Effects of Panax ginseng on glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression and spermatogenesis in rats

Dietary supplementation with ginseng extract enhances testicular function, semen preservation, and fertility rate of mature and aging Thai native roosters

The decrease in fertility in aging roosters is related to the reduced quality of ejaculated sperm. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with ginseng extract at various concentrations (0-150 mg/kg) on testicular function, semen preservation, and fertility at different stages of sexual maturity (mature and aging roosters) in Thai native roosters. Pradu Hang Dum roosters at 32 (mature; n = 24) and 75 (aging; n = 24) weeks of age were fed diets with non-supplemented or supplemented ginseng extracts (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) until the end of the experiment. In experiment 1, fresh semen samples were examined for the quality parameters of semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm viability, lipid peroxidation, and enzymatic activities. In experiment 2, semen was preserved at 5 °C for up to 48 h, and the semen quality and fertility potential were determined. In experiment 3, testicular function and testosterone concentrations were evaluated. The results showed that ginseng extract supplementation in the diets of both mature and aging roosters at 50 and 100 mg/kg improved fresh semen quality (P < 0.05). A decrease in malondialdehyde levels in fresh semen was observed with increasing enzyme activities. In mature roosters, the progressive motility of cold-stored semen and fertility rates were higher in the G50 and G100 groups compared to the control and G150 groups after 24 h of storage (P < 0.05). In aging roosters, the highest significant differences in progressive motility, viability, and fertility rates were observed in the G50 and G100 groups at all storage times (P < 0.01). These improvements might be attributed to good testicular function in spermatogenesis, as revealed by the results of histological examination and testosterone concentrations. However, higher doses of ginseng extract supplementation negatively affected sperm quality. In summary, the recommended dose of ginseng extract supplementation in diets is 50 mg/kg. Fertility results indicated that insemination with semen preserved for 24 h was satisfactory in both mature and aging roosters.

Cadmium as a male reproductive toxicant and natural and non-natural ways to tackle it: a review

Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring environmental pollutant, a toxic substance that causes oxidative stress. According to epidemiological studies, the data suggested that environmental and occupational Cd exposure may be related to several diseases and severe testicular damage. However, studies are going on to explore the mechanism of Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity and its treatment strategies. Currently, researchers are focusing on naturally occurring bioactive compounds, plant extracts, and biochemical, which have better efficacy, less toxicity, and high bioavailability. This review focuses on the mechanistic effect of Cd on testicular toxicity and different categories of compounds having a beneficial impact on Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity. Some potent bioactive antioxidants are quercetin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, curcumin, and silymarin. In comparison, plant extracts are Costus afer leaf methanol extract, methanol root extract of Carpolobia lutea, red carrot methanolic extract, Panax ginseng extract, and biochemicals including melatonin, progesterone, glutamine, L-carnitine, and selenium. Advanced and more detailed studies are needed on these compounds to explore their mechanism in attenuating Cd-induced testicular toxicity and can be potential therapeutics in the future.

Ginseng® as a reproductive enhancer agent for African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Ginseng (Ge) is one of the most famous and precious consumed herbal medicines around the world. Ge plant roots have many advantages regarded as important in increasing fish production. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the possibility of using different levels (0.0, 100, and 200 mg/kg diet) of Ge as a reproductive enhancer agent for African catfish, Clarias gariepinus males. Results revealed that fish fed 200 mg Ge/kg diet significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased growth performance, feed efficiency, gonado-somatic index, hematological parameters, serum follicle-stimulating hormone, total antioxidant capacity, sperm quality parameters, and ultrastructure of spermatozoa, as well as led to positively improved of the histological structure of the testes tissue compared to other treatments. Based on the obtained findings, it could be concluded that the effective use of dietary Ge at a level of 200 mg/kg as a promising reproductive agent for adult African catfish males consequently led to the sustainability of aquaculture for African catfish.

