Objective:To compare the therapeutic effects of Shengjing Zhongzi Tang(生精种子汤Decoction for Generating Sperms) and Wuzi Yanzong Wan(五子衍宗丸Pills for Reproduction) for asthenospermia and oligozoospermia.Methods:S...Objective:To compare the therapeutic effects of Shengjing Zhongzi Tang(生精种子汤Decoction for Generating Sperms) and Wuzi Yanzong Wan(五子衍宗丸Pills for Reproduction) for asthenospermia and oligozoospermia.Methods:Seventy patients with asthenospermia and oligozoospermia were divided into a treatment group of 35 cases treated with Shengjing Zhongzi Tang and a control group of 35 cases treated with Wuzi Yanzong Wan for 3 months respectively.The therapeutic effects were evaluated,the semen parameters were analyzed and the spermatic morphology was judged before and after treatment.Results:In the treatment group,the total effective rate was 91.4% with a pregnant rate of 8.6% spouses,and the markedly effective rate was 65.7%.In the control group,the total effective rate was 85.7% with a pregnant rate of 5.7% spouses,and the markedly effective rate was 54.3%.Both the total effective rate and the markedly effective rate were higher in the treatment group than those in the control group,but with no significant statistical difference(P>0.05).The spermatic density,spermatic motility and the percentage of normal spermatic morphology were obviously enhanced in the two groups with the indexes in the treatment group superior to those in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Shengjing Zhongzi Tang with obvious therapeutic effects for asthenospermia and oligozoospermia can significantly enhance the spermatic density and motility,and raise the pregnant rate in spouses.展开更多
Objective：The recent advent of flow cytometry（FCM）,coupled with fluorescent dyes,has been successfully applied to assess mitochondrial function.The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and clinical ...Objective：The recent advent of flow cytometry（FCM）,coupled with fluorescent dyes,has been successfully applied to assess mitochondrial function.The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and clinical significance of detecting sperm mitochondrial function and to evaluate sperm mitochondrial function by using Rhodamine 123/propidium（Rh123/PI）dual fluorescent staining and FCM in asthenospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia.Methods：Twenty-five fertile men（with normal sperm parameters）and 230 infertile patients were examined.Fifty-five patients of the above 230 patients were selected for idiopathic infertility samples and were divided into two groups：asthenospermia（n=30）and oligoasthenozoospermia（n=25）.Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining and FCM were carried out to examine sperm mitochondrial function.Results：Significant differences were found between the normal and abnormal semen samples（P0.05）when Rh123＋/PI-,Rh123-/PI＋and Rh123-/PI-sperm were examined by FCM,but there was no significant difference between the asthenospermia（P=0.469） and oligoasthenozoospermia group（P=0.950）when Rh123＋/PI-and Rh123-/PI＋sperm were then examined;however,a significant difference was found between the 2 groups（P=0.003）when Rh123-/PI-sperm were examined.There was no correlation between Rh123-/PI-sperm and semen parameters in the normal group,but there was a significant negative correlation between the sperm concentration and Rh123-/PI-sperm in asthenospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia patients（r=-0.509,-0.660;P=0.018,0.038）.Conclusion：Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining and FCM can provide reliable information to assess the quality of sperm and reveal differences in mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the application of two-dimensional electrophoresis in the research of differentially expressed proteins in the human asthenospermia. Methods: Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was performed on...Objective: To evaluate the application of two-dimensional electrophoresis in the research of differentially expressed proteins in the human asthenospermia. Methods: Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was performed on 4 normal sperm samples from healthy men and 4 sperm samples from 4 asthenospermia patients. After silver staining, the differential expression proteins were analyzed by PDQuest 2D analysis software. Results: Six differential protein spots were identified. Four spots showed increased expression in the control gels compared with the patient gels. Conclusion: The protein profiles of differential expression between the normal spermatozoa and idiopathic asthenospermia were established and some differential proteins were found. The data of this study would establish the better fundament for further isolation and identification of differentially expressed proteins in human asthenospermia sperm.展开更多
