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Peng M, Wang W, Zhu W, Bai Y, Ning N, Huang Q, Pang X, Zhou J, Zhang H, Zhao K. Zishen Yutai Pill improves sperm quality and reduces testicular inflammation in experimental varicocele rats. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17161. [PMID: 37484236 PMCID: PMC10361325 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Zishen Yutai Pill (ZYP), containing 15 Chinese traditional medicine, is a safe and well quality-controlled TCM preparation with promising effects in many fields of reproduction. The current study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ZYP on sperm quality and testis in varicocele (VC) rats. Materials and methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6), i.e., a sham group, a VC group, and VC groups treated with different dose of ZYP (1575 and 3150 mg/kg/d, respectively). The experimental VC model was established by partial ligation of left renal vein. Six weeks after model establishment, ZYP was orally administered once a day for the next 6 weeks. Parameters relating to testis and sperm quality were assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to showed testicular tissue damage in experimental VC rats. Expressions of proteins relating to NLRP3 inflammasome pathways were determined using Western blot (WB). The mRNA expressions of relating genes were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results ZYP could significantly improve sperm motility and decrease sperm DNA fragmentation index in VC rats (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed that ZYP could alleviate testicular tissue damage caused by experimental varicocele in rats. Compared to the VC model, expressions of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in rats treated with ZYP were significantly down-regulated, as validated by both qRT-PCR and WB analysis (P < 0.05). Conclusions In brief, ZYP could improve sperm DNA integrity by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and alleviating the chronic inflammation of testicular tissue induced by experimental varicocele in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Peng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Hospital of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Ning
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuling Huang
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiufei Pang
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiewen Zhou
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Deng W, Sun D, Cai B, Jin B. Yangjing capsule improves oligoasthenozoospermia by promoting nitric oxide production through PLCγ1/AKT/eNOS pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1056091. [PMID: 37180698 PMCID: PMC10169610 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1056091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Oligoasthenozoospermia is an important factor leading to male infertility. Yangjing capsule (YC), a traditional Chinese preparation, displays beneficial effects on male infertility. However, whether YC could improve oligoasthenozoospermia remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of YC in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with 800 mg/kg ornidazole once daily for 30 days to induce in vivo oligoasthenozoospermia; primary Sertoli cells were treated with 400 μg/mL ornidazole for 24 h to induce in vitro oligoasthenozoospermia. Results: We found that YC improved the testicle and epididymis weight, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, serum testosterone, fertility rate and testis morphology in ornidazole-exposed rats and enhanced cell survival in ornidazole-stimulated primary Sertoli cells. YC also inhibited the ornidazole-caused decrease in nitric oxide (NO) generation and the phosphorylation of phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ1), AKT, and eNOS in vivo and in vitro in oligoasthenozoospermia. Furthermore, the knockdown of PLCγ1 blunted the beneficial effects of YC in vitro. Conclusion: Collectively, our data suggested that YC protected against oligoasthenozoospermia by promoting NO levels through the PLCγ1/AKT/eNOS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Baofang Jin
- Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Gao XY, Liu GC, Zhang JX, Wang LH, Xu C, Yan ZA, Wang A, Su YF, Lee JJ, Piao GC, Yuan HD. Pharmacological Properties of Ginsenoside Re. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:754191. [PMID: 35462899 PMCID: PMC9019721 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.754191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginsenoside Re is a protopanaxatriol-type saponin extracted from the berry, leaf, stem, flower bud, and root of Panax ginseng. In recent years, ginsenoside Re (Re) has been attracting attention as a dietary phytochemical. In this review, studies on Re were compiled by searching a combination of keywords, namely “pharmacology,” “pharmacokinetics,” and “toxicology,” in the Google Scholar, NCBI, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The aim of this review was to provide an exhaustive overview of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of Re, focusing on clinical evidence that has shown effectiveness in specific diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, nervous system diseases, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Re is also known to eliminate virus, enhance the immune response, improve osteoporosis, improve skin barrier function, enhance intracellular anti-oxidant actions, regulate cholesterol metabolism, alleviate allergic responses, increase sperm motility, reduce erectile dysfunction, promote cyclic growth of hair follicles, and reduce gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. Furthermore, this review provides data on pharmacokinetic parameters and toxicological factors to examine the safety profile of Re. Such data will provide a theoretical basis and reference for Re-related studies and future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | | | | | - Ling-He Wang
- College of Integration Science, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Chang Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Zi-An Yan
- College of Integration Science, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Ao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Yi-Fei Su
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Jung-Joon Lee
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Guang-Chun Piao
