Effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenozoospermia based on mitochondrial apoptosis
Study on Mechanism|更新时间:2025-01-09
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Effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenozoospermia based on mitochondrial apoptosis
Chinese Acupuncture & MoxibustionVol. 45, Issue 1, Pages: 71-81(2025)
HAO Jianheng, CHANG Boya, REN Jia, et al. Effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenozoospermia based on mitochondrial apoptosis[J]. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 2025, 45(1): 71-81.
DOI:
HAO Jianheng, CHANG Boya, REN Jia, et al. Effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenozoospermia based on mitochondrial apoptosis[J]. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 2025, 45(1): 71-81.DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231103-k0005.
Effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on reproductive function in mice with asthenozoospermia based on mitochondrial apoptosis
To observe the effects of the "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on key regulatory factors during mitochondrial apoptosis of testicular tissue in asthenozoospermia mice
and explore the potential mechanism of the protective effect of acupuncture on reproductive function.
Methods
2
Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly di
vided into a blank group
a model group and an acupuncture group
10 mice in each group. In the model and the acupuncture groups
the intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (30 mg·kg
-1
·d
-1
) was delivered for 7 days to prepare the asthenozoospermia model. After the success of modeling
the modeled mice in the acupuncture group were intervened with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture
once daily and the needles were retained for 20 min. The duration of the intervention was 2 weeks. The general condition of each mouse was observed
and the body mass was recorded before modeling
after modeling and after intervention completion. After intervention
the testicular mass was recorded and the weight coefficient was calculated
and the mouse sperm quality was examined; the serum contents of testosterone (T)
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected using ELISA
the morphology of testicular tissue was observed using HE
the mitochondrial ultra-microstructure of testicular tissue was observed under transmission electrone microscopy
the mitochondrial membrane potential level of testicular tissue was detected using JC-1 staining
the positive rate of apoptosis cell of testicular tissue was observed using TUNEL; and the mRNA and protein expression of b-cell lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2)
Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax)
cytochrome c (Cyt C)
apoptotic protease-activating factor1 (Apaf-1)
Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 of testicular tissue was detected using real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot methods separately; and the positive expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 of the testicular tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry.
Results
2
Compared with the blank group
the mice were in listless spirits
had shaggy hairs
the reduced appetite and movement
and weight loss in the model group (
P
<
0.01); the testicular mass and the weight coefficient decreased (
P
<
0.01); the to
tal number of sperms
sperm motility
and sperm viability were declined (
P
<
0.01); while the levels of serum T
FSH
and LH were dropped (
P
<
0.01). The morphology of seminiferous tubules in testicular tissue was abnormal
the number of spermatogenic cells and the number of mitochondria decreased
the inner mitochondrial crest was fractured and lost
and vacuoles appeared. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced (
P
<
0.01); and the positive rate of apoptosis cell in testicular tissue increased (
P
<
0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax
Cyt C
Apaf-1
Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was elevated (
P
<
0.01
P
<
0.05)
the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was dropped (
P
<
0.01)
and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 increased (
P
<
0.01). When compared with the model group
in the acupuncture group
the general condition of mice was improved
the testicular mass and the weight coefficient elevated (
P
<
0.01); the total number of sperms
sperm motility
and sperm viability increased (
P
<
0.01); while the levels of serum T
FSH
and LH rose (
P
<
0.01). The pathological morphology of testicular tissue and the inner mitochondrial ultra-microstructure were ameliorated
the level of mitochondrial membrane potential was elevated (
P
<
0.01); the positive rate of apoptosis cell was reduced (
P
<
0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax
Cyt C
Apaf-1
Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was dropped (
P
<
0.01
P
<
0.05)
the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 elevated (
P
<
0.05)
and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 declined (
P
<
0.01).
Conclusion
2
"Zhibian" (BL54)-toward- "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture may ameliorate mouse reproductive function by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway
alleviating testicular tissue damage in the asthenospermia mice induced by cyclophosphamide.
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Related Author
JIN Xu
ZHANG Yanlin
HAO Jianheng
CAO Yuxia
WANG Haijun
JI Laixi
XIA Wenxin
LI Xiaoxiao
Related Institution
School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of TCM
Affiliated Hospital of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanxi University of CM
Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of CM
Wannan Medical College
Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of TCM