The views of the unities between heaven and man and between form and spirit in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine essentially reflect the mutual influence of physical and psychological factors.In today...The views of the unities between heaven and man and between form and spirit in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine essentially reflect the mutual influence of physical and psychological factors.In today’s social environment,psychological and social factors have become important factors that affect the incidence of male asthenospermia.Therefore,the treatment of asthenospermia focuses more on the principle of simultaneous treatment of mind and body.With the development of modern biological-psychological-social medicine,the characteristics and advantages of psychosomatic medicine of traditional Chinese medicine are more prominent,which may provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of asthenospermia.展开更多
Objective To assess the effectiveness of testosterone undecanoate on sperm motility and pregnancy incidence in men with asthenospermia. Methods A clinical trial was performed. Fifty men with asthenospermia were includ...Objective To assess the effectiveness of testosterone undecanoate on sperm motility and pregnancy incidence in men with asthenospermia. Methods A clinical trial was performed. Fifty men with asthenospermia were included to receive placebo （control group, n=9） or T undecanoate 80 mg/d （study group, n=41）. Pregnancy incidence and sperm characteristics after 1, 2 and 3 months of medication and 3 months after the end of the trial were measured. Results Compared with the placebo, T undecanoate treatment produced a satisfactory improvement of seminal motility （F=55.904, P=0.000）. In study group, the incidence of pregnancy was 28.2% while the incidence of pregnancy in control group was 11.1%. In study group, 26patients took T undecanoate for more than 3 months. In the 3 months, semen volume showed no statistical difference （F=1.206, P=0.312） before and after treatment, sperm concentration （F=0.023, P=0.000） and motility a, b, a ＋b （P=0.000） showed statistical differences. Motility grade a showed significantly higher increment in 2 and 3 months after treatment than 1 month and there was no statistical difference between 2 and 3 months. So did grade b. Conclusion The results indicate that T undecanoate increases semjnal motility, leading to a higher incidence of pregnancy in couples with infertility related to asthenoaspermia.展开更多
Objective:Exploring the material basis and mechanism of Kidney-invigorating and Spleenstrengthening method for treating oligospermia based on network pharmacology.Method:Select the effective elements and targets of Yi...Objective:Exploring the material basis and mechanism of Kidney-invigorating and Spleenstrengthening method for treating oligospermia based on network pharmacology.Method:Select the effective elements and targets of Yishen Jianpi core drug pairs by searching the Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform(TCMSP);select the disease targets of oligozoospermia by searching the human genetic information database;use R language software to select drugs and Disease common target,use Cytoscape software to build a drugdisease-target interaction network;build a common target protein interaction network(PPI)through the STRING platform;apply R language to the core drugs of Yishen Jianpi and oligospermia Enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG was performed on the common target.Result:A total of 97 effective active ingredients were obtained from Yishen Jianpi traditional Chinese medicine,and 46 possible targets for Yishen Jianpi traditional Chinese medicine to treat oligospermia were obtained.Combined with the results of KEGG enrichment analysis,it can be speculated that Yishen Jianpi traditional Chinese medicine improved male oligospermia The whole mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of human endogenous hormones.Conclusion:Through the research method of network pharmacology,the possible effect targets and pathways of Yishen Jianpi traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of male oligospermia are predicted.展开更多
Objective To investigate the underlying mechanism of“Zhibian”(BL54)-toward-"Shuidao"(ST28)acupuncturettechniqueforimproving reproductive function in mice with asthenospermia by regulating ferroptosis pathw...Objective To investigate the underlying mechanism of“Zhibian”(BL54)-toward-"Shuidao"(ST28)acupuncturettechniqueforimproving reproductive function in mice with asthenospermia by regulating ferroptosis pathway.Methods Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,an acupuncture group and a Fer-1 group,15 mice in each one.Except the blank group,the intraperitoneal injection with cyclophosphamide(50·kg-1.d-')was administered to establish the asthenospermia model.in the mice of the rest 3 groups for 5 consecutive days.In the acupuncture group,"Zhibian"(BL54)-toward-"Shuidao"(ST28)acupuncture technique was operated in the mice,for 20 min each time;and in the Fer-l group,Fer-1 solution(1 mg/kg)was injected intraperitoneally.The interventions of these two groups were delivered once daily and for 2 consecutive weeks.The testicular wet weight was measured and the testicular coefficient was calculated.Using sperm quality detection system,the sperm quality was detected.With ELISA used,the contents of testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)in the serum were detected.With HE staining,testicular and epididymal morphology was observed.