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Lin Q, Ge X, Gao L, Chen Y, Su T, Ma M, Wang H, Chen C, Han B, Liu D. Betaine alleviates spermatogenic cells apoptosis of oligoasthenozoospermia rat model by up-regulating methyltransferases and affecting DNA methylation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155713. [PMID: 38735196 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligoasthenozoospermia is the most common type of semen abnormality in male infertile patients. Betaine (BET) has been proved to have pharmacological effects on improving semen quality. BET also belongs to endogenous physiological active substances in the testis. However, the physiological function of BET in rat testis and its pharmacological mechanism against oligoasthenozoospermia remain unclear. PURPOSE This research aims to prove the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of BET on oligoasthenozoospermia rat model induced by Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides (TWGs). METHODS The oligoasthenozoospermia rat model was established by a continuous gavage of TWGs (60 mg/kg) for 28 days. Negative control group, oligoasthenozoospermia group, positive drug group (levocarnitine, 300 mg/kg), and 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg BET groups were created for exploring the therapeutic effect of BET on the oligoasthenozoospermia rat model. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by HE and TUNEL staining. Immunofluorescence assay of DNMT3A, PIWIL1, PRMT5, SETDB1, BHMT2, and METTL3, methylation capture sequencing, Pi-RNA sequencing, and molecular docking were used to elucidate potential pharmacological mechanisms. RESULTS It is proved that BET can significantly restore testicular pathological damage induced by TWGs, which also can significantly reverse the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The spermatogenic cell protein expression levels of DNMT3A, PIWIL1, PRMT5, SETDB1, BHMT2, and METTL3 significantly decreased in oligoasthenozoospermia group. 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg BET groups can significantly increase expression level of the above-mentioned proteins. Methylation capture sequencing showed that BET can significantly increase the 5mC methylation level of Spata, Spag, and Specc spermatogenesis-related genes. Pi-RNA sequencing proved that the above-mentioned genes produce a large number of Pi-RNA under BET intervention. Pi-RNA can form complexes with PIWI proteins to participate in DNA methylation of target genes. Molecular docking indicated that BET may not directly act as substrate for methyltransferase and instead participates in DNA methylation by promoting the methionine cycle and increasing S-adenosylmethionine synthesis. CONCLUSION BET has a significant therapeutic effect on oligoasthenozoospermia rat model induced by TWPs. The mechanism mainly involves that BET can increase the methylation level of Spata, Specc, and Spag target genes through the PIWI/Pi-RNA pathway and up-regulation of methyltransferases (including DNA methyltransferases and histone methyltransferases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyan Lin
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Xiyu Ge
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Leilei Gao
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Yanjun Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Ting Su
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Menghua Ma
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cunwu Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Bangxing Han
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China.
| | - Dong Liu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China.
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Chittiboyina AG, Khan IA. Current issues in phytomedicine research - Conundrum on the chemistry of ashwagandha and its biological effects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117871. [PMID: 38325672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, United States; Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, United States.
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Wiciński M, Fajkiel-Madajczyk A, Kurant Z, Kurant D, Gryczka K, Falkowski M, Wiśniewska M, Słupski M, Ohla J, Zabrzyński J. Can Ashwagandha Benefit the Endocrine System?-A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16513. [PMID: 38003702 PMCID: PMC10671406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Due to the wide range of its activities, there has been interest in its possible beneficial effects on the human body. It is proved that, among others, Ashwagandha has anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and hypolipidemic properties. Particularly interesting are its properties reported in the field of psychiatry and neurology: in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, anxiety disorders and many others. The aim of this review is to find and summarize the effect that Ashwagandha root extract has on the endocrine system and hormones. The multitude of active substances and the wide hormonal problems faced by modern society sparked our interest in the topic of Ashwagandha's impact on this system. In this work, we also attempted to draw conclusions as to whether W. somnifera can help normalize the functions of the human endocrine system in the future. The search mainly included research published in the years 2010-2023. The results of the research show that Ashwagandha can have a positive effect on the functioning of the endocrine system, including improving the secretory function of the thyroid gland, normalizing adrenal activity, and multidirectional improvement on functioning of the reproductive system. The main mechanism of action in the latter appears to be based on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as a decrease in cortisol levels and an increase in hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in men were found, which results in stress level reduction and improvement in fertility. In turn, other studies prove that active substances from W. somnifera, acting on the body, cause an increase in the secretion of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) by the thyroid gland and a subsequent decrease in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in accordance with the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. In light of these findings, it is clear that Ashwagandha holds significant promise as a natural remedy for various health concerns, especially those related to the endocrine system. Future research may provide new insights into its mechanisms of action and expand its applications in both traditional and modern medicine. The safety and toxicity of Ashwagandha also remain important issues, which may affect its potential use in specific patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Wiciński
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (A.F.-M.); (Z.K.); (D.K.); (K.G.)
| | - Anna Fajkiel-Madajczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (A.F.-M.); (Z.K.); (D.K.); (K.G.)
| | - Zuzanna Kurant
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (A.F.-M.); (Z.K.); (D.K.); (K.G.)
| | - Dominik Kurant
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (A.F.-M.); (Z.K.); (D.K.); (K.G.)
| | - Karol Gryczka
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (A.F.-M.); (Z.K.); (D.K.); (K.G.)
| | - Michal Falkowski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Dr. A. Jurasza 2, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Wiśniewska
- Department of Oncology and Brachytherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Dr I. Romanowskiej 2, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Professor Franciszek Lukaszczyk Oncology Center, Dr I. Romanowskiej 2, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Maciej Słupski
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Jakub Ohla
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (J.O.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jan Zabrzyński
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (J.O.); (J.Z.)
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Pan X, Qing Q, Zhou J, Sun H, Li L, Cao W, Ye F, Zhu J, Sun Y, Wang L. Effect of Chinese patent medicine Kunling Pill on endometrial receptivity: A clinical trial, network pharmacology, and animal-based study. Drug Discov Ther 2023; 17:257-269. [PMID: 37599077 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2023.01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Although pregnancy success rates are raised with assisted reproductive technology, it still cannot meet clinical demands. Kunling Pill (KLP), a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used in various gynecological disorders, particularly in improving fertility and pregnancy rates. However, the underlying mechanism of how KLP affects pregnancy outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of KLP on endometrial receptivity. Firstly, a retrospective trial was conducted to validate the efficacy of KLP on repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients. The result indicated a significant increase in the proportion of live birth in KLP group (30.56%) compared to the control group (16.89%). Secondly, network pharmacology methods predicted the active components and network targets of KLP. Endometrial receptivity is closely associated with the activation of inflammatory factors, predicting the function of KLP on the immune system. The estrogen and apoptotic signaling pathways were also highlighted in the gene ontology enrichment analysis. Thirdly, a decreased endometrial receptivity model was established by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in female C57BL/6 mice, divided into the COH and KLP groups. Normal female mice are as control group. In vivo, KLP administration could increase endometrial thickness and the number of endometrial glands and pinopodes. In the endometrium, KLP supplementation upregulated the expressions of estrogen receptor α, progesterone receptor, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and integrin αVβ3 in the murine uterus and reduced serum levels of estrogen and progesterone. KLP regulated the uterine immune cells and inhibited cell apoptosis in the ovary via Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 pathway. In conclusion, KLP administration raised the live birth rate in RIF patients to optimize medication regimens, mainly because KLP ameliorated impaired endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyao Pan
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Qing
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Sun
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisha Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenli Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feijun Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wenling People's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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