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
- College of Integration Science, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Guang-Chun Piao, ; Hai-Dan Yuan,
| | - Hai-Dan Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
- College of Integration Science, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Guang-Chun Piao, ; Hai-Dan Yuan,
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Suroowan S, Mahomoodally MF. Herbal Medicine of the 21st Century: A Focus on the Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Five Widely Advocated Phytotherapies. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 19:2718-2738. [PMID: 31721714 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666191112121330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Widely advocated for their health benefits worldwide, herbal medicines (HMs) have evolved into a billion dollar generating industry. Much is known regarding their wellness inducing properties, prophylactic and therapeutic benefits for the relief of both minor to chronic ailment conditions given their long-standing use among various cultures worldwide. On the other hand, their equally meaningful chemistry, pharmacokinetic profile in humans, interaction and toxicity profile have been poorly researched and documented. Consequently, this review is an attempt to highlight the health benefits, pharmacokinetics, interaction, and toxicity profile of five globally famous HMs. A systematic literature search was conducted by browsing major scientific databases such as Bentham Science, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCO to include 196 articles. In general, ginsenosides, glycyrrhizin and curcumin demonstrate low bioavailability when orally administered. Ginkgo biloba L. induces both CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 and alters the AUC and Cmax of conventional medications including midazolam, tolbutamide, lopinavir and nifedipine. Ginsenosides Re stimulates CYP2C9, decreasing the anticoagulant activity of warfarin. Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze increases the bioavailability of buspirone and is rich in vitamin K thereby inhibiting the activity of anticoagulant agents. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. displaces serum bound cardiovascular drugs such as diltiazem, nifedipine and verapamil. Herbal medicine can directly affect hepatocytes leading to hepatoxicity based on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The potentiation of the activity of concurrently administered conventional agents is potentially lethal especially if the drugs bear dangerous side effects and have a low therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Suroowan
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius
| | - M F Mahomoodally
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius.,Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
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5
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Specific activity of Korean red ginseng saponin and non-saponin fractions in ageing-induced rat testicular dysfunction. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2016.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Eskandari M, Jani S, Kazemi M, Zeighami H, Yazdinezhad A, Mazloomi S, Shokri S. Ameliorating Effect of Ginseng on Epididymo-Orchitis Inducing Alterations in Sperm Quality and Spermatogenic Cells Apoptosis following Infection by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Rats. CELL JOURNAL 2016; 18:446-57. [PMID: 27602327 PMCID: PMC5011333 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Eskandari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Soghra Jani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Kazemi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habib Zeighami
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Alireza Yazdinezhad
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Sahar Mazloomi
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Saeed Shokri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Santana PPB, da Silva BB, Silva TVG, Costa NN, Cordeiro MS, Santos SSD, Ohashi OM, Miranda MS. Addition of L-arginine to the fertilization medium enhances subsequent bovine embryo development rates. Theriogenology 2016; 85:1132-8. [PMID: 26733119 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although L-Arginine (ARG) has been reported as a promising bovine sperm capacitation agent, its effects on embryo development are still poorly understood. Herein, we compared the effects of ARG and/or heparin (HEP) addition to the fertilization medium for bovine oocytes on sperm capacitation and embryo development. We chose 10 mM ARG based on blastocyst development rates in a titration experiment. Addition of ARG and/or HEP to the fertilization medium resulted in similar rates of blastocyst development (P > 0.05). However, when ARG, but not HEP, was combined with a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor (N-Nitro-L-ARG-methyl ester, 10 mM) blastocyst development was decreased (P < 0.05). To assess the effects on capacitation, bovine sperm were incubated for 0, 3, and 6 hours in fertilization medium containing ARG and/or HEP and/or N-Nitro-L-ARG-methyl esterand acrosomal exocytosis rates were evaluated using fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated Pisum sativum lectin (FITC-PSA) staining and flow cytometry. With HEP, acrosomal exocytosis rates were highest by 3 hours of incubation; however, by 6 hours, rates were similar for HEP and/or ARG (P > 0.05) and higher than those in control media (P < 0.05). Although both ARG and HEP increased sperm NO production (P < 0.05), combination with L-NAME only precluded acrosomal exocytosis when ARG added alone in the medium (P > 0.05). These results suggest that although both ARG and HEP supported sperm capacitation, only the effects of the former were driven via NO production. Moreover, ARG was also as effective as HEP at improving blastocyst development rates. Therefore, ARG may be used as a low-cost alternative sperm capacitation agent for bovine in vitro embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila P B Santana
- Department of Biology, Federal Rural University of Amazon, Capitão-Poço, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Bruno B da Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Thiago V G Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Nathalia N Costa