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the testes.Biochemical assay was conducted to determine the contents of malondialdehyde(MDA),reduced glutathione(GSH),and total iron ion(TFe)in the testicular tissue.Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial structure of the testis,while JC-1 staining was used to assess mitochondrial membrane potential in the testicular tissue.Fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot analyseswere employed to measure the mRNA and protein expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)in the testicular tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,in the model group,the testicular wet weight and testicular coefficient decreased(P<0.01);the sperm concentration and sperm motility reduced(P<0.01),and the contents of T,FSH,and LH decreased in the serum(P<0.01);and the seminiferous tubules in the testis showed loose structure and deformed lumen,sperm cells were disorganized and the sperm numbers reduced;the tubular walls became thinner,and sperm numbers in the lumen less;the expression of ROS in testicular tissue,as well as the contents of MDA and TFe increased(P<0.01),and the content of GSH decreased(P<0.01);and the numbers of mitochondria reduced,the structure of cristae was serious damaged,and mitochondrial membrane potential level declined(P<0.O1);the mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,and FTH1 decreased(P<0.01),while the mRNA and protein expression of ACSL4 increased(P<0.01).In comparison with the model group,the acupuncture and Fer-1 groups showed the increase of testicular wet weight and coefficient(P<0.01),sperm concentration and motility(P<0.01),and the serum contents of T,FSH,and LH(P<0.01);and the improvements in testicular and epididymal histopathology;ROS expression and the contents of MDA and TFe decreased(P<0.01),and the content of GSH elevated(P<0.05);the mitochondrial structure and numbers were ameliorated and mitochondrial membrane potential rose(P<0.01).Besides,in comparison with the model group,the mRNA expression of SLC7A1l was higher(P<0.05,P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and FTH1 increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein expression of ACSL4 decreased(P<0.01)in the acupuncture and the Fer-1 groups;and the protein expression of SLC7A11 was higher in the Fer-1 group(P<0.05).Conclusion"Zhibian"(BL54)-toward-"Shuidao"(ST28)acupuncture technique may improve the reproductive capacity in the mice with asthenospermia by alleviating ferroptosis-induced cellular damage and ameliorating testicular function.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the specific mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the regulation of human sperm apoptosis, and to provide a new theoretical reference and scientific basis for the diagno...Objective: To investigate the specific mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the regulation of human sperm apoptosis, and to provide a new theoretical reference and scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of asthenospermia and other related conditions. Methods: Semen samples were categorized into the normal group and asthenospermia group based on sperm motility criteria. HIF-1α interfering agent cobalt chloride (CoCl2) and guanylate cyclase activator (Lificiguat, YC-1) were added respectively, with a control group established accordingly. Sperm motility (using anterior viability rate as an index), apoptosis level, ATP level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were measured. The expression levels of HIF-1α, p-PI3K, and Bcl-2 in the samples were analyzed using Western blotting. Results: Following CoCl2 treatment, there was a significant increase in sperm apoptosis compared to the normal control group (12.51% ± 2.50% VS 11.15% ± 2.42%);additionally, sperm motility (45.34% ± 3.37% VS 51.36% ± 11.68%), ATP production (11.51 ± 2.87 nM/µL VS 14.99 ± 2.83 nM/µL), ROS levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential all decreased significantly (all P α and p-PI3K increased significantly while Bcl-2 expression decreased (all P α in the YC-1 treatment group were decreased, and the expression level of Bcl-2 was increased (all P α can influence human sperm apoptosis and motility through the PI3K signaling pathway.展开更多
Insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology.To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility,specific...Insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology.To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility,specifically focusing on sperm quality,inflammation,and DNA damage,a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women’s Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine(Hangzhou,China)between 1^(st) January 2024 and 1^(st) March 2024.The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed,and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma,alongside markers of inflammation(tumor necrosis factor-alpha[TNF-α]and interleukin-1β[IL-1β]).The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX(γ-H2AX)was also explored.Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia.Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters,and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm.The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters,along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage,underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health.These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.展开更多
