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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2017.09.002

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

Lee, Sang-Ho (Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University)
Choi, Kyung-Hwa (Department of Urology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University)
Cha, Kyu-Min (Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University)
Hwang, Seock-Yeon (Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Medical Science, Daejeon University)
Park, Un-Kyu (Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Medical Science, Daejeon University)
Jeong, Min-Sik (Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University)
Hong, Jae-Yup (Department of Urology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University)
Han, Chang-Kyun (Botanical Drug Laboratory, Korea Ginseng Research Institute, Korea Ginseng Corporation)
In, Gyo (Botanical Drug Laboratory, Korea Ginseng Research Institute, Korea Ginseng Corporation)
Kopalli, Spandana Rajendra (Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University)
Kim, Si-Kwan (Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University)
Publication Information
Journal of Ginseng Research / v.43, no.1, 2019 , pp. 125-134 More about this Journal
Abstract
Background: Excessive 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. Methods: Male 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. Results: Data 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-${\alpha}$), 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. Conclusion: KRG protected immobilization stress-induced testicular damage and fertility factors in rats, thereby indicating its potential in the treatment of stress-related male sterility.
Keywords
androgen; glutathione; immobilization stress; inhibin; Korean Red Ginseng;
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