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Li G, Xu Y, Li Y, Chang D, Zhang P, Ma Z, Chen D, You Y, Huang X, Cai J. Qiangjing tablets ameliorate asthenozoospermia via mitochondrial ubiquitination and mitophagy mediated by LKB1/AMPK/ULK1 signaling. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:271-280. [PMID: 36655371 PMCID: PMC9858429 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2168021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Therapeutic effects of Qiangjing tablets (QJT) on sperm vitality and asthenozoospermia (AZS) have been confirmed. However, the mechanism of action remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effects of QJT on AZS and the underlying mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control, ORN (ornidazole; 200 mg/kg), ORN + QJT-low (0.17 g/mL), ORN + QJT-middle (0.33 g/mL), ORN + QJT-high (0.67 g/mL), and ORN + QJT + Radicicol (0.67 g/mL QJT and 20 mg/kg radicicol) groups. Pathological evaluation and analysis of mitophagy were conducted by H&E staining and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Reactive oxygen species were detected by flow cytometry. Protein expression was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS QJT significantly improved ORN-treated sperm motility and kinematic parameters, as well as the pathological symptoms of testicular and epididymal tissues. In particular, QJT mitigated impaired mitochondrial morphology, and increased the PHB, Beclin-1, LC3-II protein, and ROS levels (p < 0.05), and reduced the protein expression levels of LC3-I and p62 (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, QJT antagonized the downregulation of SCF and Parkin protein levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, QJT significantly increased the protein expressions levels of LKB1, AMPKα, p-AMPKα, ULK1 and p-ULK1 (p < 0.05). The ameliorative effect of QJT on pathological manifestations, mitochondrial morphology, and the expressions of mitophagy and mitochondrial ubiquitination-related proteins was counteracted by radicicol. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS QJT improved AZS via mitochondrial ubiquitination and mitophagy mediated by the LKB1/AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of AZS and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangsen Li
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanjie Xu
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingxi Li
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Degui Chang
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peihai Zhang
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyang Ma
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Di’ang Chen
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaodong You
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaopeng Huang
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Cai
- Department of Urology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Tu W, Zhang W, Wang H, Zhang Y, Huang J, Li B, Li X, Tan Y, Wu X. Effects of Chinese herbal feed additives on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity in breeding boars. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1231833. [PMID: 37565082 PMCID: PMC10410075 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1231833] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, Chinese herbal feed additives (CHFA) are commonly utilized in domestic pig farms. However, their impact on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity of imported breeding boars has yet to be thoroughly explored. In this study, the effect of CHFA on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity of the imported Duroc boars was investigated. Sixteen boars were randomly divided into control group and experimental (CHFA treated) group and fed normal or CHFA-levels containing diets, respectively. The sperm quality and reproductive hormone levels were periodically tested, and the reproductive capacity with breeding sows were evaluated. The results showed that the CHFA treated group boars significantly improved sperm volume, sperm concentration, and motility and reduced the sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, the serum levels of reproductive hormone such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) in the CHFA treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Although there was no significant difference in the initial birth weight of piglets between the two groups, the CHFA treated group had a significantly higher average number of piglets born, the average number of piglets born alive, the number of piglets weaned at 28 days, and the weaning weight compared to the control group. These findings suggest that CHFA can significantly improve the sperm quality of breeding boars and enhance their reproductive hormone levels as well as the reproductive capacity, providing direct evidence for the further application of CHFA in the management of breeding boars in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilong Tu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyi Zhang
- Shanghai Center of Agri-Products Quality and Safety, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Huang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Bushe Li
- Institute of Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongsong Tan
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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The Mechanism and Experimental Validation of Forsythoside A in the Treatment of Male Infertility Were Analyzed Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7723358. [PMID: 36248414 PMCID: PMC9560825 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7723358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chinese medicine extracts are currently the hotspot of new drug research and development. Herein, we report the mechanism of action of the traditional Chinese medicine extract Forsythiaside A in the treatment of male infertility and experimental verification. We first obtained 95 intersection genes between the target protein of Forsythiaside A and the target genes of male infertility and screened 13 key genes. In molecular docking, Forsythiaside A can each have a higher total docking score with 12 key genes and have a better combination. These 95 intersection genes are mainly related to biological processes such as response to peptide hormone, response to oxidative stress, and participation in the oxidative stress of the forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway. Therefore, we use ornidazole to induce an experimental model of oligoasthenospermia in rats and use different concentrations of Forsythiaside A to intervene. We proved that the semen quality and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of model group rats were significantly lower than those of the blank group, and semen quality and SOD activities of the low-dose group and high-dose group were significantly higher than those of the model group. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level of model group rats was significantly higher than that of blank group, while the MDA levels of the low-dose group and high-dose group were significantly lower than that of the model group. Forsythoside A is a potential drug substance for male infertility and improves the semen quality, MDA levels, and SOD activities of rats with oligoasthenospermia.