文摘Objective:To compare the therapeutic effects of Shengjing Zhongzi Tang(生精种子汤Decoction for Generating Sperms) and Wuzi Yanzong Wan(五子衍宗丸Pills for Reproduction) for asthenospermia and oligozoospermia.Methods:Seventy patients with asthenospermia and oligozoospermia were divided into a treatment group of 35 cases treated with Shengjing Zhongzi Tang and a control group of 35 cases treated with Wuzi Yanzong Wan for 3 months respectively.The therapeutic effects were evaluated,the semen parameters were analyzed and the spermatic morphology was judged before and after treatment.Results:In the treatment group,the total effective rate was 91.4% with a pregnant rate of 8.6% spouses,and the markedly effective rate was 65.7%.In the control group,the total effective rate was 85.7% with a pregnant rate of 5.7% spouses,and the markedly effective rate was 54.3%.Both the total effective rate and the markedly effective rate were higher in the treatment group than those in the control group,but with no significant statistical difference(P>0.05).The spermatic density,spermatic motility and the percentage of normal spermatic morphology were obviously enhanced in the two groups with the indexes in the treatment group superior to those in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Shengjing Zhongzi Tang with obvious therapeutic effects for asthenospermia and oligozoospermia can significantly enhance the spermatic density and motility,and raise the pregnant rate in spouses.
基金supported by the program of The Project Supported by Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China(No.SJ08-ZD05)
文摘Objective：The recent advent of flow cytometry（FCM）,coupled with fluorescent dyes,has been successfully applied to assess mitochondrial function.The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and clinical significance of detecting sperm mitochondrial function and to evaluate sperm mitochondrial function by using Rhodamine 123/propidium（Rh123/PI）dual fluorescent staining and FCM in asthenospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia.Methods：Twenty-five fertile men（with normal sperm parameters）and 230 infertile patients were examined.Fifty-five patients of the above 230 patients were selected for idiopathic infertility samples and were divided into two groups：asthenospermia（n=30）and oligoasthenozoospermia（n=25）.Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining and FCM were carried out to examine sperm mitochondrial function.Results：Significant differences were found between the normal and abnormal semen samples（P0.05）when Rh123＋/PI-,Rh123-/PI＋and Rh123-/PI-sperm were examined by FCM,but there was no significant difference between the asthenospermia（P=0.469） and oligoasthenozoospermia group（P=0.950）when Rh123＋/PI-and Rh123-/PI＋sperm were then examined;however,a significant difference was found between the 2 groups（P=0.003）when Rh123-/PI-sperm were examined.There was no correlation between Rh123-/PI-sperm and semen parameters in the normal group,but there was a significant negative correlation between the sperm concentration and Rh123-/PI-sperm in asthenospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia patients（r=-0.509,-0.660;P=0.018,0.038）.Conclusion：Rh123/PI dual fluorescent staining and FCM can provide reliable information to assess the quality of sperm and reveal differences in mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the application of two-dimensional electrophoresis in the research of differentially expressed proteins in the human asthenospermia. Methods: Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was performed on 4 normal sperm samples from healthy men and 4 sperm samples from 4 asthenospermia patients. After silver staining, the differential expression proteins were analyzed by PDQuest 2D analysis software. Results: Six differential protein spots were identified. Four spots showed increased expression in the control gels compared with the patient gels. Conclusion: The protein profiles of differential expression between the normal spermatozoa and idiopathic asthenospermia were established and some differential proteins were found. The data of this study would establish the better fundament for further isolation and identification of differentially expressed proteins in human asthenospermia sperm.
基金2021 Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Research Team Building ProjectDocument of Wuhan Health Committee(Wuwei[2019]No.17)the fourth batch of national research and training projects for excellent talents of traditional Chinese medicine(zymyjf[2017]No.24).