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcela S Cordeiro
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Simone S D Santos
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Otávio M Ohashi
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Moysés S Miranda
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Pavan V, Mucignat-Caretta C, Redaelli M, Ribaudo G, Zagotto G. The Old Made New: Natural Compounds against Erectile Dysfunction. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:607-14. [PMID: 25974223 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The interest toward sex-related diseases keeps growing through the years. In this review, we focus our attention on erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that caught much attention especially after the introduction on the market of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors such as the well-known sildenafil. Here, we briefly describe both the etiology of ED and the available treatments, examining then extensively some natural derivatives that, coming from traditional medicine, could represent promising starting points for the development of alternative remedies. In fact, herbal remedies from several parts of the world have been traditionally known for long, and were recently reconsidered and are now being studied to demonstrate their eventual potential in the treatment of ED. Among the various examples reported in the literature and reviewed here, plants and extracts containing polyphenols—especially a class of compounds called kraussianones—appear to be particularly effective and promising against ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pavan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Marco Redaelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ribaudo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zagotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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9
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Buzadzic B, Vucetic M, Jankovic A, Stancic A, Korac A, Korac B, Otasevic V. New insights into male (in)fertility: the importance of NO. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:1455-67. [PMID: 24601995 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a global problem that is on the rise, especially during the last decade. Currently, infertility affects approximately 10-15% of the population worldwide. The frequency and origin of different forms of infertility varies. It has been shown that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) are involved in the aetiology of infertility, especially male infertility. Various strategies have been designed to remove or decrease the production of ROS and RNS in spermatozoa, in particular during in vitro fertilization. However, in recent years it has been shown that spermatozoa naturally produce a variety of ROS/RNS, including superoxide anion radical (O2 (⋅-)), hydrogen peroxide and NO. These reactive species, in particular NO, are essential in regulating sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction, two processes that need to be acquired by sperm in order to achieve fertilization potential. In addition, it has recently been shown that mitochondrial function is positively correlated with human sperm fertilization potential and quality and that NO and NO precursors increase sperm motility by increasing energy production in mitochondria. We will review the new link between sperm NO-driven redox regulation and infertility herein. A special emphasis will be placed on the potential implementation of new redox-active substances that modulate the content of NO in spermatozoa to increase fertility and promote conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Buzadzic
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research 'Sinisa Stankovic', University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Kassier S, Veldman F. When science meets culture: the prevention and management of erectile dysfunction in the 21st century. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2014.11734478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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11
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Leung KW, Wong AS. Ginseng and male reproductive function. SPERMATOGENESIS 2013; 3:e26391. [PMID: 24381805 PMCID: PMC3861174 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.26391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kar Wah Leung
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Alice St Wong
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong, PR China
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Aquila S, Giordano F, Guido C, Rago V, Carpino A. Nitric oxide involvement in the acrosome reaction triggered by leptin in pig sperm. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:133. [PMID: 21970701 PMCID: PMC3200170 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule produced by intracellular nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes. This free radical appears to affect sperm capacitation, a maturation step preceding acrosome reaction. Recent studies have reported leptin ability to promote capacitation and acrosome reaction in pig male gametes. METHODS This study has investigated nitric oxide production in leptin-treated pig spermatozoa by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, while the intracellular NOS isoforms were assessed by Western blot analysis. In addition, acrosome status of treated-spermatozoa was evaluated by FITC-PNA staining. RESULTS Significant increases of nitric oxide levels and acrosome reaction extent were detected in leptin-treated spermatozoa, but both the effects were reversed in presence of L-NAME. Furthermore, the immunoblots of sperm extracts have evidenced three bands of ~160 Kd(bNOS), ~130 Kd (iNOS) and ~135 Kd (eNOS). CONCLUSIONS The identification of the three intracellular NOS isoforms suggests that pig spermatozoa could produce NO, while the augmented nitric oxide levels in leptin-treated male gametes indicates the capacity of the hormone to induce nitric oxide production. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of L-NAME and of Ab-ObR on the promotion of acrosome reaction triggered by leptin suggests a possible involvement of NO in the hormone action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmaco-Biology, University of Calabria 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
