrosine concentrations compared to positive control. The glycoside (1) showed a better effect than silymarin (standard) in ameliorating the formation of nitrotyrosine, Raf-1 kinase, c-JNK, and GSH.

Conclusion and implication:

Kaempferol glycosides isolated for the first time from C. odorata L. leaves exerted antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects via amelioration of oxidative stress and inhibition of Raf/MAPK pathway.

Astragalin Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells by Regulating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Astragalin is a flavonoid found in a variety of natural plants. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant effects and has inhibited effects against several malignant tumor cell types. However, its effects on colon cancer and the molecular mechanisms have remained to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of astragalin on proliferation and migration of human colon cancer HCT116 cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we elucidated the mechanism of these effects. The results showed that astragalin significantly inhibited the proliferation and diffusion of HCT116 cells by induced apoptosis (by modulation of Bax, Bcl-2, P53, caspase-3, caspase 6, caspase 7, caspase 8, caspase 9 protein express) and cell cycle arrest (by modulation of Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, P21, P27, CDK2, CDK4 protein express). Moreover, astragalin suppressed HCT116 cell migration by inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9). In addition, astragalin significantly downregulated the expression of key proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF-κB P65 stimulated with inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, thereby inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro. Our further investigations unveiled astragalin gavage significantly reduced the proliferation of colon cancer xenograft in nude mice, in vivo experiments showed that tumor growth was related to decreased expression of apoptotic proteins in tumor tissues and decreased activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In summary, our results indicated that astragalin inhibits the proliferation and growth of colon cancer cells in vivo and in vitro via the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, astragalin maybe become a potential plant-derived antitumor drug for colon cancer.

Deferasirox, an Iron-Chelating Agent, Improves Testicular Morphometric and Sperm Functional Parameters in a Rat Model of Varicocele

Varicocele is characterized by testicular dysfunction that originates from hyperthermia and hypoxia, leading to defects in testicular tissue and altered spermatozoa structure and function. The varicocele testis is characterized by the presence of intracellular iron deposits that contribute to the associated oxidative stress. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that administration of an iron-chelating agent, such as deferasirox (DFX), could potentially mitigate the consequences of varicocele on testicular tissue and spermatozoa. Using a well-established rat model of varicocele (VCL), we show that treatment with DFX partially improved the structure and function of the testis and spermatozoa. In particular, sperm motility was markedly restored whereas abnormal sperm morphology was only partially improved. No significant improvement in sperm count was observed that could be associated with the proapoptotic response observed following iron chelation treatment. No reduction in oxidative damage to spermatozoa was observed since lipid peroxidation and DNA integrity were not modified. This was suggested to be a result of increased oxidative stress. Finally, we also saw no indication of attenuation of the endoplasmic reticulum/unfolded protein (ER/UPR) stress response that we recently found associated with the VCL testis in rats.

Gui-A-Gra Attenuates Testicular Dysfunction in Varicocele-Induced Rats via Oxidative Stress, ER Stress and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway

Gui-A-Gra, a commercial insect powder from Gryllus bimaculatus, is registered as an edible insect by the Korean food and drug administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Gui-A-Gra on testicular damage induced by experimental left varicocele in male Sprague Dawley rats. A total of 72 rats were randomly divided into the following six groups (12 rats in each group): a normal control group (CTR), a group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 1.63 gm/kg (G1.63), a group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 6.5 gm/kg (G6.5), a varicocele (VC)-induced control group (VC), a VC-induced group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 1.63 gm/kg (VC + G1.63), and a VC-induced group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 6.5 gm/kg (VC + G6.5). Rats were administrated 1.63 or 6.5 gm/kg Gui-A-Gra once daily for 42 days. Indicators of sperm parameters, histopathology, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial apoptosis were analyzed to evaluate effects of Gui-A-Gra on VC-induced testicular dysfunction. Gui-A-Gra administration to VC-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05) increased sperm count and sperm motility, Johnsen score, spermatogenic cell density, serum testosterone, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, GPx4, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) level. Moreover, pretreatment with Gui-A-Gra significantly (p < 0.05) decreased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells/tubules, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) level, glucose-regulated protein-78 (Grp-78), phosphorylated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), phosphorylated inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1α (p-IRE1α), cleaved caspase-3, and BCL2 associated X protein: B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax: Bcl2) ratio in VC rats. These results suggest that protective effects of Gui-A-Gra on VC-induced testicular injury might be due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and androgenic activities that might be mediated via crosstalk of oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Monotropein alleviates H2O2‑induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis via NF‑κB/AP‑1 signaling