Up-regulation of Arl4a gene expression by broccoli aqueous extract is associated with improved spermatogenesis in mouse testes

INTRODUCTION

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is well known for its properties as an anticancer, antioxidant, and scavenger of free radicals. However, its benefits in enhancing spermatogenesis have not been well established.

OBJECTIVE

To study broccoli aqueous extract effects on sperm factors and the expression of genes Catsper1, Catsper2, Arl4a, Sox5, and Sox9 in sperm factors in mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male mice were divided randomly into six groups: (1) Control; (2) cadmium (3 mg/kg of mouse body weight); (3) orally treated with 200 μl broccoli aqueous extract (1 g ml-1); (4) orally treated with 400 μl of broccoli aqueous extract; (5) orally treated with 200 broccoli aqueous extract plus cadmium, and (6) orally treated with 400 μl of broccoli aqueous extract plus cadmium. We analyzed the sperms factors and Catsper1, Catsper2, Arl4a, Sox5, and Sox9 gene expression.

RESULTS

An obvious improvement in sperm count and a slight enhancement in sperm motility were observed in mice treated with broccoli extract alone or with cadmium. Sperm viability was reduced by broccoli extract except for the 200 μl dose with cadmium, which significantly increased it. Interestingly, Arl4a gene expression increased in the 400 μl broccoli-treated group. Likewise, the Arl4a mRNA level in mice treated with cadmium and 200 μl of broccoli extract was higher than in the cadmium-treated mice. Furthermore, broccoli extract enhanced the mRNA level of Catsper2 and Sox5 genes in mice treated with 200 μl and 400 μl broccoli extract plus cadmium compared with the group treated solely with cadmium.

CONCLUSION

The higher sperm count in broccoli-treated mice opens the way for the development of pharmaceutical products for infertile men.

Structural analysis of Panax ginseng glycoproteins and its anti-oligoasthenozoospermia effect in vivo

A component from ginseng in which sugars and proteins are covalently bound is named Panax ginseng glycoproteins (PGG). The contents of neutral carbohydrate, acid carbohydrate, and protein were 45.4%, 4.3% and 51.1%. The average molecular weight was 12,690 Da. The structure analysis showed that PGG had more than 1100 glycoproteins with molecular weight between 308.13 Da and 9991.52 Da, it was divided into two parts: long chain structure and short chain structure. These two parts were compared in molecular mass, number of amino acids, theoretical pI, instability index, aliphatic index and GRAVY. The in vivo distribution test of mice showed that PGG was enriched in mice testis, testicular tissue sections showed strong fluorescence signal expression on the surface of seminiferous tubules. We used cyclophosphamide (CP) to establish a mice model of oligoasthenozoospermia to investigate the anti-oligoasthenozoospermic effect of PGG. The results showed that PGG increased the levels of sex hormones T, FSH, PRL and sperm quality. Histopathology demonstrated that PGG promoted the differentiation process. The organ coefficient indicated that PGG had no obvious toxic and side effects. And the mechanism may be to affect the expression of protein levels such as p-ERK/ERK, p-AKT/AKT, Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax. Therefore, PGG has the potential to develop into drugs for improving spermatogenic disorders.

Combination of Korean Red Ginseng Extract and Hydrogen-Rich Water Improves Spermatogenesis and Sperm Motility in Male Mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of hydrogen-rich Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) water (HRGW) mixture on the spermatogenesis and sperm motility of mice of different ages.

