Metabolomics and network pharmacology reveal the mechanism of the Jiawei Yangshen pill in treatment of cyclophosphamide-induced dyszoospermia in mice

Background:The Jiawei Yangshen pill enhances sperm abundance.However,the pharmacological mechanism of action of the Jiawei Yangshen pill remains unclear.This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of the Jiawei Yangshen pill in the treatment of dyszoospermia and study the underlying mechanism.Methods:A dyszoospermia model was established by injecting mice with cyclophosphamide(50 mg/kg)consecutively for 7 days.Physiological and pathological indicators of the testis and hormone levels were examined after 4 weeks of treatment.Untargeted metabolomics using high-performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry was performed on testis specimens.Network pharmacology analysis was used to construct an“ingredient-target-disease”interactive network,followed by metabolic pathway enrichment analysis.Western blotting was performed to examine the levels of the related proteins.Results:The Jiawei Yangshen pill significantly increased the testis index,epididymal index,sperm count,and testosterone level,while concurrently decreasing sperm mortality and luteinizing hormone levels.The spermatogenic cells in the Jiawei Yangshen pill-treated mice were well arranged with an increased number.Significantly different metabolites were identified.Western blotting showed that the expression levels of p-anti-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/anti-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and p-protein kinase B/protein kinase B were significantly increased after the Jiawei Yangshen pill treatment,whereas the expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and nuclear factor kappa B(p65)were remarkably decreased.Conclusion:The Jiawei Yangshen pill significantly improved testicular microcirculatory injury and overall metabolic levels in mice with dyszoospermia.

East to west:research progress in traditional Chinese medicine for antiaging strategies

Delaying the onset of aging is considered an important tool for dealing with the global crisis of the aging population.Accordingly,several antiaging studies have been conducted using strategies of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In this review,we summarize the current state of antiaging research related to both modern medicine and TCM and provide suggestions for further research.Various theories related to the aging process have been proposed,including the free radical theory,mitochondrial DNA damage theory,telomere theory,cross-linking theory,and intestinal flora theory,and a number of antiaging chemical treatments have been developed using modern medicine.These theories and achievements have resulted in major advancements in antiaging research.TCM is based on practical experience and has a long history with unique advantages in antiaging research.Some antiaging practices such as moderate diet consumption,acupuncture,Tai Chi(a traditional Chinese martial art that can relax the nerves to slow down the aging process),and Wuqin Xi(a traditional Chinese exercise to strengthen the body)have been adopted to maintain health.Several TCMs and prescriptions,particularly those related to medicine food homology,have been used in antiaging treatment,and their antiaging properties have been demonstrated to be effective based on pharmacological experiments and clinical applications.