Effects of Heshouwuyin on gene expression of the insulin/IGF signalling pathway in rat testis and spermatogenic cells

Abstract

Context: The Chinese herbal formula Heshouwu decoction (Heshouwuyin) has protective effects on testicular function in aging male rats, but the mechanism is unknown. Objective: This study investigated whether Heshouwuyin affects the testicular function of aging rats by regulating the insulin/IGF signalling pathway. Materials and methods: Sixteen-month-old male Wistar rats in the Heshouwuyin group and the naturalaging group were orally administered Heshouwuyin granules (0.056 g/kg) or equivalent normal saline for 60 d. The testicular tissue of 12-month-old male Wistar rats was removed as a young control group (n ¼ 10). The testicular tissue and spermatogenic cells were studied. Results: The immunofluorescence results revealed that the insulin receptor (INSR)-(0.056 ± 0.00548), insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS1)-(0.251 ± 0.031), IRS2 (0.230 ± 0.019)-and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)positive cell rate (0.33 ± 0.04) in the aging group was higher than that in the young control group (0.116 ± 0.011, 0.401 ± 0.0256, 0.427 ± 0.031, 0.56 ± 0.031; p < 0.01), and the IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3)positive cell rate (0.42 ± 0.024) was lower than that (0.06 ± 0.027) in the young group (p < 0.01). The intervention of Heshouwuyin reversed the above phenomena. The qPCR and immunoblot results were consistent with those of the immunofluorescence. The same results were obtained in spermatogenic cells. Conclusions: Our research shows that Heshouwuyin can regulate the insulin/IGF signalling pathway to improve testicular function, and provides an experimental basis for further clinical use.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Developing Testis and Spermatogenesis in Qianbei Ma Goats

“…Multiple reports suggest MAPK signaling is a critical regulator of testis growth and development, testis cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis and testosterone secretion, thus affecting male fertility [65][66][67]. One of the key downstream target genes of MAPK signaling is IGF1, which together with other genes in the pathway controls testis cell proliferation, testis volume development, hormone secretion and spermatogenesis, and is often reported to be associated with male fertility [55,68,69]. We speculate that MAPK signaling is a critical regulatory pathway in goat testis development and spermatogenesis.…”

Exosomal miR-486-5p derived from human placental microvascular endothelial cells regulates proliferation and invasion of trophoblasts via targeting IGF1

“…For instance, IGF1 regulates PI3K signaling in heart failure [20]. In addition, IGF1 is regulated by insulin in rat testis and spermatogenic cells [21]. Meanwhile, IGF1 is targeted by miR-486-5p in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts [22].…”