METHODS

Eighty young (3 month-old) and aged (12 month-old) male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n =10 per group) including control group, hydrogen-rich water (HRW) group (10 mL/kg daily), KRG group (50 mg/kg daily) and HRGW group (10 mL/kg and 50 mg/kg daily) by an oral zoned needle for 4 weeks. Sperm count and motility were measured using sperm suspension released from cauda epididymis. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum have also been estimated. Tubular changes were examined through histological hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of antioxidation (PPx3, PPx4, GSTm5 and GPx4), spermatogenesis (inhibin-a, neptin-2 and CREM), antiaging (SIRT1 and SIRT2), and angiogenesis [visfatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] related genes were examined through real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

HRW and KRG treatment stimulated spermatogenesis followed by increasing sperm production and sperm motility (P <0.05). These effects were strengthened synergistically by a HRGW mixture (P <0.05 or P <0.01). HRGW greatly increased the expressions of antioxidation, antiaging, spermatogenesis related genes and VEGF especially in aged mice (P <0.05). Serum testosterone and FSH levels also increased, while serum ROS level decreased (all P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

HRGW increases sperm production and motility by enhancing antioxidation and stimulating spermatogenesis and sex hormone production, particularly in aged mice.

Effect of graded levels of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder on reproductive performance in broiler breeders

Objective

This study investigated the effects of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder (SSP) on serum hormone level, egg quality, semen characteristics and reproductive performance of broiler breeders fed with a maize-soybean meal based diet.

Methods

Ninety six female and twenty four male CARIBRO-VISHAL broiler breeders, 38-week old, were individually caged and randomly allocated to four treatment groups (24 female breeders/treatment and 6 male breeders/treatment): an un-supplemented control (T1) and three groups with 0.0176% SSP (group T2), 0.026% SSP (group T3) and 0.0528% SSP (group T4), to have supplementary saponin at 0, 50, 75, and 150 ppm, respectively, for 42 days.

Results

The results indicated that serum (p<0.001) and seminal plasma (p<0.05) testosterone level, semen volume (p<0.001), mass motility (p<0.001), and live spermatozoa count (p<0.001) was increased in groups T3 and T4 compared to T2 and control groups. Compared with control group, total sperm count was increased (p<0.001) and dead spermatozoa count was decreased (p<0.001) in SSP supplemented groups. Supplementation of SSP did not affected the quality of egg lay. Compared with control group, fertility (p<0.01) and hatchability (total eggs set and fertile eggs set) (p<0.001) were significantly improved in SSP supplemented groups with the highest improvement in T3 treatment group. Embryonic death was decreased (p< 0.001) in SSP supplemented groups compared to control; lowest embryonic death was recorded in T3 treatment group.

Conclusion

Thus, it was concluded that dietary supplementation of 0.026% SSP (saponin equivalent 75 ppm) improved the reproductive performance of broiler breeders.

Protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats

Background

Excessive stress causes varied physiological and psychological disorders including male reproductive problems. Here, we attempted to investigate the protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer; KRG) against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats.

Methods

Male rats (age, 4 wk; weight, 60–70 g) were divided into four groups (n = 8 in each group): normal control group, immobilization control group, immobilization group treated with 100 mg/kg of KRG daily, and immobilization group treated with 200 mg/kg of KRG daily. Normal control and immobilization control groups received vehicle only. KRG (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) was mixed in the standard diet powder and fed daily for 6 mo. Parameters such as organ weight, blood chemistry, sperm kinematic values, and expression levels of testicular-related molecules were measured using commercially available kits, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Data revealed that KRG restored the altered testis and epididymis weight in immobilization stress-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05). Further, KRG ameliorated the altered blood chemistry and sperm kinematic values when compared with the immobilization control group and attenuated the altered expression levels of spermatogenesis-related proteins (nectin-2, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1, and inhibin-⍺), sex hormone receptors (androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor), and antioxidant-related enzymes (glutathione S-transferase m5, peroxiredoxin-4, and glutathione peroxidase 4) significantly in the testes of immobilization stress-induced rats.

Conclusion

KRG protected immobilization stress-induced testicular damage and fertility factors in rats, thereby indicating its potential in the treatment of stress-related male sterility.