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Lu J, Qi D, Xu W. Fertility-enhancing effect of oil-based contrast agents during hysterosalpingography and the variation of this effect within a 3-year follow-up period in infertile patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:948945. [PMID: 36117983 PMCID: PMC9473147 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.948945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The previous study has indicated the fertility-enhancing effect of oil-based contrast agents during hysterosalpingography (HSG) in infertile patients. However, the variation of this effect with the time frame is seldom reported. The current study aimed to explore fertility improvement using oil-based contrast agents and the change of this improvement during the 3-year follow-up period in infertile patients. Materials and methods Infertile women who underwent HSG with oil-based contrast agents (N = 500) or water-based contrast agents (N = 500) were enrolled. Spontaneous pregnancy rate and time to pregnancy were assessed at months (M)1, M2, M3, M6, M12, M24, and M36 after HSG. Results The spontaneous pregnancy rate was 79% in the oil-based group and 70.2% in the water-based group. The cumulative spontaneous pregnancy rate was increased in the oil-based group when compared with the water-based group (p = 0.015). Fertility-enhancing effect of HSG was increased in the oil-based group when compared with the water-based group at all time points {M1 [odds ratio (OR)]: 1.536}; M2 (OR: 1.455); M3 (OR: 1.494); M6 (OR: 1.356); M9 (OR: 1.288); M12 (OR: 1.249); M24 (OR: 1.131); and M36 (OR: 1.125). While this superiority of the fertility-enhancing effect of HSG in the oil-based group (vs. the water-based group) was decreased with the time frame. Similar findings were also observed based on the physiological cycles. Conclusion The HSG procedure with oil-based contrast agents shows a fertility-enhancing effect when compared to water-based contrast agents. This improvement could last at least 1 year while dropping to the normal level within the subsequent 2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Lu
- Department of Radiological Intervention, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Qi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjian Xu
- Department of Radiological Intervention, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Liu H, Huang Z, Zheng H, Zhu Z, Yang H, Liu X, Pang T, He L, Lin H, Hu L, Zeng Q, Han L. Jiawei Runjing Decoction Improves Spermatogenesis of Cryptozoospermia With Varicocele by Regulating the Testicular Microenvironment: Two-Center Prospective Cohort Study. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:945949. [PMID: 36016555 PMCID: PMC9395676 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.945949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the evidence of JWRJD in the treatment of cryptozoospermia. Methods: A total of 162 cryptozoospermia patients with varicocele who refused to undergo surgery were included from January 2021 to December 2021. They were divided into the Jiawei Runjing Decoction group (group A), tamoxifen group (group B), and no treatment group (group C), and after the follow-up for 3 months, therapeutic effectiveness was compared. Network pharmacology was used to analyze and validate the effects and mechanisms of JWRJD. Results: Fifty-eight patients were treated with JWRJD, 55 with tamoxifen, and 49 without any treatment. After treatment, five patients were lost: one in group A, one in group B, and three in group C. The sperm count and the decrease of FSH in group A were significantly higher, but the degree of decline in the testicular volume and the degree of vein expansion have decreased significantly, which were closely related to the testicular volume (TV) [especially changes in the left testicular volume (ΔL-TV)], citric acid (CC) and its changes (ΔCC), and the vein width (VW) [especially left spermatic vein width (L-VW) and mean vein width (M-VW) and their changes (ΔL-VW and ΔM-VW)], as well as the sperm count before the treatment (bSC), which were the significant indexes to predict the therapeutic effect, especially for patients >35 years old and with grade III varicoceles. Network pharmacological analysis verifies that it can be regulated by fluid shear stress and the atherosclerosis pathway to improve the testicular microenvironment for spermatogenesis. Conclusion: JWRJD may promote spermatogenesis in cryptozoospermia patients with varicocele, which may be closely related to improving the testicular microenvironment, especially for >35 year olds and grade III varicocele patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongwang Huang
- Department of Andrology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Houbin Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Ultrasonography, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingzhang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Pang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqi Zeng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Qingqi Zeng, ; Lanying Han,