文摘The views of the unities between heaven and man and between form and spirit in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine essentially reflect the mutual influence of physical and psychological factors.In today’s social environment,psychological and social factors have become important factors that affect the incidence of male asthenospermia.Therefore,the treatment of asthenospermia focuses more on the principle of simultaneous treatment of mind and body.With the development of modern biological-psychological-social medicine,the characteristics and advantages of psychosomatic medicine of traditional Chinese medicine are more prominent,which may provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of asthenospermia.
基金supported by Planned Science and Technology Project of Shenzhen (No.200902069)
文摘Objective To assess the effectiveness of testosterone undecanoate on sperm motility and pregnancy incidence in men with asthenospermia. Methods A clinical trial was performed. Fifty men with asthenospermia were included to receive placebo （control group, n=9） or T undecanoate 80 mg/d （study group, n=41）. Pregnancy incidence and sperm characteristics after 1, 2 and 3 months of medication and 3 months after the end of the trial were measured. Results Compared with the placebo, T undecanoate treatment produced a satisfactory improvement of seminal motility （F=55.904, P=0.000）. In study group, the incidence of pregnancy was 28.2% while the incidence of pregnancy in control group was 11.1%. In study group, 26patients took T undecanoate for more than 3 months. In the 3 months, semen volume showed no statistical difference （F=1.206, P=0.312） before and after treatment, sperm concentration （F=0.023, P=0.000） and motility a, b, a ＋b （P=0.000） showed statistical differences. Motility grade a showed significantly higher increment in 2 and 3 months after treatment than 1 month and there was no statistical difference between 2 and 3 months. So did grade b. Conclusion The results indicate that T undecanoate increases semjnal motility, leading to a higher incidence of pregnancy in couples with infertility related to asthenoaspermia.
基金“Experience Inheritance 3+3 Project”of the renown Chinese medicine physician studio of Wang Pei of Beijing university of Chinese medicine Dongzhimen Hospital branchStudy on the clinical efficacy and mechanism of kidney–Nurturing classical prescriptions based on the theory of“Kidney stores energy and governs water”Project of Enn group award fund f Beijing university of Chinese medicine.
文摘Objective:Exploring the material basis and mechanism of Kidney-invigorating and Spleenstrengthening method for treating oligospermia based on network pharmacology.Method:Select the effective elements and targets of Yishen Jianpi core drug pairs by searching the Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform(TCMSP);select the disease targets of oligozoospermia by searching the human genetic information database;use R language software to select drugs and Disease common target,use Cytoscape software to build a drugdisease-target interaction network;build a common target protein interaction network(PPI)through the STRING platform;apply R language to the core drugs of Yishen Jianpi and oligospermia Enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG was performed on the common target.Result:A total of 97 effective active ingredients were obtained from Yishen Jianpi traditional Chinese medicine,and 46 possible targets for Yishen Jianpi traditional Chinese medicine to treat oligospermia were obtained.Combined with the results of KEGG enrichment analysis,it can be speculated that Yishen Jianpi traditional Chinese medicine improved male oligospermia The whole mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of human endogenous hormones.Conclusion:Through the research method of network pharmacology,the possible effect targets and pathways of Yishen Jianpi traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of male oligospermia are predicted.