Ameliorating Effect of Ginseng on Epididymo-Orchitis Inducing Alterations in Sperm Quality and Spermatogenic Cells Apoptosis following Infection by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Rats

Objective

Epididymo-orchitis (EO) potentially results in reduced fertility in up to 60% of affected patients. The anti-inflammatory effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) and its ability to act as an immunoenhancer in parallel with the beneficial effects of this ancient herbal medicine on the reproductive systems of animals and humans led us to evaluate its protective effects against acute EO.

Materials and Methods

This animal experimental study was conducted in the Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS), Zanjan, Iran during 2013-2015. We divided 50 Wistar rats into five following groups (n=10 per group): i. Control-intact animals, ii. Vehicle-phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injection into the vas deferens, iii. KRG-an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of KRG, iv. EO-an injection of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain M39 into the vas defer- ens, and v. EO/ KRG-injections of both UPEC strain M39 and KRG. The treatment lasted seven days. We then evaluated sperm parameters, number of germ cell layers, Johnson’s criteria, germ cell apoptosis, body weight and relative sex organs weight.

Results

Acute EO increased the relative weight of prostate and seminal vesicles (P≤0.05). It also reduced sperm quality such as total motility, sperm concentration (P≤0.01), and the percentage of normal sperm (P≤0.001). Moreover, acute EO decreased Miller’s (P≤0.05) and Johnsen’s scores and increased apoptotic indexes of spermatogenic cells (P≤0.001). KRG treatment decreased prostate weight gain (P≤0.05) and improved the percentage of sperm with normal morphology, total motility (P≤0.01), and progressive motility (P≤0.05). The apoptotic indexes of spermatogenic cells reduced (P≤0.001), whereas both Johnsen’s (P≤0.01) and Miller’s criteria increased in the KRG-treated EO testis (P≤0.05).

Conclusion

Consequently, KRG ameliorated the devastating effects of EO on the sperm retrieved from either epididymis or testicle in rats.

Effect of a Traditional Herbal Prescription, Kyung-Ok-Ko, on Male Mouse Spermatogenic Ability after Heat-Induced Damage

Kyung-Ok-Ko (KOK), a well-known traditional Korean medicinal formula, has long been used to invigorate the essential qi. This use of KOK may be associated with reproductive ability as a more modern concept. The protective effect of KOK was evaluated against deterioration of testicular function induced by heat exposure in male mice. Male fertility was disrupted by scrotal heat stress at 43°C for 5 weeks. KOK (0.25, 0.50, and 2.00 g/kg/day) was administered orally at 3 h after the stress. To evaluate the protective effect of KOK, body weight, testicular weight, sperm count, sperm motility, and histopathological changes in the testes were evaluated. KOK-treated mice significantly recovered their general health, as evidenced by body weight. KOK-treated mice also showed significantly higher testes weights, sperm counts, and sperm motility than did the heat stress group. KOK-treated mice significantly recovered the morphological appearance of the seminiferous tubules and seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, KOK-treated mice significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced the protein expressions of apoptosis in the testes. KOK significantly protects against heat-induced damage to testicular function in male mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis, indicating that KOK may be an effective agent for treatment of heat-induced male infertility.

Effects of Korean red ginseng on semen parameters in male infertility patients: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on semen parameters in male infertility patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

METHODS

A total of 80 male infertility patients with varicocele were recruited from April 2011 to February 2012. The subjects were then divided into the following four groups: non-varicocelectomy (V)+placebo (P) group, V+P group, non-V+KRG group (1.5-g KRG daily), and V+KGR group (1.5-g KRG daily). Semen analysis was performed and hormonal levels were measured in each treatment arm after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

All groups but not the non-V+P group, showed significant improvements in sperm concentrations, motility, morphology, and viability at the end of the study. However, there were no significant differences in serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone among groups. The incidence of adverse events was low, and all events were assumed to be unrelated to the treatments administered.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the exact mechanism by which KRG improves spermatogenesis remains unclear, KRG may be a useful agent for the treatment of male infertility. Nevertheless, additional studies to evaluate the optimal dose and duration of treatment are needed.