| | - Lanying Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qingqi Zeng, ; Lanying Han,
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Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Walczak-Jedrzejowska R, Dobronski P. The influence of a combination of lifestyle modification and a new formula supplement with antioxidative and antioestrogenic activity on mild idiopathic abnormalities of semen parameters-A pilot study. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14279. [PMID: 34664304 DOI: 10.1111/and.14279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Unhealthy lifestyle and environmental factors may influence semen parameters via oxidative stress, functional hypogonadism and xenobiotics. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a diet supplement containing glutathione and herbs with antioxidative and antioestrogenic activity, in combination with lifestyle improvement, on semen parameters. Data from the medical records of 50 men aged 24-52 (median 35.0) with idiopathic abnormalities in semen parameters were retrospectively analysed. The inclusion criteria comprised sperm concentration >5 mln/ml, disorders in sperm motility and/or vitality and/or morphology, good general health, no present nor previous diseases or treatment which may influence fertility, and normal testicular volume. Patients were advised to change their lifestyle and take the supplement for three months. Basic semen analysis and serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels were performed before and after the prescribed therapy. After three months of treatment, median serum concentrations of FSH significantly increased by 70%, LH by 67% and testosterone by 79%, and all mean semen parameters were significantly increased (total sperm count by 68%). It seems that lifestyle changes supported by consumption of herbs with antioxidative and antioestrogenic activity may be suitable for the first-line therapy for patients with mild idiopathic abnormalities in semen parameters or serum concentrations of reproductive hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piotr Dobronski
- Department of General, Oncological and Functional Urology, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
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Deciphering the Therapeutic Mechanisms of Wuzi Ershen Decoction in Treating Oligoasthenozoospermia through the Network Pharmacology Approach. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5591844. [PMID: 34394386 PMCID: PMC8363445 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5591844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples around the world, and male factors are accounted for 40–50%. Oligoasthenozoospermia is the most common reason for male infertility. Unfortunately, effective drug therapy is still lacking except for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Previous researchers found that Wuzi Ershen decoction (WZESD) can increase sperm count, enhance sperm vitality, and improve semen quality. However, the pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. Methods In this study, we screened compounds and predicted the targets of WZESD based on the TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM database combined with literature searching in the PubMed database. We obtained proteins related to oligoasthenozoospermia through GeneCards and submitted them to STRING to obtain the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Potential targets of WZESD were mapped to the network, and the hub targets were screened by topology. We used online platform Metascape and Enrichr for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. AutoDock Vina was utilized for further verification of the binding mode between compounds and targets. Results Totally, 276 bioactive compounds were obtained and targeted 681 proteins. 446 oligoasthenozoospermia disease-specific proteins were acquired, and further bioinformatics analysis found that they were mainly involved in the formation of gametes, meiosis, and sperm differentiation. Protein interaction network analysis revealed that target proteins of WZESD were associated with oligoasthenozoospermia disease-specific proteins. The 79 targets of disease-specific proteins, which were anchored by WZESD, mainly participate in the cellular response to the organic cyclic compound, regulation of the apoptotic process, nitricoxide biosynthetic and metabolic process, oxidative stress, and protein phosphorylation regulation, which are the causes for oligoasthenozoospermia. Molecular docking simulation further validated that bioactive compounds originated from WZESD with targeted proteins showed high binding efficiency. Conclusions This study uncovers the therapeutic mechanisms of WZESD for oligoasthenozoospermia treatment from the perspective of network pharmacology and may provide a valuable reference for further experimental research studies and clinical applications.
