Protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats

Abstract

BackgroundExcessive stress causes varied physiological and psychological disorders including male reproductive problems. Here, we attempted to investigate the protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer; KRG) against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats.MethodsMale rats (age, 4 wk; weight, 60–70 g) were divided into four groups (n = 8 in each group): normal control group, immobilization control group, immobilization group treated with 100 mg/kg of KRG daily, and immobilization group treated with 200 mg/kg of KRG daily. Normal control and immobilization control groups received vehicle only. KRG (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) was mixed in the standard diet powder and fed daily for 6 mo. Parameters such as organ weight, blood chemistry, sperm kinematic values, and expression levels of testicular-related molecules were measured using commercially available kits, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.ResultsData revealed that KRG restored the altered testis and epididymis weight in immobilization stress-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05). Further, KRG ameliorated the altered blood chemistry and sperm kinematic values when compared with the immobilization control group and attenuated the altered expression levels of spermatogenesis-related proteins (nectin-2, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1, and inhibin-⍺), sex hormone receptors (androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor), and antioxidant-related enzymes (glutathione S-transferase m5, peroxiredoxin-4, and glutathione peroxidase 4) significantly in the testes of immobilization stress-induced rats.ConclusionKRG protected immobilization stress-induced testicular damage and fertility factors in rats, thereby indicating its potential in the treatment of stress-related male sterility.

Phyllanthus emblica leaf extract ameliorates testicular damage in rats with chronic stress

“…It is known that corticosterone levels are elevated under stress induced by excess ROS, leading to increased MDA levels and tissue injury (Bhatia et al, 2011;Prabsattroo et al, 2015;Arun et al, 2016aArun et al, , 2016b. Some natural products and plants have been developed and used as alternative medicines to diminish stress by reducing the levels of cortisol and oxidants (Bitgul et al, 2013;Xu et al, 2014;Prabsattroo et al, 2015;Lee et al, 2017). Consistent with previous reports, we found that PE leaf extract significantly reduced corticosterone and testicular MDA levels in rats subjected to restraint (Figs.…”

Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) with enriched Rg3 ameliorates chronic intermittent heat stress–induced testicular damage in rats via multifunctional approach

“…S1). Some of the ginsenosides, particularly Rg3, were well reported to possess several biological properties [52]. In agreement, the extract in the present study showed high levels of Rg3 (8.83 mg/g), and these results provide more reliable evidence that Rg3-enriched KRG extract may play a role in preventing heat stress–induced changes in sex hormone receptors that affect spermatogenesis.…”

MOTILIPERM Ameliorates Immobilization Stress-Induced Testicular Dysfunction via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in SD Rats

“…Several studies have reported similar findings in stress-induced testicular tissue [12]. Oxidative stress is known as a prime contributor to immobilization stress-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis [15,34]. The decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels is due to their inactivation by overproduction of ROS [35,36].…”