文摘Objective To investigate the underlying mechanism of“Zhibian”(BL54)-toward-"Shuidao"(ST28)acupuncturettechniqueforimproving reproductive function in mice with asthenospermia by regulating ferroptosis pathway.Methods Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,an acupuncture group and a Fer-1 group,15 mice in each one.Except the blank group,the intraperitoneal injection with cyclophosphamide(50·kg-1.d-')was administered to establish the asthenospermia model.in the mice of the rest 3 groups for 5 consecutive days.In the acupuncture group,"Zhibian"(BL54)-toward-"Shuidao"(ST28)acupuncture technique was operated in the mice,for 20 min each time;and in the Fer-l group,Fer-1 solution(1 mg/kg)was injected intraperitoneally.The interventions of these two groups were delivered once daily and for 2 consecutive weeks.The testicular wet weight was measured and the testicular coefficient was calculated.Using sperm quality detection system,the sperm quality was detected.With ELISA used,the contents of testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)in the serum were detected.With HE staining,testicular and epididymal morphology was observed.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the testes.Biochemical assay was conducted to determine the contents of malondialdehyde(MDA),reduced glutathione(GSH),and total iron ion(TFe)in the testicular tissue.Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial structure of the testis,while JC-1 staining was used to assess mitochondrial membrane potential in the testicular tissue.Fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot analyseswere employed to measure the mRNA and protein expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)in the testicular tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,in the model group,the testicular wet weight and testicular coefficient decreased(P<0.01);the sperm concentration and sperm motility reduced(P<0.01),and the contents of T,FSH,and LH decreased in the serum(P<0.01);and the seminiferous tubules in the testis showed loose structure and deformed lumen,sperm cells were disorganized and the sperm numbers reduced;the tubular walls became thinner,and sperm numbers in the lumen less;the expression of ROS in testicular tissue,as well as the contents of MDA and TFe increased(P<0.01),and the content of GSH decreased(P<0.01);and the numbers of mitochondria reduced,the structure of cristae was serious damaged,and mitochondrial membrane potential level declined(P<0.O1);the mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,and FTH1 decreased(P<0.01),while the mRNA and protein expression of ACSL4 increased(P<0.01).In comparison with the model group,the acupuncture and Fer-1 groups showed the increase of testicular wet weight and coefficient(P<0.01),sperm concentration and motility(P<0.01),and the serum contents of T,FSH,and LH(P<0.01);and the improvements in testicular and epididymal histopathology;ROS expression and the contents of MDA and TFe decreased(P<0.01),and the content of GSH elevated(P<0.05);the mitochondrial structure and numbers were ameliorated and mitochondrial membrane potential rose(P<0.01).Besides,in comparison with the model group,the mRNA expression of SLC7A1l was higher(P<0.05,P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and FTH1 increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein expression of ACSL4 decreased(P<0.01)in the acupuncture and the Fer-1 groups;and the protein expression of SLC7A11 was higher in the Fer-1 group(P<0.05).Conclusion"Zhibian"(BL54)-toward-"Shuidao"(ST28)acupuncture technique may improve the reproductive capacity in the mice with asthenospermia by alleviating ferroptosis-induced cellular damage and ameliorating testicular function.
文摘Objective: To investigate the specific mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the regulation of human sperm apoptosis, and to provide a new theoretical reference and scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of asthenospermia and other related conditions. Methods: Semen samples were categorized into the normal group and asthenospermia group based on sperm motility criteria. HIF-1α interfering agent cobalt chloride (CoCl2) and guanylate cyclase activator (Lificiguat, YC-1) were added respectively, with a control group established accordingly. Sperm motility (using anterior viability rate as an index), apoptosis level, ATP level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were measured. The expression levels of HIF-1α, p-PI3K, and Bcl-2 in the samples were analyzed using Western blotting. Results: Following CoCl2 treatment, there was a significant increase in sperm apoptosis compared to the normal control group (12.51% ± 2.50% VS 11.15% ± 2.42%);additionally, sperm motility (45.34% ± 3.37% VS 51.36% ± 11.68%), ATP production (11.51 ± 2.87 nM/µL VS 14.99 ± 2.83 nM/µL), ROS levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential all decreased significantly (all P α and p-PI3K increased significantly while Bcl-2 expression decreased (all P α in the YC-1 treatment group were decreased, and the expression level of Bcl-2 was increased (all P α can influence human sperm apoptosis and motility through the PI3K signaling pathway.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82370846)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.LY24H070002).
文摘Insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology.To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility,specifically focusing on sperm quality,inflammation,and DNA damage,a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women’s Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine(Hangzhou,China)between 1^(st) January 2024 and 1^(st) March 2024.The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed,and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma,alongside markers of inflammation(tumor necrosis factor-alpha[TNF-α]and interleukin-1β[IL-1β]).The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX(γ-H2AX)was also explored.Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia.Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters,and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm.The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters,along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage,underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health.These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.