- Centro Sanitario. University of Calabria 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza) Italy
| | - Francesca Giordano
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Carmela Guido
- Department of Pharmaco-Biology, University of Calabria 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
- Centro Sanitario. University of Calabria 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza) Italy
| | - Vittoria Rago
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Amalia Carpino
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
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Ho CCK, Tan HM. Rise of Herbal and Traditional Medicine in Erectile Dysfunction Management. Curr Urol Rep 2011; 12:470-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11934-011-0217-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Xiang YZ, Shang HC, Gao XM, Zhang BL. A Comparison of the ancient use of ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine with modern pharmacological experiments and clinical trials. Phytother Res 2008; 22:851-8. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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15
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Lefièvre L, Chen Y, Conner SJ, Scott JL, Publicover SJ, Ford WCL, Barratt CLR. Human spermatozoa contain multiple targets for protein S-nitrosylation: an alternative mechanism of the modulation of sperm function by nitric oxide? Proteomics 2007; 7:3066-84. [PMID: 17683036 PMCID: PMC2777308 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200700254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) enhances human sperm motility and capacitation associated with increased protein phosphorylation. NO activates soluble guanylyl cyclase, but can also modify protein function covalently via S-nitrosylation of cysteine. Remarkably, this mechanism remains unexplored in sperm although they depend on post-translational protein modification to achieve changes in function required for fertilisation. Our objective was to identify targets for S-nitrosylation in human sperm. Spermatozoa were incubated with NO donors and S-nitrosylated proteins were identified using the biotin switch assay and a proteomic approach using MS/MS. 240 S-nitrosylated proteins were detected in sperm incubated with S-nitroso-glutathione. Minimal levels were observed in glutathione or untreated samples. Proteins identified consistently based on multiple peptides included established targets for S-nitrosylation in other cells e.g. tubulin, GST and HSPs but also novel targets including A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) types 3 and 4, voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 3 and semenogelin 1 and 2. In situ localisation revealed S-nitrosylated targets on the postacrosomal region of the head and throughout the flagellum. Potential targets for S-nitrosylation in human sperm include physiologically significant proteins not previously reported in other cells. Their identification will provide novel insight into the mechanism of action of NO in spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lefièvre
- Reproductive Biology and Genetics Group, Division of Reproductive and Child Health, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Yongjian Chen
- The Center of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China, 100083
| | - Sarah J Conner
- Reproductive Biology and Genetics Group, Division of Reproductive and Child Health, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Metchley Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TG, UK
| | - Joanna L Scott
- Reproductive Biology and Genetics Group, Division of Reproductive and Child Health, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Steve J Publicover
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - W Christopher L Ford
- Reproductive Biology and Genetics Group, Division of Reproductive and Child Health, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Christopher LR Barratt
- Reproductive Biology and Genetics Group, Division of Reproductive and Child Health, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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16
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Zhang H, Zhou Q, Li X, Zhao W, Wang Y, Liu H, Li N. Ginsenoside Re promotes human sperm capacitation through nitric oxide-dependent pathway. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 74:497-501. [PMID: 17013883 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of sperm capacitation is important for successful fertilization. Ginsenosides, the biologically effective components of ginseng, have been found to enhance intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production and the latter has recently been indicated to play a significant role in modulation of sperm functions. We investigated the effect of Ginsenoside Re on human sperm capacitation in vitro and the mechanism by which the Ginsenosides play their roles. Spermatozoa were separated by Percoll and incubated with 0, 1, 10, or 100 microM of Ginsenoside Re. The percentages of spontaneous and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-induced acrosome reaction (AR), as a measure of sperm capacitation, were assayed with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA). The intracellular cGMP level was measured by [(3)H] cGMP radioimmunoassay system. The results showed that the percentages of both spontaneous and LPC-induced AR and intracellular cGMP level were significantly enhanced by Ginsenoside Re with a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 nM), a NO donor, mimicked the effects of Ginsenoside Re. And pretreatment with a NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) or a NO scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (LNAC, 1 mM) completely blocked the effects of Ginsenoside Re. Furthermore, the AR-inducing effect of Ginsenoside Re was significantly reduced in the presence of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583 or cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PCK) inhibitor KT5823, whereas addition of the cGMP analogue 8-Br-cGMP significantly increased the AR of human spermatozoa. Data suggested that Ginsenoside Re is beneficial to sperm capacitation and AR, and that the effect is accomplished through NO/cGMP/PKG pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
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