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Park A, Yang Y, Jo J, Yoon SR. Modified MYOMI-14 Korean herbal formulations have protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced male infertility in mice. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14025. [PMID: 33749904 DOI: 10.1111/and.14025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Korean herbal formulation, MYOMI-14, has been reported to improve the idiopathic male infertility condition with poor semen. In this study, four MYOMI formulations were modified from MYOMI-14 by reducing the number of constituents. We investigated the therapeutic effect of MYOMI formulations on cyclophosphamide-induced male infertility using mice model. Cyclophosphamide treatment significantly decreased body weight, testicular weight, sperm count, normal-shaped sperm rate and sperm motility compared to untreated control group, whereas MYOMI formulations restore the cyclophosphamide-induced dysfunction, as determined by increased sperm count and motility, and decreased abnormally shaped spermatozoa. In addition, treatment with MYOMI formulations reduced cyclophosphamide-induced apoptosis of germ cells and oxidative stress. MYOMI-treated mice also showed improved spermatogenesis as shown by the increased expression of spermatogenesis-related genes, as cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) and cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein. Among the MYOMI formulations, MYOMI-7 showed better results in terms of recovering CP-induced damages to testis and improving the fertility. Taken together, this study is expected to make significant contribution to the literature by exploring various formulations that reduced constituents of MYOMI-14, a Korean herbal medicine, in treating CP-induced male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arum Park
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yunjeong Yang
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Junyoung Jo
- Department of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology, Conmaul Hospital of Korean Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suk Ran Yoon
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
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Li Q, Zhang C, Li C, Lin X, Wang M, Wu L, Li H, Ye P, Qin G. The effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of male infertility associated with sperm DNA fragmentation: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24918. [PMID: 33655953 PMCID: PMC7939154 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) may hinder embryonic development and growth, increasing the risk of spontaneous miscarriage, and is considered an important factor affecting male infertility (MI). Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is considered effective in the treatment of MI due to SDF by nourishing kidney essence or promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis. The objective of this systematic review protocol is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine on the treatment of MI associated with SDF. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP Chinese Science, Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Database until the end of 2020 for English and Chinese published literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of MI associated with SDF will be included. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by 2 reviewers, and the quality evaluation and risk assessment were assessed by the Cochrane collaboration's tool, and use the RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis. CONCLUSION This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of MI due to SDF, which may provide some help for the clinician's decision. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020221053.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrui Li
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing
| | - Chao Zhang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing
| | - Chenxi Li
- Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Xuyao Lin
- Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Mingkai Wang
- Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Lin Wu
- Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Hua Li
- Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Pule Ye
- Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Guozheng Qin
- Hospital of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Zhang Q, Fan L, Li F, Sun Z, Zhang C, Chen R. Yishentongluo decoction in treatment of idiopathic asthenozoospermia infertility: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22662. [PMID: 33120757 PMCID: PMC7581134 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reproductive dilemma faced by men has always been the focus of the whole society. Idiopathic asthenozoospermia (AZS), as one of the common causes of male infertility, lack of specific treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown potential benefits in the management of male infertility. Yishentongluo decoction (YSTL) is a representative Chinese herbal formula; however, there is still no rigorous clinical trial supporting its application. