Protective effects and mechanisms of Sanxian Kexin powder on testicular function in D-galactose induced aging rats
GENG Qiang,WANG Tian-yi,SUN Li-li
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Sanxian Kexin Powder on testicular function in rats with reproductive senescence induced by D-galactose (D-gal). Methods Fifty SD male rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Sanxian Kexin powder groups (10 rats per group). Except for the control group, D-gal (300 mg/kg) was administered via intraperitoneal injection to establish a senescence model. Starting from the fifth week of modeling, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Sanxian Kexin powder groups were orally administered 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 g/kg of the powder, respectively, for 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, the organ coefficients of the testis and epididymis, sperm count, and motility were measured in each group. Histopathological examination of the testis was performed via HE staining. ELISA was used to detect oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA)] and serum hormones and inflammatory factors [testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS)]. Western blot was employed to measure the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 (Cleaved Caspase-3) in the testis. Results Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Sanxian Kexin powder groups showed significant increases in testis and epididymis coefficients, sperm count, and motility, along with improved testicular pathological damage. SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities and serum T levels were significantly upregulated, while MDA, NO, NOS, and FSH levels decreased. Cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression was reduced, with statistically significant differences (P <0.05). The medium- and high-dose groups exhibited more pronounced effects in improving sperm motility, GSH-Px, MDA, FSH, NO, and Cleaved Caspase-3 (P <0.05). Conclusion Sanxian Kexin powder has protective effects on testicular function in rats with reproductive senescence induced by D-gal, with more significant efficacy at medium and high doses. The mechanisms may involve alleviating oxidative stress, regulating hormone levels, and inhibiting apoptosis.
