Chestnut Polysaccharides Rescue Impaired Spermatogenesis by Adjusting Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Background: Our previous study confirmed the beneficial effects of chestnut polysaccharides on the spermatogenesis process, but the exact mechanism is not clear. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of a balanced gut microbiota in maintaining normal reproductive function. In this study, we investigated the biological functions of chestnut polysaccharides from the perspective of gut microbiota function, expecting to elaborate the specific mechanism of chestnut polysaccharides beneficial to spermatogenesis.Results: Compared with the Vehicle group, germ cell quantity, intestinal structure and tight junction of intestinal tissue were altered in the Busulfan-treated mice, and the intestinal microbiota was also disturbed at several levels, including phylum and genus. The Firmicutes was predominant bacteria in all group followed by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, Cyanobacteria and unidentified-Bacteria, however, the composition of those gut microbiota changes caused by different treatment. Busulfan disturbed the homeostasis of the intestinal microenvironment. Chestnut polysaccharides could rescue this aberrance and improve spermatogenesis via steroid hormone synthesis process. Conclusions: Chestnut polysaccharides can change gut structure and tight junctions to rescue Busulfan-impaired spermatogenesis by altering the composition of different groups of gut microbes, a rescue process that is most likely related to hormone synthesis processes. It will provide a new insight for treating the male-related infertility.