Effect of Xuduan Zhongzi Formula on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Testicular Germ Cells in Oligospermia Model Rats
Objective To explore the effect of Xuduan Zhongzi formula on proliferation and differentiation of testicular spermatogenic cells in oligospermia model rats based on the p38 MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway.Methods 44 male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups,including normal group,model group,levocarnitine group,and Xuduan Zhongzi formula group,with 11 rats in each group.The rats in normal group were fed regularly,while the rats in other three groups were induced oligospermia model by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide.After successful modeling,the rats were given corresponding therapeutic drugs by gavage.After 4 weeks of administration,the testis and epididymis tissues of rats in each group were removed to detect sperm concentration,motility and testicular histopathology.SOD activity,MDA content and GSH content in testicular tissue were detected by biochemical method.Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2.Results Compared with the normal group,the sperm concentration and motility of rats in model group were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),the distribution of seminiferous tubules in the testis was loose and atrophic,the arrangement of sperm cells at all levels was disordered and the number was less,the levels of SOD and GSH were decreased(P＜0.01),while MDA was increased(P＜0.01),and the expression of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 were obviously increased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the sperm concentration and motility of the Xuduan Zhongzi formula group were increased(P＜0.01),the structure of the testicular seminiferous tubule almostly returned to normal,the arrangement of spermatogenic cells at all levels of the tube wall was basically neat,and a large number of mature sperm were seen in the lumen.The levels of SOD and GSH increased(P＜0.01),while MDA decreased(P＜0.01),and the expression of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Xuduan Zhongzi formula can inhibit oxidative stress and apoptosis of spermatogenic cells by reducing the expression of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2,and promote the development of sperm,so as to treat oligospermia.
万方数据
维普