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of YSTL for patients with idiopathic AZS and explain the possible action mechanisms of YSTL in improving sperm motility. METHODS In this randomized controlled study, a total of 160 eligible patients will be assigned to YSTL group or the Levocarnitine oral solution group in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment period will be 12 weeks and the follow-up period will last 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the the progressive (motility), sperm rate (%). Secondary outcomes will include the progressive (motility) + non-progressive (motility) sperm rate(%), total effective sperm count, inner mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in spermatozoa, and spouse pregnancy rate (%). Safety outcomes will cover electrocardiogram , blood tests (including blood routine test, hepatic function, and renal function), urine routine test, and stool routine test. The semen parameters, sperm MMP test, and all the safety outcomes will be performed at the baseline, 4th, 8th and 12th week. The pregnancy outcome will be evaluated at 4 weeks after treatment. DISCUSSION This study will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of YSTL in the treatment of idiopathic AZS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis pattern. In addition, potential mechanisms of YSTL in improving sperm motility will be explored based on sperm MMP test. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trials Register identifier, ChiCTR2000033290, registered on 26 May 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, P.R. China; Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province
| | - Lipeng Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.6 Dong-feng Road
| | - Fangyuan Li
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, P.R. China; Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province
| | - Zixue Sun
- Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, NO.156 Jin-shui-dong Road
| | - Chenming Zhang
- Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, NO.156 Jin-shui-dong Road
| | - Rubing Chen
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, NO.19 Ren-min Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
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Bai S, Wan Y, Zong L, Li W, Xu X, Zhao Y, Hu X, Zuo Y, Xu B, Tong X, Guo T. Association of Alcohol Intake and Semen Parameters in Men With Primary and Secondary Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Physiol 2020; 11:566625. [PMID: 33041863 PMCID: PMC7517893 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.566625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption has commonly been associated with semen parameters. However, the association between alcohol intake and semen parameters in primary and secondary infertile men remains unclear. In this study, 776 infertile men from China were grouped according to alcohol intake: abstainers, moderate drinkers (<9 units/week, up to approximately 100 g of ethanol) and heavy drinkers (≥9 units/week). Semen parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and normal morphology were investigated. Alcohol consumption and other lifestyle factors were assessed by questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied. There was no significant association between alcohol consumption and semen parameters in men with primary infertility. Smaller testis volumes and lower sperm concentrations were found among moderate and heavy drinkers in the secondary infertility group than among abstainers. After adjustment for potential confounders, men with secondary infertility and heavy alcohol consumption had a higher risk of abnormal sperm concentrations (OR = 3.72; 95% CI, 1.04, 13.37). These findings suggest that alcohol intake may decrease sperm concentrations in men with secondary infertility, whereas no association was found in men with primary infertility. It may be beneficial for clinicians to advise male patients with secondary infertility who are seeking fertility treatment to avoid heavy alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Bai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yangyang Wan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Zong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Li
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xuechun Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yanzhen Zuo
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tonghang Guo
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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12
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Deep Learning-Based Morphological Classification of Human Sperm Heads. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10050325. [PMID: 32443809 PMCID: PMC7277990 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10050325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infertility is considered as a serious disease of the reproductive system that affects more than 10% of couples across the globe and over 30% of the reported cases are related to men. The crucial step in the assessment of male infertility and subfertility is semen analysis that strongly depends on the sperm head morphology, i.e., the shape and size of the head of a spermatozoon. However, in medical diagnosis, the morphology of the sperm head is determined manually, and heavily depends on the expertise of the clinician. Moreover, this assessment as well as the morphological classification of human sperm heads are laborious and non-repeatable, and there is also a high degree of inter and intra-laboratory variability in the results. In order to overcome these problems, we propose a specialized convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to accurately classify human sperm heads based on sperm images. It is carefully designed with several layers, and multiple filter sizes, but fewer filters and parameters to improve efficiency and effectiveness. It is demonstrated that our proposed architecture outperforms state-of-the-art methods, exhibiting 88% recall on the SCIAN dataset in the total agreement setting and 95% recall on the HuSHeM dataset for the classification of human sperm heads. Our proposed method shows the potential of deep learning to surpass embryologists in terms of reliability, throughput, and accuracy.
