Thein Vivoandin VitroStimulatory Effects of Cordycepin on Mouse Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis

Abstract

Cordycepin, a pure compound of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), is known as an adenosine analog. We have found that CS stimulated Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Here we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of cordycepin in primary mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis. The results indicate that cordycepin increased the plasma testosterone concentration. Cordycepin also stimulated in vitro mouse Leydig cell testosterone production in dose- and time-dependent manners. We further observed that cordycepin regulated the mRNA expression of the A1, A2a, A2b, and A3 adenosine receptors in the mouse Leydig cells, and that antagonists of A1, A2a, and A3 suppressed testosterone production 20-50% testosterone production. Furthermore, Rp-cAMPS (cAMP antagonist) and Protein Kinase A (PKA) inhibitors (H89 and PKI) significantly decreased cordycepin-induced testosterone production, indicating that the PKA-cAMP signal pathway was activated by cordycepin through adenosine receptors. Moreover, cordycepin induced StAR protein expression, and H89 suppressed cordycepin-induced steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein expression. Conclusively, cordycepin associated with adenosine receptors to activate cAMP-PKA-StAR pathway and steroidogenesis in the mouse Leydig cells.

Protective effect of Cordyceps militaris extract against bisphenol A induced reproductive damage

“…Hsu et al [2003b] also proved that C. sinensis could activate the cAMP-protein kinase-A signal pathway. Cordycepin, as adenosine analogues, was associated with adenosine receptors to activate cAMP-PKA-Star pathway and steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig cells [Leu et al 2011]. However, Pao et al [2012] reported that cordycepin could activate intracellular PLC/PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathways, but not PKA and PI3K, to induce MA-10 cell steroidogenesis.…”

Hirsutella sinensis mycelium suppresses interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 secretion by inhibiting both canonical and non-canonical inflammasomes

“…The nucleoside derivative 3′-deoxyadenosine—also called “cordycepin”—has been described in the past as an active ingredient of C. sinensis extracts787980. Studies have shown that synthetic cordycepin produces anti-inflammatory effects on cultured cells818283.…”

Bioactive principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A potent food supplement – A review

“…Extracts showed the superior effect on the inhibition of linoleic peroxidation with an inhibition rate over 90%, slightly lower scavenging activities on superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals than that of BHT, DPPH scavenging activities over 80% inhibition and moderate reducing power and ferrous ion chelating activity (Dong & Yao, 2007) (Fig.4). Huang, Chuang, Chen, & Leu, 2000;Huang, Hsu, Tsai, Sheu, & Leu, 2001;Jen et al, 2011;Leu, Poon, Pao, & Huang, 2011;Pao, Pan, Leu, & Huang, 2012;Yoshikawa et al, 2011). CHWE -Cordycepin content in hot water extract of Cordyceps sinensis; PLC -Phospholipase C; PKC -Protein kinase C; Apaf 1 -Apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1; PIP2 -phosphatedylinositolbisphosphate; DAG -Diacyleglycerol.…”