Ginseng and male reproductive function

Ginseng is often referred to as the King of all herbs, and is found to be a promising agent to improve general well-being. Ginseng has also been reputed as an aphrodisiac, and is used to treat sexual dysfunction as well as to enhance sexual behavior in traditional Chinese medical practices. Data from animal studies have shown a positive correlation among ginseng, libido, and copulatory performances, and these effects have been confirmed in case-control studies in human. In addition, ginseng is found to improve the sperm quality and count of healthy individuals as well as patients with treatment-related infertility. These actions are mostly attributed to ginsenosides, the major pharmacological active components of ginseng. This review compiles the current knowledge about the multifaceted effects of ginseng on male reproductive function, and also focuses on its mechanisms of action that may represent novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of male reproductive diseases or disorders.

Foetal exposure to Panax ginseng extract reverts the effects of prenatal dexamethasone in the synthesis of testosterone by Leydig cells of the adult rat

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of maternal exposure to Panax ginseng extract (GE) on the prenatal dexamethasone (DEXA)-induced increase in testosterone production by isolated Leydig cells in adult rats. Pregnant rats were treated with (i) GE (200 mg/kg) or vehicle on days 10-21; (ii) DEXA (100 μg/kg) or vehicle on days 14-21; or (iii) a combination of GE plus DEXA at the same doses and with the same regimen. Testosterone production was induced either by the activator of protein kinase A (dbcAMP) or substrates of steroidogenesis [22(R)-hydroxycholesterol (22(R)-OH-C)] and pregnenolone. The capacity of rat Leydig cells exposed to DEXA to synthesize testosterone induced by dbcAMP, 22(R)-OH-C or pregnenolone was increased in comparison with the control group. Combined exposure to DEXA + GE prevented the effect of DEXA on the responsiveness of Leydig cells to all inductors of testosterone synthesis, whereas GE alone did not modify the response to inductors. No modifications in testosterone production were observed under basal conditions. StAR immunoexpression in Leydig cells was not modified by prenatal exposure to DEXA, GE or DEXA + GE. P450scc and glucocorticoid receptor immunoexpression was higher in offspring exposed to DEXA in comparison with the control group. This increased expression was prevented by combined treatment with DEXA + GE. The present findings demonstrate that GE is capable of reversing the effect of DEXA on testosterone synthesis by rat Leydig cells.

Korean Red Ginseng Up-regulates C21-Steroid Hormone Metabolism via Cyp11a1 Gene in Senescent Rat Testes

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) has been shown to have anti-aging effects in animal and clinical studies. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ginseng exerts these effects remain unknown. Here, the anti-aging effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) in rat testes was examined by system biology analysis. KRG water extract prepared in feed pellets was administered orally into 12 month old rats for 4 months, and gene expression in testes was determined by microarray analysis. Microarray analysis identified 33 genes that significantly changed. Compared to the 2 month old young rats, 13 genes (Rps9, Cyp11a1, RT1-A2, LOC365778, Sv2b, RGD1565959, RGD1304748, etc.) were up-regulated and 20 genes (RT1-Db1, Cldn5, Svs5, Degs1, Vdac3, Hbb, LOC684355, Svs5, Tmem97, Orai1, Insl3, LOC497959, etc.) were down-regulated by KRG in the older rats. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of untreated aged rats versus aged rats treated with KRG showed that the affected most was Cyp11a1, responsible for C21-steroid hormone metabolism, and the top molecular and cellular functions are organ morphology and reproductive system development and function. When genes in young rat were compared with those in the aged rat, sperm capacitation related genes were down-regulated in the old rat. However, when genes in the old rat were compared with those in the old rat treated with KRG, KRG treatment up-regulated C21-steroid hormone metabolism. Taken together, Cyp11a1 expression is decreased in the aged rat, however, it is up-regulated by KRG suggesting that KRG seems enhance testes function via Cyp11a1.