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Abstract
With the increasing incidence of male infertility, routine detection of semen is insufficient to accurately assess male fertility. Infertile men, who have lower odds of conceiving naturally, exhibit high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). The mechanisms driving SDF include abnormal spermatogenesis, oxidative stress damage, and abnormal sperm apoptosis. As these factors can induce SDF and subsequent radical changes leading to male infertility, detection of the extent of SDF has become an efficient routine method for semen analysis. Although it is still debated, SDF detection has become a research hotspot in the field of reproductive medicine as a more accurate indicator for assessing sperm quality and male fertility. SDF may be involved in male infertility, reproductive assisted outcomes, and growth and development of offspring. The effective detection methods of SDF are sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA), terminal transferase-mediated dUTP end labeling (TUNEL) assay, single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, and all of these methods are valuable for assisted reproductive techniques. Currently, the preferred method for detecting sperm DNA integrity is SCSA. However, the regulation network of SDF is very complex because the sperm DNA differs from the somatic cell DNA with its unique structure. A multitude of molecular factors, including coding genes, non-coding genes, or methylated DNA, participate in the complex physiological regulation activities associated with SDF. Studying SDF occurrence and the underlying mechanisms may effectively improve its clinical treatments. This review aimed to outline the research status of SDF mechanism and detection technology-related issues, as well as the effect of increased SDF rate, aiming to provide a basis for clinical male infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qiu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Hua Yang
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Chunyuan Li
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Changlong Xu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
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Zhang K, Fu L, An Q, Hu W, Liu J, Tang X, Ding Y, Lu W, Liang X, Shang X, Gu Y. Effects of Qilin pills on spermatogenesis, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, and the TSSK2 gene in a rat model of oligoasthenospermia. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:42. [PMID: 32046715 PMCID: PMC7076898 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Qilin pills (QLPs), a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula for treating male infertility, effectively improve semen quality in clinical trials. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of QLPs on spermatogenesis, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, and the testis-specific serinekinase-2 (TSSK2) gene in a rat model of oligoasthenospermia. METHODS Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups. The rat model with oligoasthenospermia was generated by intragastric administration of tripterygium glycosides (TGs) once daily for 4 weeks. Then, two treatment groups were given different doses (1.62 g/kg and 3.24 g/kg) of QLPs once daily for 60 days. Sperm parameters, testicular histology and reproductive hormone measurements, oxidative stress tests, and TSSK2 expression tests were carried out. RESULTS QLPs effectively improved semen parameters and testicular histology; restored the levels of FSH, LH, PRL, fT, and SHBG; reduced the levels of oxidative stress products (ROS and MDA); increased testicular SOD activity; and restored the expression of spermatogenesis-related gene TSSK2. CONCLUSION QLPs have a therapeutic effect on a rat model of oligoasthenospermia, and this effect is manifested as improvement of semen quality and testis histology, gonadal axis stability, decreased oxidative stress, and the regulation of testis-specific spermatogenesis-related gene TSSK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaishu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000 China
| | - Longlong Fu
- National Health and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Department of Male Clinical Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning & WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Qi An
- National Health and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Department of Male Clinical Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning & WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Beijing, 100081 China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Weihong Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000 China
| | - Jianxin Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000 China
| | - Xiuming Tang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000 China
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000 China
| | - Wenhong Lu
- National Health and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Department of Male Clinical Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning & WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Xiaowei Liang
- National Health and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Department of Male Clinical Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning & WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Xuejun Shang
- Department of Andrology, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210002 China
| | - Yiqun Gu
- National Health and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Department of Male Clinical Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning & WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Beijing, 100081 China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
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