Protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract on rat brain microvascular endothelial cells injured by oxygen-glucose deprivation

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract (CSE)on injury of primary cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD).Methods:We isolated and cultured primary rBMECs in order to establish an in vitro OGD model.Cellular activity was detected using a cell counting kit to determine the appropriate dosage.The rBMECs were divided into control,model,low-,mid-,and high-dose (5,10,20 μg.mL-1) CSE groups under OGD for 6 hours.CSE was dissolved in cell culture medium to the appropriate concentration,passed through a 0.22 μm sterile filter,and administered for 12 hours before and during OGD.Cellular morphology was observed under a microscope.Lactate dehydrogenase level in cultural supernatant,superoxide dismutase activity,and the content of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in cells were tested by colorimetric methods.Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 beta in cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:After 12-hour administration of CSE at the concentration of 5,10,20 iμg.mL-1 before and during OGD,compared with the model group,the CSE groups obviously alleviated the damage of rBMECs induced by OGD,inhibited the apoptosis and the necrosis of the cells,and improved cellular morphology of rBMECs.Additionally,compared with the model group,CSE also restrained lactate dehydrogenase leakage in hypoxic cells (P <.01),significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity (P <.05),and reduced the levels of nitric oxide,malondialdehyde,tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1 beta (P <.05).Conclusion:C.sinensis extract plays a significant role in protecting injured primary cultured rBMECs induced by OGD.The mechanism may be related with the increase of cellular antioxidative capacity and anti-inflammatory effect.

Pharmacological mechanisms of Yishen Xingyang capsule in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia in rats

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects and pharmacological mechanisms of Yishen Xingyang capsule(YXC)in oligoasthenospermia(OA)rats.Methods:Forty-eight male SpragueeDawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups of six rats each:normal control(NC);model control(MC);three different positive drug(PD);and low-,medium-,and high-dose YXC groups.A rat model of OA was established by administering glucosides of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.F(GTW).After YXC administration,penile erectile function was observed.The epididymis,blood,and testes of the rats were harvested for analysis of sperm quality,sex hormone levels,mitochondrial membrane potential,and the transforming growth factor(TGF)-b1/Smad signaling pathway.Results:Compared with that in the MC group,penile erectile function in the YXC groups and three PD groups increased(all P<.01).Moreover,sperm quality in the YXC groups and three PD groups improved(all P<.001).The levels of testosterone,follicle stimulating hormone,and luteinizing hormone in the three PD and YXC groups increased(all P<.05).The mitochondrial membrane potential in the three PD and YXC groups significantly improved(all P<.001).Furthermore,the YXC and three PD groups showed decreased TGF-b1 expression(all P<.05)compared with the MC group.The high-dose YXC group and three PD groups improved Smad2 and Smad4 expression(all P<.05).Conclusion:YXC improved penile erectile function and sperm quality in OA rats,and the underlying mechanism included increase in sex hormones,inhibition of sperm apoptosis,and regulation of the TGFb1/Smad signaling pathway.Meanwhile,this study provides a new effective drug option for the treatment of OA,which is beneficial to male reproductive health and social harmony.