Aging is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of CVD, and are closely associated with senescent vascular endothelial cells. Monotropein (Mtp) exerts various bioactive roles, including anti‑inflammatory and antioxidative effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the function of Mtp in senescent endothelial cells. An MTT assay was performed to evaluate the influence of Mtp on H2O2‑stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Senescent cells were assessed by determining the expression of senescence‑associated β‑galactosidase, high mobility group AT‑hook 1 and DNA damage marker γ‑H2A.X variant histone. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‑Px) and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations were estimated using assay kits to evaluate the levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in HUVECs. The TUNEL assay was performed to identify apoptotic cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of endothelial cell adhesion factors, NF‑κB, activator protein‑1 (AP‑1) and apoptotic proteins were determined via western blotting. Mtp enhanced HUVEC viability following H2O2 stimulation. H2O2‑mediated increases in MDA, proinflammatory cytokine and endothelial cell adhesion factor levels were decreased by Mtp treatment, whereas Mtp reversed H2O2‑mediated downregulation of SOD and GSH‑Px activity. Furthermore, Mtp inhibited cell apoptosis, NF‑κB activation and AP‑1 expression in H2O2‑stimulated HUVECs; however, NF‑κB activator counteracted the anti‑inflammatory, antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects of Mtp. The present study indicated that Mtp ameliorated H2O2‑induced inflammation and oxidative stress potentially by regulating NF‑κB/AP‑1.

Interplay between male reproductive system dysfunction and the therapeutic effect of flavonoids

Male infertility has affected many families around the world. However, due to the mechanism underlying male reproductive system dysfunction are not completely elucidated, the use of drugs for male reproductive system dysfunction treatment only insignificant higher pregnancy outcomes, low-quality evidence suggests that clinical pregnancy rates may increase. Therefore, the focus in the future will be on developing more viable treatment options to prevent or treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction and achieve the purpose of improving fertility. Interestingly, natural products, as the potential inhibitors for the treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction, have shown a good therapeutic effect. Among many natural products, flavonoids have been extensively investigated for the treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction, such as testicular structural disruption, spermatogenesis disturbance and sperm quality decline. Flavonoids have been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, anti-apoptotic, anticarcinogenic, anti-allergic and antiviral activities, investigating for the treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction. In this review, we evaluate the therapeutic effects of flavonoids on male reproductive system dysfunction under different cellular scenarios and summarize the therapeutic strategies of flavonoids based on the aforementioned retrospective analysis. In the end, we describe some perspective research areas relevant to the application of flavonoids in the treatment of male reproductive system dysfunction.

Astragalin alleviates ischemia/reperfusion‑induced brain injury via suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress

Excessive apoptosis and neuronal dysfunction are pathological features of ischemic stroke. Previous studies have demonstrated that astragalin (AST) exerted both anti‑​apoptotic and anti‑inflammatory effects in several types of disease, although its potential effect in ischemic stroke remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of AST on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)‑induced brain injury and the underlying mechanisms. Brain injury was assessed in an experimental rat model using measurement of neurological scores and inflammatory factors. To assess the role of AST in I/R‑induced brain injury and the potential mechanism of action, SH5Y were treated with thapsigargin and AST. Apoptotic rate and ER stress levels were measured by western blotting, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining. It was discovered that AST significantly improved long‑term neurological outcomes in rats following cerebral I/R injury, through the attenuation of the expression levels of apoptotic proteins (Bax and cleaved‑caspase‑3) and the release of inflammatory cytokines, as well as upregulating the expression levels of the anti‑apoptotic protein Bcl‑2. Furthermore, AST attenuated the expression levels of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‑related protein, glucose‑regulated protein, 78 kDa, as well as its downstream apoptotic mediators (CHOP and caspase‑12). Thapsigargin‑induced ER stress activation and apoptosis were also attenuated by AST in an in vitro neuronal cell culture model. In conclusion, these results suggested that AST may protect against I/R‑induced brain injury, thus, highlighting its therapeutic potential in patients with ischemic stroke.

Astragalin attenuates oxidative stress and acute inflammatory responses in carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice

Astragalin is a flavonoid existed in several edible and medicinal plants and was recorded to have multiple biological and pharmacological significances. This work aimed to assess the possible protective effect of astragalin administration against oxidative tension, acute inflammation and histopathological deformations in a mouse paw edema model induced following intra sub-plantar injection of carrageenan. Thirty-six male Swiss mice were divided into four groups: control, carrageenan, astragalin (75 mg/kg) + carrageenan, and indomethacin (10 mg/kg) + carrageenan. Astragalin administration for five consecutive days to carrageenan injected mice showed a significant reduction in the development of paw in a time dependent effect, inhibited lipoperoxidation by-product, malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Astragalin was found also to suppress the inflammatory signaling in the inflamed tissue as exhibited by the decreased myeloperoxidase activity along with the decreased protein and transcriptional level of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6. Moreover, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions and their products (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) were downregulated. Additionally, astragalin decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and nuclear factor kappa B expression in the inflamed paw tissue. The recorded findings provide evidences for the potential application of astragalin as a plant-derived remedy for the treatment of acute inflammation due to its promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities along with its ameliorative impact against the histopathological changes in the paw tissue.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ER Stress) and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) Occur in a Rat Varicocele Testis Model

Using a surgically induced varicocele rat model, we show here strong evidence that the misfolded/unfolded protein response that is part of the stress response of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is activated in the varicocele testis (VCL), leading to the induction of apoptosis. To support this hypothesis, it is observed that the spliced variant of the X-box protein 1 (XBP1s), resulting from the activation of the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) membrane sensor, is significantly more represented in VCL testicular extracts. The activation of the IRE1/XBP1s pathway is also supported by the observation that the VCL testes show an increase phosphorylation of the c-Jun-kinase (JNK) known to be one intermediate of this pathway and an increased level of caspase-3, the terminal apoptotic effector, partly explaining the apoptotic status of the VCL testis.

MOTILIPERM Ameliorates Immobilization Stress-Induced Testicular Dysfunction via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in SD Rats

It is well established that physiological stress has an adverse effect on the male reproductive system. Experimental studies have demonstrated the promising effects of MOTILIPERM in male infertility. MOTILIPERM extract is composed of three crude medicinal herbs: Morinda officinalis How (Rubiaceae) roots, Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae) outer scales, and Cuscuta chinensis Lamark (convolvulaceae) seeds. The present study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms responsible for the effects of MOTILIPERM on testicular dysfunction induced by immobilization stress. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (10 rats each): a normal control group (CTR), a control group administered MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg (M 200), an immobilization-induced stress control group (S), an immobilization-induced stress group administered MOTILIPERM 100 mg/kg (S + M 100), and MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg (S + M 200). Stressed rats (n = 30) were subjected to stress by immobilization for 6 h by placing them in a Perspex restraint cage, while controls (n = 20) were maintained without disturbance. Rats were administrated 100 or 200 mg/kg MOTILIPERM once daily for 30 days 1 h prior to immobilization. At the end of the treatment period, we measured body and reproductive organ weight; sperm parameters; histopathological damage; reproductive hormone levels; steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR); biomarkers of oxidative stress; and apoptosis markers. MOTILIPERM treatment improved testicular dysfunction by up-regulating (p < 0.05) sperm count, sperm motility, serum testosterone level, StAR protein level, Johnsen score, and spermatogenic cell density in stressed rats. MOTILIPERM decreased oxidative stress by increasing (p < 0.05) testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx 4), catalase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) levels and decreasing (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) levels. Furthermore, MOTILIPERM down-regulated (p < 0.05) cleaved caspase 3 and BCL2 associated X protein (Bax) levels; increased pro caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels; and upregulated testicular germ cell proliferation in stressed rats. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after pretreatment with MOTILIPERM in stressed rats. Collectively, our results suggest that, in immobilization-mediated stress-induced testicular dysfunction, MOTILIPERM sustains normal spermatogenesis via antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities by activating the NRF/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Spiraeoside protects human cardiomyocytes against high glucose-induced injury, oxidative stress, and apoptosis by activation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway

The present study aimed to explore the effect of spiraeoside, an active quercetin glucoside, on diabetic cardiomyopathy in vitro. Our results showed that spiraeoside attenuated high glucose (HG)-induced reduction of cell viability and increased myocardial enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase in AC16 cells. Spiraeoside exerted antioxidant activity in HG-induced AC16 cells as spiraeoside inhibited reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde production and increased activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Spiraeoside prevented HG-induced apoptosis of AC16 cells. HG stimulation-caused the decrease in the expression levels of p-Akt, nuclear Nrf2, and HO-1 was elevated after spiraeoside treatment in AC16 cells. However, the effects of spiraeoside were reversed by LY294002. In conclusion, spiraeoside protected AC16 cells against HG-induced oxidative stress, cell injury, and apoptosis. The protective effect of spiraeoside was regulated by the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Effects of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Oxidative Stress in Obese Mice

Background

The incidence of obesity-associated decline in male fertility has increased over the years. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a natural plant polysaccharide extracted from the Chinese herb L. barbarum has shown promising therapeutic effects in overcoming the same.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of LBP on the testes of obese mice.

Methods

Following administration of LBP to high-fat diet-induced obese mice for 35 days, serum, sperm, and testis samples were obtained for subsequent experiments. Biochemical analysis and sex hormone content determination were performed to observe changes in glycolipid metabolism and testosterone levels, respectively, in the blood. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were carried out to assess the pathological changes in the testicular tissue. Oxidative stress levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were determined using western blot in the testicular tissue.

Results

Our results suggested that LBP reduced glucose levels and insulin resistance, increased testosterone levels and insulin sensitivity, and decreased testicular oxidative stress and pathological damage in obese mice. In addition, LBP down-regulated the expression of p-eIF2α, GRP78, and CHOP in the testicular tissues of obese mice.

Conclusion

Our results show that LBP is a potential novel drug for preventing male infertility caused by obesity.